Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Scientific traverse along the Vostok ice-flow line  (VIFL)

Outline
One of the principal steps in ice-core data interpretation is the ice age dating. As a rule, the dating procedures involve 3D or 2D ice-flow modeling, which in turn requires precise knowledge on spatial and temporal variability of accumulation rates, ice-sheet thickness, bottom conditions and other model input data for the region upstream of the drilling site. In addition, the spatial distribution of isotope composition of snow along the flow line is needed to correctly interpret the deep ice-core isotope record in terms of past temperature changes. Despite the extreme need of this information for interpretation of the Vostok ice core, our current knowledge of the above characteristics is poor and limited to the data from Dome B drilling site. In order to eliminate this data lack, we propose a scientific traverse along the ice flow line passing through Vostok Station. The main objectives of the traverse program are:- To determine the spatial and temporal (over the last 200 years) variability of accumulation rate, stable isotope, and chemical composition of snow along the Vostok flow line.- To map the ice-sheet thickness, bottom conditions, subglacial topography and the internal layers along the traverse route.The proposed program includes shallow (to 30 m) drilling with core retrieval and 10 m temperature measurements at 25-50 km interval. It is planned that a standardized suite of firn core properties recommended for ITASE sampling programs will be obtained. Estimates of the average accumulation rate will be made on the basis of ECM (Tambora layer detection) and gamma-ray or/and beta (1954-1965 bomb test layers) methods, as well as using high-frequency radar observations. Annually resolved records of snow accumulation and isotope composition will be obtained at 50-100 km interval using visible stratigraphic layering and the dating tools described above.The geophysical program will include deep radar-echo sounding, continues internal layer mapping, seismic measurements and determination of ice flow vectors based on GPS measurements.This national traverse and its feasible extension to Ridge B and the northern part of Lake Vostok are viewed as part of Italy-France-Russia continues transect Talos Dome –Dome C – Vostok – Ridge B – Dome A, which is planned in the frame of ITASE activity during IPY. The extended program would also address IPICS-IPY objectives, in particular, identification of the site for the oldest possible Antarctic ice record.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Proposed traverse project addresses long-standing goals of the SCAR-IGBP ITASE program and covers IPY themes from 1 to 5, and provides the opportunity for theme 6. Being part of Italy –France –Russia IPY traverse activity, our project implies high level of international cooperation and standardization of sampling and observation techniques. This traverse activity will provide data for optimal selection of sites for longest records (see separate IPICS-IPY EoI). It is also viewed as a logistic platform for other projects planned during IPY. Aimed at research in partly or completely unexplored areas, the traverses create a positive and attractive image of polar science.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Proposed program is part of Italy-France-Russia traverse Talos Dome –Dome C – Vostok – Ridge B – Dome A, and more generally of ITASE associated activity during IPY that will be outlined in separate EoI.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
400km traverse route will follow the Vostok flow line from Ridge B to Vostok Station (about 300 km) and continue to 100 km downstream of the station. The extension of this initial plan to cover the ice flow-line connecting the old drilling site Dome B with the northern part of Lake Vostok is currently under consideration.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: Nov 2006-Feb 2007      Nov 2007-Feb 2008      Nov 2008-Feb 2009
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Vostok Station, traverse vehicles, aircraft facilities.Logistic support and field facilities can be usefully shared with other projects such as ITASE-IPY, IPICS-IPY, North Vostok project, Accumulation and Discharge of the Antarctic Ice Sheet and other IPY initiatives.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Snow accumulation stakes and possibly Automatic weather stations that will be set up during this project implementation will also serve after IPY.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The project is included in the national IPY program. COMNAP has endorsed IPY ITASE traverse program at international level.

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?
This project is a continuation with extended scientific objectives of the SCAR-IGBP ITASE program and a component of the IPICS plans for the following decade.

How will the project be organised and managed?
At the national level the project will be managed through long-term Federal Targeted Program “World Ocean”, Subprogram “Antarctica” of the Russian Federation and national IPY committee. At the international level it will be coordinated by International Scientific Committee of the ITASE-IPY program.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Education and training of graduate students, postdocs and young researches will be one of the important components of this project. Education of general public in polar and climate sciences is also expected due to highlighting the results of the project through different media and attractiveness of the polar frontier researches to people of different ages and nationalities.The web sites at the national and international levels will be created to inform about ITASE-IPY traverses.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data management and distribution policy will generally follow ITASE guidelines. Data bases will be created and maintained at the national (AARI) and international (ITASE) levels.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Basic funding at the national level will be provided through Federal Targeted Program “World Ocean”, Subprogram “Antarctica” of the Russian Federation and the national IPY committee.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Leading researcher of AARI Vladimir Lipenkov
38, Bering st.
St. Petersburg
199397
Russia

Tel: +7 (812) 352-22-46
Mobile: no
Fax: +7 (812) 352-26-88
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation