Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

A differential of limnological conditions and biodiversity in reservoirs in the polar area  (POLARLIM)

Outline
Polar region is very interesting because of specific environment and relatively insignificant anthropopression. Main factors which affects climate of the region are oceanic currents. Climatic conditions of areas situated at no great distances are significantly different. Climate determines geomorphological, hydrological and biological features. In view of this it is possible to assume that spatial differential of functioning of hydrographical network would be significant. Qualitative differences of aquatic environment determined by local geographical conditions should also be well noticeable.Longterm explorations of S and SW Spitsbergen resulted in a wide range of information upon reservoires features, but there is still lack of information about lakes’ functioning in other parts of the polar region.Researches which contain defining phisyco-limnological, hydro-chemical features and biodiversity of reservoires situated on N and E Spitsbergen, Edgeoya Island and Frank Joseph Land and genetical comparing selected organisms (crustaceans) may be a base to define differences and some regularities of spatial differential. Previous research were concentrated on S and SW Spitsbergen and planned research will help to complete knowledge about functioning of lakes in polar region. It is planned to do research of sediments and contents of radioactiv isotopes and 137Cs in it, which is a good indicator of antropogenic changes and contemporary tempo of sedimentation.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
New data for less recognised polar areas

What international collaboration is involved in this project?

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Freshwater reservoires located in Northern, Eastern Spitsbergen, Edgeoya and Frank Joseph Land

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 07/2005 – 09/2005      06/2006 – 09/2006      06/2007 – 09/2007
Antarctic: 01/2006 – 03/2006            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Polish Polar Station in Hornsund (Svalbard) M/V “Horyzont II” S/V „Eltanin”

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
NO

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes. Accepted by Polish National Commettee for 4-IPY 2007-2008

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

New project but based on previous research.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Field research, taking samples, analysis in laboratory

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Collected data would be used for university lectures, articles, theses and doctor’s theses

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data would be published and accessible

How is it proposed to fund the project?
We are going to apply to national funding agencies for support

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Barbara Wojtasik
Kaadki 24, Gdansk


80-822
Poland

Tel: +48583012241 ext.357
Mobile: +48605837064
Fax: +48583058110
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation