Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

‘clean station’ for atmospheric chemistry in Svalbard  (CORBEL Station)

Outline
The project concerns a new tool devoted to atmospheric chemistry studies, consisting in a clean powered station (combined system of wind mills, solar cells and fuel cells) and its clean logistics. The geographical location is in Svalbard, at 6 km from Ny Alesund village (79° North). The specificity of this station is its site quality (there is no significant pollution due to local human activities), and its easy way to be reached from Europe, using Ny-Alesund facilities.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
This project is designed to act as a new tool for atmospheric science in the Arctic :- process studies (snow-air interactions, sea salt chemistry, pollutants).- Complementarity with running programmes in Ny alesund and at Zeppelin Station- Validation measurements with the running programmes

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
- Alfred Wegener Institute (Germany)Under discussion : CNR (Italy), NILU (Norway).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Svalbard, 6 km in the east of Ny Alesund.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: From 03/07            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Facilites of the AWIPEV platform in Ny Alesund (including laboratories, accommodation, local logistics). Specific transfer logistics to the Station from Ny Alesund (‘electric’ snowscooters).

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Yes. Corbel Station will be set up and available for a long term view, with additional ‘clean power’ if necessary, to be useful for all the atmospheric community working in the Arctic.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes: This project was the purpose of a workshop held in 2002, gathering the international community. Finally, the project presented by IPEV was fully approved.

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 project contributes to SVALPLAT project, supported by Norway, and is cited as possible reference site for NAMOPOL and OASIS science projects.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The station management will be done in providing service quality, in order to optimize science work with the respect of protocol constraints , notably concerning samples contamination aspects. Two years of field organization on this station demonstrates the services competences of AWIPEV staff.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The Station will serve for education courses : atmospheric chemistry, and ‘renewable energies’ in the Arctic remote sites. It is also already plan to involve French, German and Norwegian schools to rebuild the 4 buildings with respect to the arctic landscape and the local culture heritage.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Meteorological and particles datas from the permanent measurements will be directly accessible on the AWIPEV web site.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project has started since 2003, with solar cells installations. Other equipment will be funded by IPEV, with support from private companies.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
The 10 KW required for the campains would be ready for use at the end of 2006.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Yves Frenot
French Polar Institute (IPEV _ Paul Emile Victor)
Technopole rest Iroise
Plouzane
BP 75
France

Tel: +33 2 98 05 65 00
Mobile: no
Fax: +33 2 98 05 65 55
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation