Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Experimental research of the Arctic sea ice cover on the basis of data from Russian drifting research stations and the satellite information.  (Sea ice of the Arctic basin.)

Outline
Preparation and carrying out of preliminary natural experiments on the basis of existing drifting station NP - 33 (2005).·Validation of satellite imagery using in situ ice observations at drifting station NP - 33 with the purpose of specification of decoding attributes for satellite images of various spectral ranges (2005-2006)·Improvement existing and development of new methods of research of sea ice (2005-2008).·Performance under satellite experiments, with use of the Russian drifting research stations as unique natural ranges (2007-2008).

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The objective information on a modern condition of a sea ice cover of the Arctic basin, switching:- improvement of remote sensing methods for ice cover monitoring on the basis of results of the validation of the multichannel satellite information.- the new data on physics - mechanical, radiating and heat properties of a snow cover and the sea ice, describing a modern condition and variability of an ice cover; - use of opportunities of remote sensing of sea ice from space within the framework of theoretical and applied research of Federal Hydrometereological and Environmental Monitoring Service under Russian Government (Roshydromet) in high latitudes, on the Northern Sea Route (NSR), in perspective areas of development of the Arctic shelf.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Cooperation between AARI of Roshydromet (Federal Hydrometereological and Environmental Monitoring Service under Russian Government) and Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI). NPI is one of conducting (leading) participants of the European project « Arctic Climate Diversity, Svalbard and Circum-Arctic ” which is planned as the contribution of the European polar community in IPY, and also the establisher jointly with AARI of Russian - Norwegian laboratory FAL “Fram Arctic Climate Research laboratory ”. Cooperation between AARI and the Canadian Ice Service on validation radar satellite imagery of an ice cover of the Arctic basin. Cooperation with Woods Hole oceanographic Institution for IBO instruments.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The central part of the Arctic basin.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: TBC            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Updating available in AARI means of measurements. Delivery to drifting station NP - 33 of additional devices and the equipment, including: mobile station for receiving NOAA satellite data, corner reflectors for satellites such as "CryoSat" and Envisat, radiometers on various spectral ranges (optical range), radar scatterometer, equipment for ice and meteorological observations.The same equipment and data sources can be used for other IPY projects related to works at drifting stations.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Development of a wide complex of special ice researches works of theoretical and applied character on drifting ice. The installation at drifting stations (since NP - 33) of the station for receiving satellite information. Validation of satellite imagery. Perfection of remote sensing methods for sea ice research.

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

In 2004 the Russian Arctic expedition on the organization and carrying out of researches in the Arctic basin is created. The drifting station NP - 33 on which it is planned carry out preparatory measures to IPY is open.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes The researches will be supported by the joint program between AARI (Federal Hydrometereological and Environmental Monitoring Service, Russia) and NPI (Norway), and also by participants of European projects « Arctic Climate Diversity ” (Svalbard and Circum-Arctic) and ICEMON (Ice Monitoring). Also, researches will be supported by cooperation between AARI and the Canadian Ice Service directed on the validation of radar satellite imagery in the Arctic basin.

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?


Component of an existing or planned activity The project is a component of the planned program of works at drifting station NP - 33.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The program of carrying out of the under satellite experiments at NP – 33, which is a scientific and methodical basis of the suggested project is developed at AARI. In 2005 it is planned to carry out joint international researches with NPI experts on the basis of NP - 33. These initiatives will form an organizational basis of the suggested project. Management of the project will be carried out within the framework of joint program AARI (Federal Hydrometereological and Environmental Monitoring Service, Russia) and NPI (Norway), the Canadian ice service, and also, probably, of some the European scientific organizations involved in projects “ Arctic Climate Diversity ” (Svalbard and Circum-Arctic) and ICEMON.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Participation of the Russian and foreign students, masters, grant-aided students of scientific grants of the training courses of Svalbard University involved in educational program UNIS is planned. Participation of Russian - German magistracy "Pomor" (the St.-Petersburg State University, faculty of geography and geoecology, Russia) and Russian - Norwegian laboratory "Fram" (AARI) is planned too.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data on a condition of sea ice cover as well as data on the special under satellite experiments received within this project will be transferred, when due hereunder, to International Data Center -B “ Sea ice” (AARI), Federal Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring Service, Russia and the World Data Centers.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Financing of the project is supposed within the framework of National programs of Russia and Norway with possible attraction of means of the third countries (the European project “Arctic Climate Diversity ”, Svalbard and Circum-Arctic) and ICEMON.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Director Ivan Evgenjevich Frolov
38, Bering St
St.-Petersburg
199397
Russia

Tel: 8123521520
Mobile: no
Fax: 8123522688
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation