Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

South African Weather Service Intent of Activities:-a) The extension and enhancement of Global Atmosphere Watch monitoring activities to the South African SANAE IV base at Vesleskravet, Antarctica.(71°40' S 2°51' W)b) Enhancing Meteorological Observations over the Antarctic and Sub Antarctic region.  (SAGAWOBS)

Outline
Enhancing specialised atmospheric monitoring under the auspices of the Cape Point Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) station activities to SANAE. Linked to the existing SAWS Global Atmosphere Watch Program and the Cape Point GAW Station activities, it is envisaged to enhance primary trace gas monitoring activities at SANAE and on board the S A Agulhas research and relief vessel. These will include surface and column ozone, CO, CO2, NH4, and other important species. Solar radiation including UV measurements is also envisaged. It is believed that through the impetus of IPY the ultimate goal is to see that long-term sustained monitoring is well establish at SANAE, to complement the international monitoring network.- Re-instatement of upper-air ascents at SANAE Conducting routine upper air soundings at the South African Antarctic Base at Vesleskarvet, on the Antarctic continent. One upper air ascent will be done on a daily basis by sending up a radiosonde with a weather balloon to measure the conditions of the atmosphere. The main parameters that are measured are temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction. Opportunities will also arise to add ozone balloon soundings during critical periods at SANAE, furthering our monitoring of the seasonality behaviour of the Antarctic Ozone Hole. It also will compliment the existing international monitoring network of Antarctic Ozone.- Upper air ascents on the Research and Vessel, SA AgulhasConducting upper air soundings on the research vessel, the SA Agulhas during voyages in the polar and sub-polar regions. One upper air ascent will be conducted on a daily basis during schedules voyages to SANAE in December, January and February in the polar and sub-polar region. Daily ascents also will be done during voyages in March/April, August, September, October and November in the sub-polar regions – Marion and Gough Islands. This will be of value to daily weather forecasting as well as for climatologically atmospheric studies.- Deployment of drifting weather buoys in the southern oceansThe deployment of drifting weather buoys in the oceans in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic region to measure surface and sub-surface parameters for example temperature, pressure and salinity. IPY might also be seen as the opportunity to enhance existing programs of international magnitude.- Surface observations on the Research Vessel, SA AgulhasThe continuous measurement of surface observational data onboard the research and relief vessel, the SA Agulhas during voyages in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. The parameters that are measured are air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction. The data is archived at 5 minute intervals and can be transmitted in real-time.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
To establish efforts of sustained systematic long-term measurements of primary trace gas species to monitoring background levels, and to detect atmospheric characteristically changes due to natural and human influences. Improved determination methods of the present atmospheric environmental status in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic region.To assist, with real time and actual data for improvement of data assimilation techniques for modelling of physical, dynamic, and climate processes, and in implementing improved observing systems and strategies. Furthering our knowledge and understanding through research, of the past and present atmospheric environmental changes in the Antarctic, and in order to keep check on any natural and unnatural changes.Provide real measurements for integrated climate change studies and to improve linkage between weather and climate studies.To add valuable input to data archiving centres for current and future research, and to ensure that data is accessible to the global community.To enhance scientific/environmental value and the utilisation of the excellent facilities within the new SANAE IV, Vesleskravet base. To encourage international collaboration and to utilise resources optimal.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The ongoing national and international involvement stems for long standing collaboration between many South African institutes and many different international ones. More formal linkages of ongoing research will be established and added to:-a) The South African Weather Service is a Strategic Partner in the South African National Antarctic Program (SANAP http://sanap.org.za/ ), which has been in effect for many decades under the auspices of the Department of Environmental Affairs, Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the National Research Foundation (NRF).b) The initiatives of the World Meteorological Organisationc) South African collaboration with Antarctic Research partners e.g. NILU Norway, AWI Germany, Russian Federation and Britain d) Strong Linkages and collaboration with the International Antarctic Buoy Program and Data Buoy Cooperation Panel.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The specific trace gas monitoring activities mostly will be confined to the surroundings of the South African Antarctic Base (SANAE IV) at Vesleskarvet, (71° 40' S 2° 51' W). Activities also will take place during the relief voyages undertaken by the Antarctic research vessel, the SA Agulhas, owned by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. Thus observations and research efforts can be undertaken from the city gateway of Cape Town harbour, en-route through the southern Oceans towards the Antarctic continent. Weather buoy deployment voyages even traverses towards the far south-western Atlantic ocean - towards South America.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: At SANAE December 2006 - no end date      From Cape Town SA Agulhus voyages Dec2006 – Feb2007      From Cape Town SA Agulhus voyages Dec2007 – Feb2008
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Logistical support occurs mainly from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) at the SANAE base and onboard the SA Agulhas. – National support thus is an ongoing national priority.Current logistically support and collaboration also occurs with other Antarctic Programs from countries like Germany (the Polar stern vessel) and Norway

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Upper air infrastructure will remain at Vesleskarvet and the Upper Air and surface observation system on the SA Agulhas.Strict environment adherence is followed at all times, as South Africa is a signatory and complies with the International Antarctic Treaties and subsequent policies and procedures.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The envisaged enhancement of observations have been endorsed by the World Meteorological Organisation and through the SAWS own long standing in strategic partnership with the South African National Antarctic Program (SANAP) at national level. IPY plans will be submitted for national approval most probably under the SANAP umbrella.

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?


The proposed activities are not totally new projects for the IPY as such. The activities form part of existing collaboration and/or planned enhanced collaboration during IPY. The aim is to start of with Upper air ascents and surface observation, as early as during 2005 on the SA Agulhas and Upper air ascent on Vesleskarvet at the end of 2005. The deployment of weather buoys is an existing program which could be enhanced by International collaboration.The specific trace gas monitoring and research initiatives are also ongoing at Cape Point, however the enhancement to more specific trace gas species will be added to SANAE.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The South African Weather Service has an Observations and GAW department under the division Observations and Infrastructure. The activities and projects will be managed and organised within the department and division.Overall, the SAWS is a parastatal organisation within the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT). Therefore, SAWS has an established infrastructure and proven project management environment to cope with these projects as part of its Core Business Plan.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Outreach and educations:- Young scientists from South Africa and the Southern Africa countries (SADC)will participate in the voyages onboard the SA Agulhas to do observations and research. There will be a strong drive to encourage other southern African countries to share in the Antarctic interests.- Linkages to the SANAP Outreach Programs and Education are of a formal nature, and this is to be included.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data will be available globally via the GTS to all Meteorological organisations, as practice by WMO protocol. Data sets are also archived at the South African Weather Service. Specialised data will also be submitted and archived at other global archiving centres for access by global communities such as the World Data Centres of WMO.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The South African Weather Service will provide funding as the activities are part of the Strategic Operational Plan.National funding options under SANAP are an ongoing Peer Review Process of project approvals which also can be utilised.The continued international collaborations also would allow funding opportunities from the International Arena due to joint ventures to optimise use of resources, as further planning and negotiation takes place.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
It must be noted: During these early IPY planning stages, and with submitting this document of intent, the SAWS still will be engaging with many current and new collaborators (national and international) to ensure best practises and a successful participation. Various other IPY Project intents being submitted also may refer to some or other involvement from South African Weather Service.Date: 14 January 2005

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mr. Gerhard Schulze
Bolepi House
442 Rigel Avenue South
Erasmusrand
0001
South Africa

Tel: 27 12 367 6000
Mobile: no
Fax: 27 12 367 6133
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation