Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #239: Magnetic Observations at First International Polar Year Stations in Canada  

Outline
Magnetic observations formed an important part of the scientific program during the First International Polar Year. At all three IPY stations established in Canada (Ft Conger, Ft Rae, Kingua (Clearwater) Fiord, magnetic observatories were set up. During the centenary of the IPY we visited all three sites and were able to locate exactly the magnetic observatories at Ft Conger and at Kingua Fiord. At Ft Rae we were able to find the approximate location. Magnetic observations were made, which allowed us to determine the change in the magnetic field over the century. We propose to repeat these observations during the upcoming IPY. There are very few locations in the polar regions where the change in the magnetic field can be determined with precision over an interval of 125 years. Thus the opportunity to visit the three IPY sites in Canada affords a unique opportunity to determine the long-term changes in the magnetic field in arctic Canada.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The observations we plan to make are unlikely to lead to any unexpected advances in geomagnetism. Rather, they afford an incremental increase our knowledge of the temporal change of the magnetic field in an area where such knowledge is minimal (Theme 2). Such knowledge will help increase our understanding of processes in the core that generate the magnetic field and its changes. Polar observations are especially useful because certain features of secular change, such as geomagnetic jerks, are not supposed to be observed in polar regions (Theme3, Theme6).

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
No direct collaboration, but may share aircraft with COMPASS as outlined elsewhere.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Ft Conger (81º44’ N, 64º 44’ W), Ft Rae ( 62º 39’ N, 115º 44’ W), Kingua Foprd (66º 36’ N, 67º20’W)

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 05/07 –approx 1 day (Ft Conger)      07/07 – approx 1 day (Ft Rae)      08/07 – approx 1 to 3 days (Kingua Fiord)
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Ft Conger – ski-equipped Twin Otter Ft Rae – helicopter Kingua Fiord – small boat or helicopter

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Since all sites are of historic importance we do no want to leave a legacy of infrastructure.

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

It is anticipated that the Ft Conger observations can be done in conjunction with the International COMPASS expedition (PI, Di Mauro) using PCSP Twin Otter

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Not yet

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?
Exp

The project can be viewed as part of our existing and ongoing mandate to map the magnetic field and changes therein.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Each site will be observed independently on the other to simplify logistics. Each site will be visited by a two-person team consisting of an observer and assistant. It is expected that only a single day will be spent at each site, except at Kingua Fiord, where a short-duration camp may have to be established. The observer will be responsible for all aspects of logistical planning. Financial accountability and overall responsibility rests with the current leader of the Geomagnetic Hazards Project under the Natural Hazards and Emergency Response Program.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
We expect to use our existing web site as the primary means of outreach. Prior to the survey a history of the first IPY expeditions will be placed on the site, along with information about the 1982 expedition. The web site already contains much information about the magnetic field and how it changes. This will be drawn upon to explain the importance of the project. As each site is visited photos well be posted on the web, and preliminary observations will be used to show the additional changes in the magnetic field.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data management is trivial since the total volume of data produced will consist of three 80-character records. These will be forwarded to the World Data Centres as is normally done for magnetic repeat station observations. The observations will also be posted on the web site.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project will be funded primarily out of A-base and revenue. We anticipate applying for PCSP support for the Twin Otter time required to visit Ft Conger.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Larry Newitt
Geological Survey of Canada - Geomagnetic Laboratory
7 Observatory Crescent
Ottawa, Ont
K1A 0Y3
Canada

Tel: 613-837-7915
Mobile: no
Fax: 613-824-9803
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation