Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Detecting and dating change in ice flow using radar echo sounding  (DECIFURES)

Outline
Some of the most significant evidence for change in ice-covered areas comes from observations of flow markers in glaciers and ice-shelves. Isochronic layers ubiquitously detected by radar provide valuable flow markers. For example, modelling of layers at divides allows simultaneously the dating of the time of formation of the ice divide, the computation of the thinning rate and the measurement of the rheological parameters of the ice. Similarly, features in these layers have been used to estimate recent changes in the flow speed of Ice Stream C and changes in spatial distribution of accumulation in East Antarctica. This is a rapidly expanding area of research, where new discoveries are being made with each survey. The field is ripe for the application of new technology, for example the use of polarimetry to provide information about anisotropy, collection of multi-frequency data to distinguish scattering mechanisms of individual layers (acids vs crystal fabrics), and the use of high-powered modular ground radars capable of deep viewing. This project will act as a framework for collecting and using radar-layer data and scattering-intensity data in relevant areas. The project will comprise (i) modelling of data already obtained; (ii) co-ordinating the targeting of relevant areas by different national research programmes; (iii) encouraging and providing technical support for the opportunistic collection of radar data near divides and ice streams by over-flights of survey aircraft and traverses by ground-based parties; (iv) proceeding with the development of the internationally developed deep–looking ground radar DELORES; (v) The application of newer radar technologies such as polarimetry (e.g. via the PASIN platfom) to glaciological and glaciodynamic problems.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The main deliverables of the project will be: 1. Dating of change in ice-flow for divides and for ice streams (Themes 1 & 2) 2. Quantification of change in precipitation rate (Themes 1, 2 & 3). 3. Field-generated rheologies for use in predictive ice-sheet modelling (Theme 1) 4. Development of a deep-looking (>3km) ground-based radar (Theme 4) 5. Application of new radar technologies (e.g. polarimetry) to ice-sheet glaciology (Theme 4).

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The international collaboration is based on (i) developing the use of RES as a detector and dating tool of change in ice-flow (ii) co-ordinating exploration of relevant sites (iii) developing and testing new technologies.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Antarctic Ice-Sheet; in particular:  Flanking ice rises e.g. Roosevelt island, Siple Dome, Berkner Island, Palmer Land, Taylor Dome, Northern Victoria Land, Law Dome  West Antarctic Ice Sheet Divides (e.g. the ITASE traverses). Greenland and High Arctic Ice Divides  Agassiz Ice Cap, Devon Island  Central and flanking domes in Greenland

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: Denmark Greenland 04/07 –08/07      Denmark Greenland 04/8 –08/08      
Antarctic: US Siple/Amundsen 10/07 – 03/09      BAS Ellsworth/Ronne 10/07 – 03/09      Belgian DML 11/07 – 02/08

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Data is now being used in models to date the age of formation, the thinning rate and constrain the ice rheology. Additional radar profiles will allow a systematic assessment of recent (centurial/millennial) change and quantification of spatial variability in ice rheology. Further profiles will be acquired at particular targeted locations. In these cases, the US logistic support (US Antarctic Project, USAP), NERC Antarctic Funding Initiative (BAS logistics) and Denmark will be required. A particular feature is the encouragement and co-ordination of acquisition of data-of-opportunity from overflights of divides (almost anywhere is of interest) and travel over divides by radar-equipped geophysical traverses (e.g. ITASE).

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?
At this stage, already endorsed by the Spanish National Committee for IPY

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

This is a new proposal. It involves the systematic deployment of a research strategy piloted on Roosevelt Island to other ice domes in the Arctic and Antarctica. It focuses on increasing the coordination of national projects to provide a more systematic survey of ice divides and other areas where the internal layers contain information about past ice-sheet behaviour, through targeted research and data of collected by other programmes (e.g. the profiles obtained by ITASE).

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be managed by the project members below. Management will comprise (i) the co-ordination of field activities to ensure maximum coverage (all); (ii) the dissemination and intercomparison of appropriate modelling techniques (all); (iii) the continuing co-ordinated development of a deep-looking ground-based radar system (initiated by UW and BAS) as well as other radar technologies; (iv) Storage of relevant radar-echo data at BAS;

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Diffusion through a project web page. Project results and modelling exercises will be included in lectures and laboratory classes at universities of participating partners. Involvement of students in research at Masters and Doctoral level.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data comprise original radargrams and picked lines used in modelling. Data quantities are not large and can easily be accommodated by e.g. British Antarctic Survey and made available via web server.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Mainly national funding agencies: among them, Natural Environment Research Council, UK; National Science Foundation, USA; Plan Nacional de I+D+I, Spain; Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO).

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Richard Hindmarsh
High Cross
Madingley Road
Cambridge
CB3 OET
UK

Tel:
Mobile: no
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation