Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

A comparative analysis of Antarctic polynyas by modelling and in situ validation  (POLYANNA (POLYnya ANalysis in Antarctica))

Outline
POLYANNA is an internationally collaborative program led by the Italian National Programme for Antarctic Research (as part of its CLIMA programme) that aims to compare processes in different Antarctic coastal polynyas, to monitor their interannual variability and change, and to hence estimate the potential circumpolar impact of coastal polynyas on Antarctic sea ice production and water mass modification. A number of recent field and modelling studies have quantified the importance of Antarctic coastal polynyas to the processes of air-sea interaction at high latitudes, and the effects of these on sea ice distribution and water mass modification. POLYANNA proposes to broaden these investigations through collaboration, and to study a larger set of coastal polynyas over a longer period of time by both in-situ and remote sensing observations, and by numerical modelling. - In-situ observations: Field experimental activities will include year-round monitoring of the Terra Nova Bay polynya with an array of oceanographic moorings; a continuation of Italian CLIMA activities which have been ongoing for 10 years. This will be supplemented with summer oceanographic cruises. Activities within other polynyas (still under consideration) could include multi-year mooring deployment to monitor outflux through a canyon in the Adélie Depression of HSSW from the Mertz Glacier Polynya, and the use of novel techniques such as autonomous underwater vehicles to monitor winter sea ice in polynya regions. - Remote sensing observations: We will determine the seasonal and interannual variability of circum-Antarctic coastal polynyas using the new generation of higher-resolution visible-light (MODIS) and passive microwave (AMSR-E) satellite sensors. The enhanced capability of the next generation of polarimetric SAR sensors will be used for specific detailed studies. - Numerical modelling: We will use a hierarchy of models (developed within our partner agencies, and ranging from a two-dimensional unsteady flux model to a high resolution, hydrostatic, Boussinesq primitive equation model) to simulate variability of a number of polynyas over a decadal or longer time period. We will use the models to estimate the polynya areas, heat fluxes, ice production, and salt rejection and possible dense water formation. Models will be driven by reanalysis products (e.g ERA40) and validated against the remotely sensed and in-situ data. We will also use the models to investigate the potential consequences of dramatic changes in polynya configurations (e.g. impact on Terra Nova Bay of the inevitable collision between the B15 iceberg and the Drygalski ice tongue, or of the calving of the Mertz Glacier tongue).

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Coastal polynyas are important in the production of Antarctic Bottom Water, one of the main mechanisms by which Antarctic signals of change and variability are exported into the world’s oceans. A systematic study of several circum-Antarctic polynyas will provide an estimate of their variability in size, ice production, and dense water transformation. Modelling will examine the sensitivity of polynyas to changed boundary conditions. POLYANNA directly addresses IPY Themes 1 and 3, is highly relevant for Theme 2, and proposed autonomous underwater vehicle utilization will contribute to Theme 4. POLYANNA also addresses WMO high priority activities 4, 5, 6 and 7.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The current partners in POLYANNA include university and national program investigators in Italy, USA, UK and Australia. POLYANNA will be integrated within the “Climate in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean (CASO)” umbrella EO&I of the CLIVAR/CliC/SCAR Southern Ocean Implementation Panel. Additional partners will be welcome.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The POLYANNA area of operations is the continental shelf of Antarctica, with an initial focus on coastal polynyas of Terra Nova Bay (TNB), the Ross Sea (RS), and the Mertz Glacier (MG)(MG).

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 03/07 – 03/09            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
- TNB summer: ice strengthened ship for hydrology, current measurements and sediment traps (to be provided by Italian CLIMA project). - TNB and RS winter: as above, plus autonomous underwater vehicle (US and UK investigators, preliminary proposal stage).

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
POLYANNA will: - extend existing in-situ and remote sensing time series, thus providing a legacy for future sustained observational programmes; - develop novel techniques to examine further aspects of polynyas; and - provide a comparative data set of the behaviour of different polynyas under similar broad-scale, but different local forcing.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
POLYANNA has been submitted for endorsement by National Committees of several of the partners. The programme is endorsed internationally by SCAR-ASPeCt (Antarctic Sea Ice Processes and Climate) as part of an ongoing coastal polynyas initiative, and it contributes to the CASO project of the CLIVAR/CliC/SCAR Southern Ocean Implementation Panel.

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?
Exp

POLYANNA will extend the last decade of investigations in the Terra Nova Bay polynya under the CLIMA project of the Italian National Programme for Antarctic Research to a longer time period. It will broaden the study to include, and to inter-compare, other Antarctic coastal polynyas through international collaboration.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Coordination and management of the overall POLYANNA project will be centred on the existing management structure of the Italian CLIMA project (already active for over ten years in Southern Ocean and Ross Sea research). Detailed management of national contributions will be undertaken by the respective US, Australian and UK groups. We will plan regular POLYANNA workshops, possibly associated with the ongoing series of Italian sponsored Ross Sea Symposia.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
EO&I will be through individual National Committees. CLIMA project contributes outreach activities to three Italian museums, and POLYANNA will be a focus for these. Capacity building will include graduate study grants within the Polar Science program at Siena University, and through existing student exchange programs between some partners (e.g. Italy-Australia).

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data and model outputs will be stored in a common data bank jointly established by the Italian CLIMA and by partner projects. These will made available to the scientific community after a stipulated period during which they will be restricted to use by the investigators.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The participating subprograms will seek funding from national and international agencies. For example, the component of the Italian CLIMA programme which is a major field activity for POLYANNA, will submit a funding proposal for the triennium 2006-2008.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Pro Enrico Zambianchi
Università degli Studi di Napoli “Parthenope”
Via De Gasperi 5
Napoli
80133
Italy

Tel: +390815476583
Mobile: +393296506097
Fax: +390815513679
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation