Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Intercomparison of climate records preserved in polar meromictic lakes  (Meromictic Lakes)

Outline
Background The focus of this initiative will be to reconstruct climate variations through time using biological and geological records preserved in meromictic lake sediments. The presence of these lakes in many polar locations provides the opportunity to carry out this intercomparison of lake indicators from different locations and hence to reconstruct regional variations in climate over time. The work is intended to achieve an enduring legacy within polar science, such that the achievements will contribute fundamental knowledge of the impact of climate variations in polar regions and strengthen on-going international collaborative linkages on climate effects in polar environments.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Documentation of the regional impact of climate variations within northern and southern hemisphere polar areas. -Baseline for developing future predictions of the impact of climate change in polar areas. -Baseline for developing appropriate human responses to the impact of future climate change in polar areas.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
This EoI consist of a Consortium of active international collaborators. The consortium consists of 6 partners from 3 countries and 4 institutes.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Meromictic lakes within 1. Canadian Archipelago (Devon Island) 2. Svalbard 3. Antarctica (Davis) 4. Additional areas as opportunities arise

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: Summer 2007            
Antarctic: Winter 2008            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Airplane and helicopter support for transport of personnel, equipment, supplies, and samples.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Yes Expansion of international scientific collaboration including education and post-educational training opportunities in polar science

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

The Consortium has access to infrastructure for Polar Operations from all of the involved Institutions.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The Consortium has today national and international research projects lasting through the IPY periods.

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

This project will be included as part of the ARCTOS consortium which has ongoing projects that will operate into the IPY period (see http://www.nfh.uit.no/arctos/). In addition new applications have and will be sent both to national and international funding bodies.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The overall project will be headed by JoLynn Carroll (Akvaplan-niva). The project will be coordinated through the ARCTOS network (http://www.nfh.uit.no/arctos/).

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Students enrolled in the ARCTOS student network and ongoing ARCTOS PhD trainee school in Arctic Marine Ecosystems (http://www.nfh.uit.no/arctos/) will be involved in the project.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The data management will be handled within the operating data management system in associated Institutes, ICES and other bodies which the Institute has agreement with. In addition the Consortium will apply the general principles which are demanded from funding bodies (EU etc).

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Basic funding to the involved Institutions, national programmes and EU.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr JoLynn Carroll
Polarmiljøsenteret, Hjalmar Johansensgt. 14


9296 Tromsø
Norway

Tel: +47 77750314
Mobile: +47 47043844
Fax: +47 77750301
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation