Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Monitoring of long-term vertical displacements of the land surface in polar regions, through co-located (absolute) gravity measurements and satellite positioning observations.  (Vertical displacements by absolute gravity measurements)

Outline
The main objective of this proposed work is to monitor the long-term vertical displacements of the land surface in polar regions, by comparing co-located gravity measurements, satellite positioning and tide gauge observations. The variation rates of land surface and sea level in polar regions are key elements for the understanding of the long term evolution of ice caps and the potential consequences for climate change. Comparing Absolute Gravity (AG) series to height variations monitored by GPS or DORIS observations at collocated stations provides constraints to separate effects due to an actual geometrical displacement from those due to mass transfer (such as melting of ice). A combination of geodetic and gravimetric data has also shown that the past visco-elastic behaviour of the Earth due to Post-Glacial Rebound (PGR) can be separated from its present-day elastic behaviour. Comparing AG series, GPS observations and Tide Gauge observations hence helps in separating land surface displacements from sea level changes. All these results are useful inputs for the recent gravity satellite missions such as GRACE.Scope of the proposed activities.A - Antarctica·Gravimetry·absolute : one measurement at DDU (Dumont d’Urville) in January/ February 2008o one measurement at TNB (Terra Nova station) in January/ February 2008o one measurement at Concordia in January/ February 2008·relative : survey at Pétrels Island and link to Cap Prud’homme·relative :installation of a relative gravimeter (Scintrex ) at DDU for a long term record, January/ February 2008 – March 2009 (~ 1 year) ·relative :installation of a relative gravimeter (Scintrex) at Concordia for a long term record, January/ February 2008 – March 2009 (~ 1 year)·GPS·installation of a permanent GPS receiver at Concordia·survey at Pétrels Island and link to Cap Prud’homme·Levelling ·survey at Pétrels Island and link to Cap Prud’hommeB - Arctic regions·one absolute gravity measurement in Summer 2007, in a station collocated with GPS and preferably tide-gauge (the choice between Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard and Kamtchatka is open)

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project is mainly related to Theme 3: stability of ice masses and impact on sea level.The project aims to obtain new reference points in gravimetry (absolute gravity + relative links) and helps in densifying the poor coverage of the polar regions in terms of in situ observations. It is also the starting point for long term observations (GPS and relative gravity at Concordia, relative gravity at DDU) allowing the investigation of several time-variable processes of interest (solid tide, oceanic loading, atmospheric loading, ice melting).

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
University of Bologna, ItalyInstitute of Radioastronomy of Bologna, Italy

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
AntarcticaArctic regions

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: Arctic Fieldwork time frame(s) Antarctic Fieldwork time frame(s) Summer 2007 Jan – March 2008 Multi-year period            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
HelicopterExisting field stationsStation logisticsAirplane

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Not yet A proposal will be sent to relevant institutions in spring 2005 for support

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?
AG measurements have been done at TNB by other teams in 1990, 1995 and 1997; at DDU by our team in 2000 and planned in 2006. The measurement at Concordia would be the 1st one on ice in Antarctica. Relative gravity measurements: there are very few long term gravity records in Antarctica; the long term records at DDU and Concordia would provide inputs in earth-tides, oceanic loading and atmospheric effects. In addition, these data will be used to better reduce raw AG dataThe GPS permanent receiver at Concordia is necessary to monitor the position of the AG measurement benchmark which may vary due to the ice creep.All the activities should be repeated in the following years

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be self-managed

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?

How is it proposed to fund the project?
A proposal for funding will be sent to relevant institutions in Spring 2005

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Martine Amalvict
5 rue René Descartes Strasbourg cedex, France
till September 2005: NIPR, Kaga 1-9-10, Itabashi-ku, 173-8515 Tokyo, Japan
67084
France

Tel: 33 3 90 24 00 71till September 2005: 81 3 3962 5767
Mobile: no
Fax: 33 3 90 24 02 91 till September 2005: 81 3 3962 4914
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation