Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Development of Boreal Forest Fire Control Method Using Satellite Monitoring  (BFFC)

Outline
The effect of the warming remarkably appears in the high latitude zone. As a result, boreal forest fires become very active now due to temperature rise and precipitation decrease. Large burnt area in boreal forest is changing energy balance and affects not only micro climate but also meso climate because large burnt area exceeds 2,000 km2. In addition to this, there is the effect of the smoke from boreal forest fires. Smokes from forest fires contains unburnt carbon or soot. Large amount of soot may change albedo in the high latitude zone and change macro climate or arctic climate. In this meaning, boreal forest fire control is very important.Thus, early detection method for forest fires occurred in boreal forest in Siberia and Alaska should be developed by using satellite data of MODIS and NOAA. In addition, fire propagation simulation to reduce further fire damage will be carried out based on various field data. Both system of early fire detection and fire simulation will be developed.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The effect of the warming remarkably appears in the high latitude zone. As a result, boreal forest fires become very active now due to temperature rise and precipitation decrease. Large burnt area in boreal forest is changing energy balance and affects not only micro climate but also meso climate because large burnt area exceeds 2,000 km2. In addition to this, there is the effect of the smoke from boreal forest fires. Smokes from forest fires contains unburnt carbon or soot. Large amount of soot may change albedo in the high latitude zone and change macro climate or arctic climate. In this meaning, boreal forest fire control is very important..

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
This research will be carried out with the help of International Arctic Research Center (IARC), University of Alaska Fairbanks, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of solar-terrestrial physics and Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Boreal forest in Siberia and North America. North latitude: from about 50 to 70 degrees. East longitude 1: from about 30 to 180 degrees. West longitude 2: from about 120 to 165 degrees.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 05/2005 – 09/2005      05/2006 – 09/2006      05/2007 – 09/2007
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
We will be supported by the existing satellite data receiving facilities in Hokkaido University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of solar-terrestrial physics and Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
We may leave “Boreal Forest Fire Control Method Using Satellite Monitoring”. This is a kind of integrated software.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Our research will be supported Hokkaido University, International Arctic Research Center (IARC), University of Alaska Fairbanks, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of solar-terrestrial physics and Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?


Our research will be international collaborative programme among Hokkaido University, International Arctic Research Center (IARC), University of Alaska Fairbanks, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of solar-terrestrial physics and Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Our project will be organised by Hokkaido University, International Arctic Research Center (IARC), University of Alaska Fairbanks, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of solar-terrestrial physics and Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences. Hokkaido University will manage this project.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Education and outreach activities in this research will be carried out by holding suitable symposium and seminar for citizens and high school students. Communication activities will be carried out through a web page of this research.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Satellite data will be stored in Hokkaido University. These data will be opened ICSU World Data Centres and Joint Committee for Antarctic Data Management, WCRP.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
This project will be partially supported by Research Revolution 2002 (RR2002).

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Associate Professor Hiroshi Hayasaka
Hokkaido University
Kita-ku
Sapporo
060-8628
Japan

Tel: 81-11-706-6784
Mobile: 090-2878-2472
Fax: 81-11-706-6784
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation