Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

The potential decline in rates of CaCO2 accretion and primary productivity in cold waters due to elevated CO2 content.  (Effects of CO2 on CaCO2 accretion and primary productivity.)

Outline
Atmospheric CO2 concentration has steadily increased over the last two hundred years and is likely to continue to increase at the current rate while fossil fuels remain a significant source of energy. CO2 concentration in the worlds’ oceans maintains equilibrium with the atmosphere and therefore will also increase in the future. Elevated CO2 concentration leads to a decline in seawater pH and a decline in approximately 0.2 to 0.5 pH units has been predicted for the next 50 years. Many marine phototrophs form CaCO3 in order to release protons to facilitate CO2 uptake – with a decline in the pH of seawater, the extent of calcium carbonate accretion is likely to decline as more protons are available and lower accretion rates are required. The effects of declining CaCO3 accretion can have major impacts on the structure of benthic assemblages in marine systems, especially in polar regions where the solubility of CO2 is far greater than lower latitude environments due to increased solubility in seawater. This study aims to assess the potential and actual effects of elevated CO2 concentration on marine algae in polar marine waters, in particular examining the extent to which elevated CO2 levels significantly influence rates of both carbonate accretion and oxygen evolution (~carbon fixation, photosynthesis) both in shallow and deeper water where gases are more soulble. Potential consequences of elevated CO2 include lower CaCO3 accretion rates resulting in structurally weaker organisms more vulnerable to physical disturbance. We aim to develop predictions for the response of primary producers in the polar regions to elevate d CO2 for various future CO2 scenarios.The above questions will be addressed with in situ measurements of pH, CO2 and O2 consumption and evolution, and variable chlorophyll fluorescence. Collected material will be analysed for other physiological parameters in the laboratory (d13C). Divers will be employed where possible (East Antarctica) and in deeper water benthic landers and remotely operated vehicles will be used. Respirometers, fluorometers and microelectrodes have been used extensively in these environments but no efforts have yet coordinated examinations of all algal compartments (sea-ice, benthic micro-, benthic macro- and pelagic) during a single season nor at both hemispheres concurrently.Southern sites include the Australian Stations (Casey, Davis and Mawson), the New Zealand Station Scott; and a site on the Antarctic peninsular, possible Palmer Station. Northern sites may include eastern Greenland and Spitzbergen.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project will enhance our understanding of the present environmental status of the polar regions, in particular the present capacity for primary production and the present and future vulnerability of primary producers to elevated CO2 concentrations. The study directly addresses the second theme: to quantify, and understand, past and present environmental and human change in the polar regions in order to improve predictions. A collection will be made of broad-ranging set of samples, data and information regarding the state and behaviour of the polar regions to provide a reference for comparison with the future and the past. The study will optimise exploitation of available polar observing systems, logistical assets and infrastructure, and develop and embrace new technological and logistical capabilities.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Australia – Dr John Runcie, Dr Andrew McMinn, Dr Martin Riddle, Australian Antarctic Division and Australian UniversitiesGermany – Dr Christian Wiencke (?)Denmark – Dr Michael Kuhl (?)New Zealand – Dr Neil Andrew (?)

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
East Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsular, Ross Sea, West Greenland, Spitzbergen

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 06/07 – 09/07      06/08 – 09/08      
Antarctic: 10/07 – 03/08      10/08 – 03/09      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Ice breakers or ice strengthened research ships will be required for access early in spring. Helicopters may be required for East Antarctic access (AAD). ROVs will be required for deepere work, although we envisage using portable units operated from small vessels or from the ice. The use of submarine would be complementary and useful but we cannot offer this facility at present.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The project refines techniques and will build new equipment, however will rely on existing infrastructure

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Advice from the Australian Antarctic Division has been to present the proposal and determine how it fits with other proposed projects. Endorsement by Australian government will presumably be contingent on the suite of Australian projects.

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?


The project builds on existing interests in marine community structure and benthic processes in East Antarctica at Casey Station. The existing nearshore research programme will be active over the IPY timeframe.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project is intended to be managed as a nationally funded research program (Australian Research Council). There will be liaison with the Australian Antarctic division and their research programme.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Submersible video cameras will be used extensively in the project and we aim to have a live link of this footage to satellite television from the site. This will demonstrate the detail of the work being done underwater.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The Australian Antarctic Division has a comprehensive data management infrastructure and all data will be deposited here. Clear links will be made in relevant international data repositories.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
National funding (ARC, AAS). Possibly EU funding.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
A significant amount of work has already been conducted and methods field tested. This study will coordinate measurement of all four algal compartments at both hemispheres roughly at the same time, providing directly comparable results. The use of ROVs to examine deeper samples than currently accessible using divers (macroalgae in particular) will considerably improve our understanding.Researchers listed below are known to have interest in these questions and are active in this area of research. I assume they would be interested in participating, pending availability of funds and resources.Funding sources for this project have not yet been finalised as this early stage.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr John Runcie
University of Technology, Sydney
Westbourne Street
Gore Hill, NSW
2065
Australia

Tel: 61 2 9514 4041
Mobile: 61 400 088 662
Fax: 61 2 9514 4079
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation