Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Interhemispheric Study on Conjugacy and Non-conjugacy of Auroral and Polar Ionospheric Disturbances using Ground-based Observation Network  (Interhemispheric Study on Auroral Phenomena)

Outline
Our activity during the IPY 2007-2008 mainly consists of the following items:1. To maintain and intensify the pre-existing conjugate auroral latitude observations between Syowa Station in Antarctica and observatories in Iceland. We have carried out the conjugate ground-based observations continuously since 1984, using the 3-axis fluxgate magnetometer, 3-component induction magnetometer, riometer, and VLF receiver. We have also carried out auroral optical observation in the whole season at Syowa and mainly during the equinox period at Iceland. So far, many studies concerning the interhemispheric comparison of various auroral latitude phenomena have been done using the observed data. Such a long-term observation is very valuable to monitor the long-term variation of the geospace environment surrounding the earth and can contribute to the Space Weather study. During the IPY 2007-2008 period, we would like to renew the data acquisition system to transfer the data to Japan in near real time and the data archiving system to make the data accessible for the community more quickly and more easily. We would like to also introduce a well-calibrated automatic optical observation system in Iceland, which enables us the auroral observation in the whole season. 2. To develop the network of the unmanned magnetometer system in the Antarctic. We have already introduced 6 sets of the unmanned magnetometer system. Four of them were supplied from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and two were developed in National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR). The data from our system can be obtained via Iridium satellite system in near real time. We will further develop and sophisticate our own system, and would like to increase the number of the observation points during the IPY 2007-2008 period, collaborating with pre-existing and planning manned and unmanned magnetometers by other countries.3. To maintain other ground-based facilities at Syowa Station, including the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) Syowa South and Syowa East HF-radars and the imaging riometer. Both are operated in the framework of the international collaboration for global network observation. We will make the data archiving system of these observations more easily accessible for the community.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Our project will contribute to clarify the interhemispheric conjugacy and non-conjugacy of the ionospheric and magnetospheric phenomena in the polar region, which should reflect the response of the telestrial environment to the variation of the solar and solar wind energy input. Hence, our project is directly related with the IPY themes. Data management is one of the main targets in our project. We will develop the system to collect the data from both hemisphere in near real time and to archive them in an easily accessible form.The instruments and the system developed during the IPY2007-2008 will become a keystone or legacy for future development of the interhemispheric study.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
This project is directly related with the ICESTAR (Interhemispheric Conjugacy Effects in Solar-Terrestrial and Aeronomy Research) project, which is endorsed by the SCAR. It is also related with the CAWSES (Climate And Weather of the Sun-Earth System) project, which is promoted by the SCOSTEP. The Observation in Iceland is a collaborative project with the University of Iceland and local correspondents. SuperDARN is an international HF radar project.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Syowa Station in Antarctica; Iceland; Along the route from Syowa Station to Dome Fuji camp and nearby area.

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

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
We need the support from the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) during the period to transport the people and materials to the unmanned magnetometer sites. This project can be one of the projects in various scientific fields utilizing the same transportation or travel.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Both the new instruments for auroral and magnetic observations and the data collection and archiving system developed in this project will become a legacy for future study beyond the IPY2007-2008 period.

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

The Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) will be continued during the IPY2007-2008 period.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This project is endorsed by the Japanese National Committee of IPY 2007-2008, Science Council of Japan.

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?


This project is a continuation of several on-going projects such as the conjugate observation between Syowa and Iceland, the development of the unmanned magnetometer in the Antarctica, and SuperDARN HF radars. This project will enhance the values and importance of these on-going projects.

How will the project be organised and managed?
This project will be organized and managed mainly by the Space and Upper Atmospheric Science group in the National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR) in Japan, collaborating with nationwide scientists who have interests in the ionospheric and magnetospheric phenomena in the polar region. This is also closely related with the international ICESTAR project, and hence will be closely associated with the organization and the management of the ICESTAR project.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
For the purpose of the education and outreach, we may carry out the observation in the both hemisphere with university students who have interests in the ionospheric and magnetospheric phenomena.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
One of the main targets of this project is to develop the system to collect the data from both hemisphere in near real time and to archive them in an easily accessible form. Part of the obtained data will be supplied to the system in the ICESTAR project.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
We are going to apply for several funding resources to realize this project, including the budget for the JARE.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr. Akira Kadokura
National Institute of Polar Research
Kaga 1-9-10
Itabashi-ku, Tokyo
173-8515
Japan

Tel: 81-3-3962-6482
Mobile: no
Fax: 81-3-3962-6482
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation