Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Lagrangian Observations with Lidar Investigations and Trajectories in Antarctica and Arctic, of PSC  (LOLITA - PSC)

Outline
Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSC) form in the lower polar winter stratosphere when temperatures become low enough. They are known to play a key role in the stratospheric ozone depletion due to their ability of activating chlorine, ozone-destroying species. This role will remain critical even when stratospheric chlorine content decreases in response to the Montreal Protocol and its amendments.PSCs are classified into two types, Type 1 (small particles containing nitric acid) and Type 2 (large ice particles). Based on lidar data, Type 1 PSCs have been divided in two distinct groups, Type 1a and Type 1b. However, a number of Type 1 PSCs observations do not conform to this classification. The type of PSC particles formed is dependant on the temperature and on the thermal history of the air masses in which PSCs form. Understanding the formation and evolution of PSC particles is an important issue in order to be able to quantify the impact of climate changes on their frequency of formation and, further, on chlorine activation and related ozone depletion.We propose to perform lidar PSC observations in the stations located in both polar regions and from space as well. Groundbased aerosol lidar operating are, in Antarctica, Dumont d'Urville, Davis and McMurdo and in the Arctic, ALOMAR, Ny-Alesund and Thule. Most of these stations are part of the NDSC (Network for Detection of Stratospheric Changes) and they all operate routinely during wintertime. In addition, measurements of PSC size distribution will be performed a balloonborne optical counter in McMurdo.The CALIPSO mission is likely to provide a unique set of data to improve our knowledge of aerosols and clouds properties, and their role in Earth climate system. If CALIPSO is originally designed for tropospheric measurements, the mission is able to observe stratopheric particles, due to its observing geometry and the nature of the instruments (lidar and infrared imager). The ability of detecting PSC with CALIPSO lidar and the agreement in terms of optical properties and vertical extension will be first verified. Specific PSC algorithms will be developed and validated by ground-based lidar.We plan to combine lidar and optical counter observations with trajectory forecasts in order to infer information on formation processes of PSC Type Ia and Ib and assess our ability to predict PSCs for various environmental conditions. State of the art microphysical model calculations will be performed for analysing the data and for testing PSC formation scenarii.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The most significant topics are :· Development of long-term systematic observations in both polar regions· Development of PSC detection with CALIPSO lidar· Detecting and documenting climate change impact· Analysing PSC formation and evolution along Lagrangian trajectories· Integration and linkages between observing systems and other data sources· Supporting activities carried out within the research priority "Global Change and Ecosystems" of the EU

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The consortium includes members from four European Countries (Service d'Aéronomie, IPSL, France; IFA/CNR and University of Roma, Italy; Alfred-Wegener Institut, Germany; Danish Meteorological Institute, Denmark; University of Leeds, Great Britain) and one partner from Australian Antarctic Division, Australia. Strong links exist with the objevtives and activities proposed within the IPY projects PSC&Cirrus and M-55 Geophysica/ Antarctic UTLS.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
We propose to perform regular PSC lidar observations during wintertime in Antarctica at Dumont d'Urville (66.67°S, 140.01°E), Davis (68.00°S, 78.50°E) and McMurdo (77.86°S, 166.48°E) and in the Arctic at ALOMAR (69.3°N, 16.00°E), Ny-Alesund (78.92°N, 11.93°E) and Thule (76.53°N, 68.74°W). Space lidar observations in both polar regions will be made.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 11/07 – 03/08            
Antarctic: 05/07 – 09/07            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Logistical support will be given by the different National Polar Institutes involved in the stations. This includes transportation of personnel and equipment to and from the stations, housing at the stations, and technical support.The resources can be shared with IPY project PSC&Cirrus and M-55 Geophysica/ Antarctic UTLS.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The project will not leave any legacy at the stations. It is planned that the observations are part of a long term monitoring effort (NDSC and national programs)

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
All the lidar stations are supported by national programs and their operations are strongly supported by the NDSC. The CALIPSO mission is an international program supported by NASA and CNES.

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 leans upon national long term monitoring programs from various National Agencies and National Polar Operators and on the international upper atmosphere research effort of the NDSC and Space Agencies (for CALIPSO).

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be managed by the consortium. The coordinator is the Service d'Aéronomie, France. Local operations in the stations will be managed by each local PI. CALIPSO operations are already planned. Coordination with other IPY will be made by a consortium of each project coordinators.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The activities at the stations are presented on sites of NDSC(www.ndsc.ncep.noaa.gov/) and of the AAD (www.aad.gov.au/). CALIPSO has its own site (www-calipso.larc.nasa.gov). The project will involved students and young scientists. The partners will address the public regularly with dedicated information on the polar stratosphere and on ozone layer.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The project will be managed by the consortium. The management and links to appropriate databases (NDSC) are well established. The findings will be disseminate by publications in the open literature, both in scientific and non-scientific journals.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
All the observations will be from existing and operating instruments. National and European fundings should be able to support this project

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Christine David
Service d'Aéronomie - IPSL
Université Paris 6 – B102
4, place Jussieu, Paris Cedex 05
75252
France

Tel: +33 1 44 27 74 48
Mobile: no
Fax: +33 1 44 27 37 76
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation