Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Ocean Pressure in the Arctic Derived from Satellite Gravity Observations and In Situ Pressure Measurements  (Arctic Ocean Pressure)

Outline
The Arctic Ocean Pressure project is funded by the US NSF through 2008 to measure variations of the Arctic Ocean pressure field and derived quantities through integration of data from new satellite systems, new in situ sensors, and hydrographic data. This contributes to the development of a long-term observing system needed to understand decadal variations in the Arctic Ocean. Our goals include improving indices of ocean change related to climate variability and contributing to efforts aimed at measuring large-scale ocean circulation and freshwater distribution from space. Central Arctic sea level is a crucial determinant of Arctic Ocean circulation, and as such it strongly affects the sea ice distribution. Changes in sea ice distribution affect albedo and thus affect global climate. The fate of freshwater and export of sea ice affect global thermohaline circulation (THC) and thus climate. Therefore, observing the pressure distribution in the ocean is central to understanding the Arctic Ocean changes related to global climate.We are examining gravity measurements over the Arctic Ocean from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite system. These can be interpreted as changes in ocean bottom pressure distribution. We also install a new type ocean bottom pressure sensor near the North Pole for comparison with the GRACE observations. The new pressure gauges use acoustic modem technology so that they can be deployed for long periods and their data recovered annually without the need to bring them to the surface. We can combine GRACE and North Pole pressure data with pressure records obtained by others in the Canadian Basin and at the Arctic Ocean coast and with hydrographic observations, ice drift, atmospheric pressure and ultimately satellite altimeter data to estimate seasonal and longer variations in the Arctic Ocean sea level, bottom pressure, circulation, freshwater distribution, and the exchange of freshwater with the surrounding hydrologic system.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The Arctic Ocean Pressure project makes environmental measurements in a region that is particularly sensitive to change. The system promises a long time series of observations is critical to knowing the current state of the Arctic Ocean (Theme 1) and tracking change in the Arctic Ocean (Theme 2). Because GRACE and many coastal sea level measurements extend to lower latitude these data will improve our understanding of the linkages between the Arctic Ocean and lower latitudes (Theme 3). Insofar as the Arctic is an indicator of global change, the Arctic Ocean Pressure project provides important long-term measurements for understanding the global climate system (Theme 5).

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The Artic Ocean Pressure project is a US project, but we have cooperative arrangements to share sea level and pressure data with Canadian, Russian, Norwegian, and German investigators, thereby participating in a loose international ocean pressure network.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Our pressure gauges are installed near the North Pole. The GRACE data covers the globe, but we are examining the data for the Arctic.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 04/04 – 12/08 i.e. annual April deployments + year-round satellite gravity observations            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Our field logistics support is provided by the North Pole Environmental Observatory

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Ultimately we hope that the techniques we are developing will be combined with improved satellites to measure both bottom pressure (gravity satellites) and sea surface height (satellite altimeters) from space. The differences between these can be related to changes in upper ocean salinity, and together all these can be combined to study large scale changes in circulation from space.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator
Another national polar operator
National agency
Military support
Commercial operator

We take advantage of Canadian Forces Station Alert, Canadian Polar Continental Shelf, the US ANG 109th squadron, and commercial Canadian and Russian aircraft operators. Logistics funding is from the US NSF.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Our expression of interest is in the process of being considered by the US 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?
No

The Arctic Ocean Pressure project began in 2004 and is scheduled to continue through 2008. It is an individual grant funded by the US NSF Office of Polar Programs Arctic Section.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project as typical for NSF funded multi investigator projects with a Principal Investigator (PI) and 2 Co-PIs.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
We plan on outreach through our a Web site and with through the media, relying on our connection with the North Pole Environmental Observatory. .

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The gravity satellite data are distributed by the GRACE science team. Our in situ pressure gauge data will be released as soon as practical so that we can share with other groups measuring ocean pressure and sea level.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
NPEO is funded by NSF Office of Polar Programs, Arctic Section

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

James Morison
Polar Science Center, APL/UW
11013 NE 40thSt
Seattle, WA
98105
USA

Tel: 206 543 1394
Mobile: 206 310 5307
Fax: 206 6163142
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation