Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Terrestrial and Lacustrine Ecology of the Prince Charles Mountains  (TLEPCM)

Outline
TLEPCM is a program that will study the biodiversity, ecology, and history of terrestrial and lacustrine environments of the major north-south aligned area of exposed rock in East Antarctica, the Prince Charles Mountains (PCMs). The study will investigate the effects of geographical and environmental gradients on the biota of terrestrial and lacustrine habitats in the PCMs, and develop models of both distributions and responses to past and future climate change. Parts of the PCMs have been ice-free for at least 1000000 years, and might be refugia for endemic Antarctic species during glacial periods. Limited studies of the terrestrial flora and fauna of the PCMs have been carried out. A major aim of TLEPCM is to collect samples of moss, lichens and associated invertebrates from as many habitats as possible. The species present will be determined, and GIS will be used extensively to map the occurrences and to investigate the effects of physical characters such as altitude, and size of outcrop on the distributions. The aim will not only be to have an understanding of the biogeography of the region, but also to be able to predict the biota of unvisited areas and the effects of climate change, notably temperature, on the biota. The PCMs contain a surprising diversity of lakes, ranging from the deepest lake on the surface of the Antarctica continent (Radok Lake, 362 m) to small meltwater ponds. As yet there has been no systematic study of these lakes. TLEPCM will develop an inventory of lakes in the PCMs from satellite images and aerial photography. A series of lakes ranging in location (north to south gradient), altitude and type (large – small; rock-based – epiglacial) will be chosen for sampling. They will be characterised physically and chemically, and samples of the planktonic and benthic biota collected. Sediment cores will be collected from selected lakes. The factors controlling the communities present will be elucidated. The histories of the lakes determined from the cores will allow a temporal framework to be placed on the development of the biota. Molecular genetics will play an important role in TLEPCM. Genetic techniques will be applied routinely to characterise the biota. This is not only to provide a view of the biodiversity, but also to provide insight into local and regional genetic variation in an area where animal and plant populations are separated physically and probably in time.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Theme 1: TLEPCM will provide information about the biodiversity of a poorly-known area that may have provided refuge for biota for >1000000 years. Theme 2: Studying how the lakes and terrestrial environments developed will provide insight into the reaction of Antarctic biota to the physical environment. Theme 3: TLEPCM will place the biota of the PCMs into Antarctic and global contexts: Is the biota endemic, or is it a subset of the biota from other areas? Theme 4: This biology of the PCMs is virtually unknown. Use of classical and modern techniques will allow a full description of the biota.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
TLEPCM will add to the Evolution and Biodiversity in Antarctica (EBA) program, and will also have strong comparative links to the NZ Latitudinal Gradient Project.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
TLEPCM will involve field work throughout the entire PCM area from north of the Amery Oasis (70° 20’ S, 67° 50’E) to Komsomolskiy Peak (75° 45’S, 63° 25’ E).

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 11/2007– 03/2008            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Australian Antarctic Division will supply fixed-wing, helicopter and other field and logistic support.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No infrastructures will be left in Antarctica.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator
National agency

Australian Antarctic Division will be lead agency in supplying logistic support. Collaboration with another large project that is planned for the same area during the 2007/8 summer (GigaGAP) will be sought in order to make most efficient use of logistics.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
TLEPCM has received in principle support from the Science Branch, Australian Antarctic Division. However, the program will have to be formally approved after submission of a funding application in 2005.

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?
Expansion

TLEPCM is a new study that is positioned within the EBA program. It will provide an important East Antarctic and continental component of this international program.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The Australian Antarctic Division and the University of Tasmania will provide the management and primary support for TLEPCM. All participants in the program will have to meet AAD expeditioner requirements.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
It is anticipated that this program will elicit significant interest in the general and scientific media; if not, every effort will be made to alert them to the interest and importance of the work. Young scientists will be encouraged to work on this project, both at doctoral and post-doctoral levels.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
All data collected during TLEPCM will be deposited with the Australian Antarctic Data Centre. All biodiversity data will be included in the SCAR Biodiversity database maintained within the AADC, and separate data repositories within the AADC will be developed for physical and environmental data.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Funding for logistic support and the field component will come from the Australian Antarctic Division. Application will be made to the Australian Research Council for funding for a program manager and the costs of scientific work in Australia.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This program will provide a landward extension of the Antarctic component of the ‘Census of the Sea’ program, to be coordinated through the Australian Antarctic Division. The molecular genetic databases developed could be utilised in a broader study of the biodiversity of the Australian Antarctic Territory and the rest of the continent. It is anticipated that a trial program will be run in the Amery Oasis region at the northern end of the PCMs in the summer of 2006/7 to allow the development and testing of methods both in Australia and Antarctica, and development of databases in the AADC.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr John Gibson
University of Tasmania
Private Bag 77
Hobart, Tasmania
7001
Australia

Tel: +61 3 6226 2428
Mobile: no
Fax: +61 3 6226 2973
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation