Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Glaciological research in Suntal Khayata Range, East Siberia, Russia, for International Polar Year  (Glacier in Suntar-Khayata, East Siberia)

Outline
In IGY Period, around 1957, extensive glaciological studies were made in Suntar-Khayata Range, East Siberia. In this area the following items will be investigated from 2004 to 2007.1) Glaciological and meteorological observations of No. 31 Glacier and other neighbouring glaciers in Suntar-Khayata Range.2) Satellite observation about the extent of glaciers in Suntar-Khayata Range.3) Meteorological observations in Oimiyakon area, where is called “Pole of cold in the world”.4) Acquisition of meteorological data and sea-ice data around northern Okhotsuk Sea area, Magadan or Okhotsuk, for comparison of climatic change in the arctic area and sea-ice change in Okhotsuk Sea.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
In the IGY period, 50 years ago, lots of glaciers in the Suntar Khayata Massive were investigated as to extent of glacier and moraines. In this area the climate change is said to be much large after Little Ice Age. Comparing the new data in IPY with IGY data, the retreat (or advance) of glaciers in this 50 years will be obtained. The relation between these glacier retreats and the climate change in OkhotsukSea area and the Arctic area is investigated.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Following research institutes make collaboration.Kitami Institute of Technology, Hokkaido University, JAMSTEC (Japan) Geographical Institute in Moscow (Russia)

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Mountain area near Oimiyakon, which locates about 600 km eastward from Yakutsku in East Siberia, Russia.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 07/04 – 08/08            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Expedition to the glacier area needs 2-3 week field work in summer time, in which two flights of 15 hr helicopter flights are necessary every year. There are no facilities which we can share with other project.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Automatic weather stations will be set in the investigation area. They will be removed after observation is finished, for conservation of the natural environment.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Our project will be endorsed by the Japanese national committee

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

Investigation of glaciers in the Suntar Khayata already strated in a project funded by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from Japanese Government

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be organized and managed by Kitami Institute of Technology as a project controlled by the Japanese national committee of IPY 2007-08.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Our activities will be open to the public in a homepage.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The dataset of our project will be published and open to the public in a homepage.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
We have already had fund by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from Japanese Government and the project have started.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Professor Shuhei Takahashi
Kitami Institute of Technology
Koen-cho 165
Kitami
090-8705
Japan

Tel: 0157-26-9494
Mobile: no
Fax: 0157-24-5572
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation