Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

POLAR-EQUATORIAL IONOSPHERIC AND MAGNETIC STORMS CHARACTERIZATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SPACE WEATHER PREDICTION  (Geospace Characterization)

Outline
Near-Earth space (geospace) is an integral part of the Earth system, providing the material link between the Sun and Earth, primarily through the polar region and posing a potential hazard to space-borne and ground based technology on which society is increasingly dependent. Antarctica offers a privileged position to remotely sense the vast region of geospace because the Earth’s magnetic field focuses the effects of geospace into the polar region. The propose research programme is to characterized the ionosphere and water vapour at Antarctica towards the understanding of space weather. The propose programme is to quantify and to understand the similarities and differences between the two polar regions and the equatorial upper and lower atmosphere, under varying influence of the solar electromagnetic radiation and of the solar wind. In short, the objectives of the propose programme is to support towards quantifying and understanding of the, i. Interhemispheric conjugacy effects, and ii. Teleconnections between the upper and lower levels of the atmosphere. The goal of this research programme is to identify and quantify various mechanism that control interhemispheric regional differences and commonalities in the electrodynamics and plasmadynamics of the Earth’s magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling system, and in aeronomy of the upper atmosphere over Antarctic, Arctic, and Equatorial regions. The result of the research programme will enhance the visibility, accessibility, and usability of geospace data to enable whole-system geospace research and teleconnections between the upper and lower levels of the atmosphere To meet the objectives of the research and to support the IPY programme, a geospace observational array will be established at various year-round stations in Antarctica, Arctic, and Equatorial regions. At present the Malaysian Antarctic Research Programme has already established a GPS stations at Scott Base and Kuala Lumpur for this studies. The geospace observational array, which will be connected to the internet network for data disseminations to other scientists around the world, consists of the following instruments to cover 5 stations over Antarctic and one station at Arctic and Kuala Lumpur. i. 5 GPS receiver units (4 units at Antarctica and 1 unit at Arctic) ii. 3 Multispectral radiometers (Equipment positioning depend on the site unavailability) iii. 1 Digisondes unit (Kuala Lumpur) iv. 3 VHF/UHF radio receiver units for Auroral/Solar Burst radio measurements (2 units at Antarctica and 1 unit at Arctic).

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Theme 3 - Polar-global linkages and teleconnections i. Interhemispheric conjugacy effects, and ii. Teleconnections between the upper and lower levels of the atmosphere.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Malaysia National University of Malaysia, Malaysia Antarctica New Zealand NIWA, New Zealand University of Canterbury, New Zealand British Antarctic Survey Norwegian Antarctic Research Indian Antarctic Research

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia Scott Base, Antarctica Weddel Sea, Antarctica Svalbald, Arctic Mirny, Antarctic

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: July 2006      July 2007      July 2008
Antarctic: February 2006      February 2007      February 2008

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
i. 5 GPS receiver units (4 units at Antarctica and 1 unit at Arctic) ii. 3 Multispectral radiometers (Equipment positioning depend on the site unavailability) iii. 1 Digisondes unit (Kuala Lumpur) iv. 3 VHF/UHF radio receiver units for Auroral/Solar Burst radio measurements (2 units at Antarctica and 1 unit at Arctic).

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
None

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The project has been running since 2002 and is supported by Malaysian Antarctic Research Programme and Antarctica New Zealand.

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

The project has been running since 2002 and is supported by Malaysian Antarctic Research Programme and Antarctica New Zealand.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be managed by Malaysian Antarctic Research Programme

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Project supervision and coordination. Data dissemination

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Link to Joint Committee for Antarctic Data Management

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Malaysian Antarctic Research Programme will fund the research

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Zainol Abidin Abdul Rashid
Department of Electrical, Electronic and System Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
National University of Malaysia
Selangor
43600 UKM
Malaysia

Tel: +603-89216327
Mobile: +6013-3682321
Fax: +603-89216146
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation