Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Study of Ozone, UV irradiance and related parameters in relation wiTH polar ozone depletion in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions  (SOUTH-O3)

Outline
The essence of the current research project is to analyze the behaviour of stratospheric ozone, UV irradiance and related parameters such as aerosol, water vapour, nitrogen and halogenated compounds over Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions in relation with the stratospheric polar ozone depletion. It is of particular interest since the worldwide recovery of stratospheric ozone due to the reduction of ozone depleting substances in the stratosphere has been forecasted to occur by the first decade of 21st century. However large uncertainties related to climate change affect the timing of such a recovery. Moreover, a possible increase of dynamical activity in the southern hemisphere due to enhanced planetary wave forcing from the troposphere may affect the stability of the Antarctic polar vortex, inducing excursions of ozone depleted air masses over populated regions of the southern hemisphere. The project is based on the monitoring of ozone, related stratospheric parameters and UV irradiance in various high latitude stations of the southern hemisphere together with modelling studies of ozone and UV in these regions. It includes an epidemiological study of personal UV exposure.The proposed activities are :- Measurement of ozone total content, NO2, BrO and OClO by UV-Vis spectrometer at Belgrano and Marambio stations and O3 and NO2 at Ushuaïa and Dumont d’Urville.- Measurement of ozone, aerosol and water vapour vertical distribution by lidar at Rio Gallegos in Argentina.- Measurement of ozone vertical distribution by ozone sondes at Belgrano and Ushuaia.- Measurement of UV spectral and integrated UV irradiances in Antarctic (Belgrano, Marmabio, Dumont d’Urville, Troll) and Argentinean sub-Antarctic stations. The erythemal UV dose and the UV index will be determined. A new index, the daily exposure will be considered. This activity includes also measurement of Photosynthetically Active UV radiation with a Multichannel Moderate-Bandwidth Filter Instrument providing measurement of total ozone, cloud transmittance, and Ultraviolet Dose Rates. -Provision of polar vortex forecast based on NCEP and ECMWF forecast analyses and a simple ozone hole forecast based on total ozone and UV satellite measurement and use of Reverse Domain Filling trajectory model.- Modelling of polar ozone depletion and ozone hole excursions over southern high latitude regions.-Derivation of ozone loss from ozone soundings.-Modelling of solar irradiance and actinic flux.-Epidemiological research on personal UV exposure, with emphasis on importance of unconscious exposure, in southern high latitude regions.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project brings together expertise from several international institutions which have long lasting experience on the polar ozone depletion issue. It will enhance the use of experimental data related to this issue in the period near the expected maximum historical deterioration of the ozone layer, within and outside the Antarctic ozone hole phenomenon. It will also register data on UVB radiation and related biological effect during the period of expected maximal intensities over Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. The state of the ozone hole phenomenon in relation with climate change will be evaluated.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The project at present stage involves institutions from Argentina, Japan, Spain, the United States, France and Norway. Collaboration with other institutions involved in monitoring ozone in the Southern hemisphere in the frame of the Network for the Detection of Stratospheric Changes is envisaged.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The proposed field work involves measurements in Antarctic bases and in stations located in the Argentinean Patagonian region covering a wide latitudinal range from the core to the outside of the Antarctic polar vortex.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 12/06 – 01/09            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The multi-wavelength lidar will be implemented within the facility of Argentina Air Force at Rio Gallegos.The other measurements will require the use of existing facilities in Argentinean stations and Argentinean Antarctic bases. (Ushuaia, Belgrano, Marambio)The C130 airplane of the Argentina Air Force will be available for logistic support.Icebreaker Almirante Irizar will be used to transport equipment to Belgrano station

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The instruments operated in the frame of the project have the vocation to be continued after the IPY time frame for the survey of the recovery of the ozone layer. This includes the lidar to be operated within the NDSC, the UV-Vis spectrometer, ozone soundings, UV solarmeters and spectroradiometers

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The project has been endorsed by the International Ozone Commission and by the Network for the Detection of Stratospheric Changes co-chairs. It is endorsed by the Spanish and French IPY committees.

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?
No

The project is the continuation of an existing collaboration between Argentina, Japan, US and France on ozone, aerosol and water vapour lidar measurements and UV measurements over Argentina. It will be an extension of the JICA/Embassy of Japan in Argentina and Argentina/SECYT/ PICT 2003 Projects. Spain collaborates with DNA Argentina since 1993 through a number of nationally funded projects. The present proposal will take the advantage of putting together separated activities in the field of the ozone depletion in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will established a scientific and managing committee involving institutions participating to the project.The coordinator will be responsible for the organisation of education and communication activities. The committee will include the following representatives:- E. Quel for the lidar measurements and analysis.- R. Piacentini for the UV measurements and modelling.- H. Nakane for the ozone hole forecast and modelling work.- M. Yela for the ozone soundings and UV-Vis measurements.- M. Ono for the epidemiological studies.- O. Engelsen for data management

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The project includes enhanced communication on the Antarctic ozone depletion issue towards the population directly affected by this phenomenon. Activities will include : - Courses and conferences for scientists and doctorants.- Special activities for students and teachers particulary in Southern South America.- Interactive web page on the research activities, IPY 2007-2008, including information on ozone and UV during the ozone hole period.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
All data collected in SOUTH-O3 will be placed in national and international data banks.The experimental data (lidar, UV-Vis, UV, Sondes) will be submitted to the Network for the Detection of Stratospheric Changes Data base, the ozone sondes and UV measurements will be submitted to the World Ozone and UV Data Centre in Toronto. Ozone and UV data will be reported to WMO for its reports on the evolution of the ozone hole.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project will be funded through national and bi-lateral fundings. INTA and INM will use own resources and additionally will apply at the Spanish Polar Programme.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Sophie Godin-Beekmann
UPMC, Service d’Aéronomie, Boite 102, 4 place Jussieu, Paris Cedex


752525
France

Tel: +33144274767
Mobile: no
Fax: +33144273776
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation