Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Sea Ice from Space for IPY  (SISI)

Outline
The goals of this project are to bring together all availablesatellite observations of sea ice during IPY from both polarregions; assimilate the data into a state-of-the-art globalice-ocean model to produce the best possible fields of sea iceproperties, regularly gridded in space and time; analyze thefields in a historical and global context to understand andexplain the changes in sea ice and their feedbacks to theglobal climate system; support the planning and execution offield programs, including optimal selection of measurement sites;document and (where feasible) re-grid the satellite data to a common grid to facilitate their use by other investigators.This project addresses the IPY themes of Status, Change, andGlobal Linkages. Satellite observations are the only wayto establish the status of the sea ice covers of the Arctic andAntarctic. The data assimilation will allow gaps in spatial andtemporal coverage to be filled in a physically realistic manner.The results will provide a baseline for assessing future change,and will be useful for field programs in planning and execution, as well as interpretation of results in a large-scale context.Satellite-borne instruments that will be flying during IPYinclude passive microwave, visible, and infrared sensors,as well as active radar imagers and altimeters. Sea iceconcentration, thickness, surface temperature, motion, and otherparameters will be observed or derived from these instruments.We will collect this disparate information and document itsutility and shortcomings in the course of preparing it for usein the data assimilation procedure.The Space Age dawned in 1957 during IGY with the launch of Sputnik.Since that time, satellites have revolutionized the study of Earthscience. The year 1957 also saw the introduction of the IBM 610auto-point computer, an 800-lb box capable of performing 1 floatingpoint multiplication every 1.37 seconds. The billion-fold increasein computer speed since IGY is the second monumental technologicaladvance that has transformed Earth science. Our proposed IPY project exploits the revolutions in both remote sensing and computing technology to advance our understanding of the role of sea ice in the global climate system.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Status: This project will produce gridded fields of sea ice properties at regular time intervals throughout the IPY time period, using all available satellite and field data, to characterize the status of the polar ocean surfaces.Change: 50-year model simulations will establish the temporal context in which to interpret the observed sea ice conditions during IPY.Global Linkages: The global ice-ocean model will enable us to explore feedbacks between the polar climate and the mid-latitudes.Field Programs: The early results of this project, which will be available before the IPY field seasons, will assist in planning and execution of field programs.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
We are actively pursuing contacts with foreign flight agencies and remote sensing scientists.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
No field work

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

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The satellites that will collect the data to be used in this project are supported by national flight agencies such as NASA and ESA. This project does not require logistical or support facilities beyond those that will already be in place.

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?
Our expression of interest is in the process of being considered by the U.S. National Committee for IPY.

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

This is a new project encompassing both polar regions and taking a global perspective, but it builds on the previous work and expertise of the personnel involved. The global ice-ocean model and the capability to analyze and assimilate satellite data are already well developed

How will the project be organised and managed?
The core group of investigators on this project has worked together for many years. Each person will be responsible for one major aspect of the project. The project leader will coordinate the different tasks. We will establish a timeline with milestones to be achieved. We intend to coordinate our activities with other projects, both locally and internationally; present results at scientific meetings; make our data products available in a timely manner; and publish our results in well-known scientific journals.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Education: We will employ undergraduate students who will learn about polar research on the job. Outreach: We will participate in established outreach programs at the Applied Physics Laboratory, and initiate new connections with local schools and organizations. Communication: We have established relationships with local newspaper reporters who are interested in IPY. We will host a web site with elementary descriptions of our research and results.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
This project will have a designated data manager whose job is to ensure compliance with IPY data management policies. Data products from this project will include value-added, satellite-derived fields of sea ice properties and model output. We will ensure timely availability of data products, and appropriate archiving at data centers. There will not be any field data.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
We intend to submit a proposal to NASA to fund this project.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mr Harry Stern
Polar Science Center
1013 NE 40th Street
Seattle, WA
98105
USA

Tel: +1 206-543-7253
Mobile: no
Fax: +1 206-616-3142
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation