Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Habitats on Polar shelves and margins : the interaction of cryosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere  (HABIPOL)

Outline
The main objectives are (1) to obtain a better understanding of the interaction between geological, glaciological and physical-oceanographical processes and their capacity to create unique environments and typical polar marine habitats. (2) To understand the functioning of ecosystems associated with these habitats. (3) To identify the boundary conditions to be respected for the preservation of these habitats and to maintain ecosystem functioning. Polar shelves and margins offer a wide spectrum of habitats to investigate Geosphere-Biosphere Coupling Processes, within a realm where the Cryosphere and the Hydrosphere join as key actors. Through international collaboration within the IPY a wide range of polar margin and shelf habitats can be investigated in parallel in order to better understand the ecosystem functioning and the driving forces for ecosystem processes. Some systems that will get special attention through this consortium are : 1. Fjord systems: study of sedimentary record of glacial retreat, and of the recovery of Life after glacial retreat. Potential for bi-polar comparative studies (Svalbard, Greenland, subarctic Norway). Norwegian fjords host the shallowmost cold-water corals: discoveries ahead in Antarctic fjords ? 2. Canyon systems: study of the cycle of destruction and recovery of Life in canyon systems. Canyons generated by major slope failures offer most attractive research objectives. 3. Hydrothermal systems: the volcanic domain of Bransfield Basin offers a range of opportunities for geological partner teams but also for biological partner teams focusing on e.g. bacterial mats. 4. Gas hydrate systems: polar margins with gas hydrates (bottom simulating reflectors) are privileged sites for seep-associated ecosystems, mud volcanism, etc. 5. Grounding line zones: study of the ecosystem in a frontier environment, where continental ice, sea floor and ocean water meet. 6. Sea Ice margins multidisciplinary study of ecosystem functioning under special conditions of sedimentation, up-welling, primary production and bentho-pelagic coupling at sea ice margins. The characterisation -through a multidisciplinary approach- of the geological, biochemical and physical features of different habitats and the study of ecosystem functioning in each of these systems will lead to an optimal integration of expertise and convergence of disciplines. Marine biologists will investigate ecological processes at each of the identified habitats. All components (from micro- to megafauna) of both the seafloor and the water column will be included in order to properly model ecosystem processes. Biochemists will investigate fluxes of nutrients and other organic and inorganic elements between ice, water, sediment and other substrates. Marine geologists will investigate the morphology and nature of the sea-floor, of the principle sedimentary environments, of the geological processes shaping the shelves and margins (tectonics, isostasy, vulcanism, fluid flow, glacial and glacio-marine sedimentation) and of the geological processes relevant for creating typical polar habitats. Glaciologists and physical oceanographers will investigate processes associated with ice-sheet grounding zones, floating ice shelves and formation of sea ice and of the glaciological processes relevant for creating typical polar marine habitats. Geologists and paleontologists will investigate the geological record in order to understand the evolution of ecosystems and habitats under changing environmental conditions through geological time.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Through this joint multinational effort, a complete array of habitats at polar shelves and margins can be identified and characterized. The multidisciplinary approach will provide insight in an holistic manner in the habitat variability, the associated biodiversity, the driving forces and the ecosystem processes which was never achieved before at a similar large scale.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
There is need for an international scientific consortium that addresses common objectives at different habitats and for different disciplines in the delineated study area. Because of the large-scale and multi-disciplinary approach only a multi-national organisation can provide sufficient critical mass in terms of logistics, research capacity, and time.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Primary focus will be on the Antarctic, specifically on both sides of the Antarctic Peninsula and adjacent basins, including e.g. Gerlache Strait, Bransfield Basin, South Shetland slope and the Peninsula basin. Depending on final consortium size, funding, logistic possibilities, etc. the scope can be broadened to include other Antarctic margin segments, and eventually also Arctic sectors.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 2007-2010            
Antarctic: 2007-2010            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Ice breakers and oceanographic research vessels, summer stations of field camps for ice-related work, acoustic seafloor imaging tools, sediment sampling tools, ROV’s and in-situ ocean-floor observatories,..

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
N.A.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Submitted to Belgian IPY committee

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?
New

How will the project be organised and managed?
Special efforts will be made in order to guarantee an efficient ship-time management with maximal use of research vessels, bases, equipment, etc. Also data management and dissemination will get special attention.A steering committee, in which all nationalities and disciplines are represented, will be selected to handle the management of the project.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Especially the availability of in-situ observation tools (through digital video) offers unique opportunities for public outreach and for education, with e.g. direct cyberlink transmission to class rooms. In addition DVD’s collecting all imagery and distribution maps will be generated.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The data obtained from the project will be archived and managed in international databases with respect to Antarctic research.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
After a strong consortium has been identified, national, European and other international funding agencies will be visited for funding

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Prof  Marc De Batist
Geological Institute
Krijgslaan 281 s.8
Gent
B-9000
Belgium

Tel: +32-9-2644587
Mobile: no
Fax: +32-9-2644967
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation