Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Historical research an geodetic resurvey in the Gaussberg region.  (GAUSSBERG RESURVEY)

Outline
During the first German Southpolar Expedition 1901-03 a lot of scientific investigations were carried out including earth magnetics, meteorology, geology, oceanography, and also geodetic research. A geodetic network was established covering the Gaussberg region and the inland ice south of the Gaussberg at 66°48’S and 89°10’E. The geodetic network was measured by means of classical surveying methods like triangulation, trigonometric levelling and astronomical observations, which were completed by baseline measurements to get the scale of the network. Most important from the view of point of today are the height determinations of the inland ice. A possible staking and re-measurement will give the opportunity to compute height changes for a time scale of about 100 years. Thus the results of the 1901-03 expedition are representing an unique data set, which might fill the gap between recent studies of global climate change by means of satellites and the results of geological studies valid for a geological time scale of some 1000 or even 10000 years. In addition, a variety of geometric data like the ocean tides, ice thickness, ice structure and ice kinematics can also be carried out by the use of precise GPS measurements.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The geodetic re-measurements of the Gaussberg network will provide unique data for ice mass changes of the Antarctic inland ice in the Gaussberg region for a time interval of 105 years. Geodetic observations of the Antarctic inland ice are very rare at the beginning of the 20th century. Re-measurements of the network never have been carried out in between. The results of geodetic height determinations can be used for ground truth measurements of satellite missions like CryoSat or IceSat.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Participation of Australian geophysical and geological field expert planned

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Inland ice cap around Gaussberg at 66°48’S and 89°10’E.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 12/07 – 01/08            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Transportation of field group of 3 scientists and their field equipment (2 skidoos, 2 sledges, camp equipment, survival kits, food, scientific devices, personal baggage - all together about 1000 kg) to and from the working area by ship and helicopter.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

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

Logistic support can be got from the Australian side (application is planned), field equipment can be got from AWI Bremerhaven (application is planned), scientific equipment will be provided by the University of Applied Sciences Berlin (TFH-Berlin).

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
German SCAR group

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?
yes

It is a new project.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Planning, organising and managing of the geodetic field activities will be done at the TFH-Berlin. Logistic support by AWI and Australia is planned.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
It is planned to include students in the field activities as well as in the data processing, to contact schools in Berlin and Potsdam on a regular basis for education in geography and related topics, and to publish in newspapers and magazines. Reports in regional TV-stations are envisaged also.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data will be provided to the data centres of ice altimetry satellite missions CryoSat and IceSat. GPS measurements will be provided to the data centre of the SCAR working group on Antarctic Neotectonics (ANTEC).

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Application to German science foundation (DFG) is planned.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Prof. Dr. Wilfried Korth
Laboratory of Geodetic Measurement Technology
Technische Fachhochschule
Luxemburger Strasse 10, Berlin
13355
Germany

Tel: + 49 (30) 4504-2645
Mobile: no
Fax: + 49 (30) 4504-2632v
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation