Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Space Weather Impacts in the Polar Atmosphere  (SWIMPA)

Outline
Monitoring the different layers of the Earth´s atmosphere is important to characterize their natural physico-chemical and dynamics properties, in order to understand its actual behaviour and to predict future changes In the ICSU context we intend to give some answers to the raised question: Which are the impacts of the space weather in the upper atmosphere, and how do they can interact with the Earth´s climate?Within the Brazilian Antarctic Programme and with other countries participation, a joint project is proposed to act in the investigation of three integrated research lines: 1) upper atmospheric phenomena, 2) heliospheric changes and the space weather and 3) solar activity. The specific objectives of the project follows bellow: A. Monitor the low ionosphere by measurements of radio signals of very low frequency (VLF) propagating across very long distances, received in Antarctic Brazilian Station and in South America (Atibaia/SP, Brazil) B. Monitor the total electron content of ionosphere using GPS measurements made at Antarctic Brazilian Station and over the brazilian territory. C. Monitor the cosmic ray flux in the region of south Atlantic magnetic anomaly (El Leoncito/Argentina), and in both hemispheres: at Apatity (Murmansk region) and at Mirny station (Antartctica), to characterize the heliosphere changes associated with space weather D. Monitor radio emission from the Sun to predict its activity and associated space weather phenomena E. Monitor ground base magnetic field to quantify the effects of space weather in the magnetosphereIn the framework of new diagnostics of solar activity at El Leoncito, SST and related programs, as evidenced by submm-waves observations, in situ solar particles detection, and the far IR-ground based measurements currently being installed

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The main goal is to better define the impacts of space weather in the upper atmosphere, in the polar regions as well over the South America, specifically over the brazilian territory. The connection with other atmospheric studies (lower layers) could define the influence of the space weather in the climate and atmospheric currents.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The ionospheric studies will be done in collaboration with the Stanford University in USA. The study of cosmic rays will be done in collaboration with the Lebedev Physical Institute in Russia. And the study of space weather conditions caused by solar activity will be developed in collaboration with CASLEO and IAFE in Argentina

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
1. Antarctica: Brazilian Station and Mirny station from Russia 2. Brazil – Brazilian GPS stations 3. Argentina – El Leoncito 4. Russia – Apatity station

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: Nov 2005/Nov 2009            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
We will use the logistic and facilities provided by: a) SECIRM/PROANTAR in Antarctica, b) by CASLEO/IAFE in Argentina, c) by IBGE, Mackenzie and INPE in Brazil, and by LPI in Russia and Antartctica.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Yes, if implemented, the new magnetometer will stay as a new experiment in Brazilian Antarctic Station

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Own national polar operator
National agency
Military support
Other sources of support

The Brazilian Antarctic Programme is currently funded by National funding agencies (several Ministries), and logistically supported by the Brazilian Navy. Brazil operates a research vessel that serves for both logistics and science.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
We are submitting the project to the National Committee for Antarctic Research and to the Ministry of Science ad Technology, Ministry of Environment, and the Brazilian Sea Resources Inter-Ministry Secretary (SECIRM).

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

The project is the improvement of an existing scientific network (REDE 1) of high priority in the scalp of the Brazilian Antarctic Programme. It is addressed to the environmental changes at the Antarctic Peninsula and the climate teleconnections between Antarctica and the tropical environment.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The selection of proposals, scientific orientation and management of the approved projects are under the responsibility of the Brazilian Antarctic Programme (PROANTAR) that belongs to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT), through the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). The complete logistics will be managed by a scientific staff of PROANTAR/SECIRM, together with the Brazilian Navy (responsible for the oceanographic cruises) and by the Brazilian Air Force, responsible for the airborne logistic.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Open lectures, WebPages, and television programmes have been used to reach schools, companies and the general public. A lobby has been prepared at the Ministry of Education to increase Polar Regions studies in primary and secondary schools. National Agencies have provided fellowships to undergraduate and post-graduate students focusing on Antarctic themes.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The project has started by a compilation of existing data and selection of key areas for field work. More formal international collaboration are being established, and supported by the National Antarctic Committee in order to optimize the exchange of scientific knowledge and data during the IPY

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The BrBrazilian Antarctic Programme provides funding and logistic support to accepted proposals. Funds will be required from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) to acquire the magnetometer.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This pProject will also be involved in the International Heliophysical Year (IHY), since one of the proposed activities is to study the solar activity and its impact in the heliosphere measured by the modulation of the cosmic ray flux.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Emilia Correia
CRAAM. Ed. Amantino Vassão 2o. andar. Rua da Consolação 896. São Paulo, SP


01302-907
Brazil

Tel: 55-11-32368696
Mobile: no
Fax: 55-11-32142300
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation