Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Response of permafrost to climatic change  (Permafrost response)

Outline
Under the influence of global warming trends, permafrost behaves both passively and actively, so a positive feedback loop must be included the model. Therefore, to account for this positive feedback, continuous long-term monitoring and observation are required to establish the present permafrost distribution and to clarify the response of the permafrost to changes in the surface conditions and their relation to the greenhouse gases. The purpose of the study is to clarify the response of the permafrost to climatic changes in Alaska. This response, especially in the inner structure, ground temperature and condition of the active layer, to climatic changes will be monitored under various permafrost conditions, and the relationships will be clarified. In Alaska, transected lines, running in the east-west and north-south directions will be established, and continuous observations of the permafrost structure and its response to global warming in this undisturbed area will be made. The emission of the greenhouse gases from the permafrost surface will be also monitored. Observational sites will be established at Fairbanks in the discontinuous permafrost area and Barrow in the continuous area.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Based on the continuous monitoring and observation carried out under various permafrost conditions, the response of permafrost to climatic change will be clarified from this study. Furthermore, the response to change of other surface conditions, i.e. forest fire, will be predicted.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
University of Alaska Fairbanks is involved in this study.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Fairbanks and Barrow, Alaska

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 06/05 – 08/05      06/06 – 08/06      06/07 – 08/07
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
This project will be supported by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This activity has been endorsed at Japanese National Committee.

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 study is a component of those endorsed by Japanese National Committee.

How will the project be organised and managed?
This study will be organised and managed by Hokkaido University and University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Seminar and symposium for citizens and students will be conducted.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Metadata obtained by this study have been stored and archived in National Institute of Polar Research, Japan, since two years after this study is completed.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
It is proposed that this study id funded by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Koichiro Harada
2-2-1, Hatatate
Taihaku-ku
Sendai
982-0215
Japan

Tel: +81-22-245-2211 ex.248
Mobile: no
Fax: +81-22-245-1534
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation