Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Study of the boundary layer and free atmosphere in the Patriot Hills region  (Patriot Atmospheric Study)

Outline
One month campaign that includes radiosonde launched every 12 hours is proposed for monitoring the boundary layer (BL) behaviour at Patriot Hills area located in the interior of the Antarctic continent (around 80ºS, 80ºW). Along with this, an automatic weather station is expected to be installed in this location for a year-round measurement of near-surface atmospheric parameters. Temperature and wind vertical profiles are expected to be obtained and therefore, structure of the BL will be analyzed for cases of katabatic wind events, as well as, the behaviour of the air temperature and wind during the transition time that takes place in from late spring to early summer (October-December). Additional information like reanalysis data will be used for studying the synoptic environment associated with katabatic wind events. The complete one year of near surface meteorological data will provide information for studying, among others, the seasonal behaviour of air temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction. These observational data will be compared with different numerical simulations. In summary expected objective will be:1.Spatial and temporal characterization of the katabatic airflow and other meteorological variables in the Patriot Hills area) 2.Analyze the synoptic and mesoscale aspects associated with katabatic airflow)

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Obtained meteorological information that will allow knowing more about the weather and the behaviour of some atmospheric variables in this part of the Antarctic continent (Patriot Hills), an area of little data available. This observational, in-situ, data will allow to compare with data obtained from numerical models and therefore to check the performance of the models in this area.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
None at the moment

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Patriot Hills is located around 80ºS, 80ºW, near a blue ice zone which is used as a runway for large airplane (like C-130) that can land on wheels

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

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
It requires at least two flies for taking all the logistic over Patriot Hills and then two flies for taking all out. Beside the meteorological equipment, cylinders with hellion will be necessary to take over Patriot Hills

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
None

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
No at the moment

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?
Yes

It is a new project that will be developed it feasibility during the next months (over the year 2005).

How will the project be organised and managed?
It is expected that the Chilean Antarctic Institute along with the Chilean Air Force will organized and carry on a one (or two) month field campaign during the spring-summer period in 2008. This project will be proposed for being included as one of the scientific activity that Chile will carry out during the IYP by itself or in collaboration with other(s) international group(s). The project itself will be organized and managed by the Principal Investigator with the support of its Organization (in this case the Chilean Weather Service).

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
None at the moment

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
All data obtained during the campaign will be used for analysis and scientific publications and therefore it will be made available almost immediately.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
It is expected that most of the logistic cost will be assumed by Chilean National Antarctic operators. Radiosonde goods and helium will be obtained through national projects and/or international collaboration.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This project could be part of the Second Scientific Expedition to South Pole.

PROPOSER DETAILS

DR JORGE CARRASCO
CASILLA 717- CORREO CENTRAL - SANTIAGO



Chile

Tel: 56 2 676 3453
Mobile: 95345150
Fax: 56 2 601 9590
Email:

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