New Funding Announcement:
Synthesis of Arctic System Science
NSF 05-525
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Office of Polar Programs, Arctic System Science Program
For the full program solicitation, see the NSF web site at:
http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2005/nsf05525/nsf05525.htm
The deadline for full proposals is Friday, 18 March 2005.
For further information, please contact:
Neil R. Swanberg
E-mail: nswanber [at] nsf.gov
The National Science Foundation Arctic System Science (ARCSS) Program is
soliciting proposals for research that synthesizes our understanding of
the arctic system. ARCSS Program research focuses on understanding the
fundamental characteristics, dynamics, and controlling principles of the
arctic system through integration and synthesis of knowledge from past
and ongoing studies.
The arctic system is a set of interconnected and interacting physical,
biological, and human components and processes in the northern region
influenced by the existence of perennial ice (sea ice, ice sheets,
glaciers, permafrost, etc.). Research efforts supported will build on
and integrate the wealth of existing data and knowledge to advance our
understanding of the behavior of the arctic system or key subsets of the
system and to understand the role it plays in the global system and
society.
Proposals are sought that discover, clarify, and improve our
understanding of linkages, interactions, and feedbacks among two or more
components of the arctic system. Strong proposals focused on arctic
synthesis will meet all of the following criteria (addressed explicitly
in the proposal):
Incorporate elements from the existing arctic data, information, and
models. Proposed investigations should build upon past research efforts
by using data sets, model output, knowledge of processes, and other
available information. New data collection efforts may be considered
only if a knowledge gap can be clearly identified, and demonstrated to
be absolutely indispensable before synthesis can proceed.Focus on interdisciplinary, cross-cutting questions that will lead to
a better understanding of how the system components function and
interact. Cross-cutting questions might address such themes as: unique
aspects of Arctic radiative forcing and extreme seasonality; causes of
spatial and temporal variability in system components; interaction of
physical, biological, and social factors on dampening or amplifying
arctic change; human versus natural perturbations to the system; or
adaptation, management and policy issues. Investigations might, for
example, explore processes and interactions that are responsible for, or
driven by, phenomena such as sea ice thinning, land surface changes,
alterations in ocean productivity, permafrost degradation, changing
modes of energy transfer from lower-latitudes, damage to infrastructure,
effects of Arctic warming on human communities, economic development, or
economic transitions. Proposals that explore the linkages between the
Arctic and the global system are also welcome. Proposals that approach
system-level science in novel and unique ways are encouraged.Demonstrate clear relevance to the entire arctic system. By their
nature, synthesis studies may address a suite of time (including paleo)
and space scales (from regional up to pan-Arctic), however, the highest
priority will be placed on studies that focus on the system at a
pan-arctic scale. Investigations need not have a pan-Arctic geographic
scope, but must demonstrate the relevance of site-specific research to
the entire arctic system and provide an explicit plan for how findings
will be applied or integrated across temporal and spatial scales. Topics
that link multiple spatial and/or temporal scales are encouraged.Include specific plans for deposition of data and products resulting
from the project into the ARCSS data and information system before the
end of the project. The plan should include the preparation of metadata
documentation for the data, identification of which repository or
repositories will receive the data, and how the data will contribute to
the larger arctic system synthesis.
Projects could approach synthesis through any mechanism deemed
appropriate given the focus and scope of proposed research. These
methods or mechanisms could include integrated analyses, community
workshops, applied/decision-support tools, conceptual, numerical or
spatial models, or others as applicable.
For the full program solicitation, see the NSF web site at:
http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2005/nsf05525/nsf05525.htm
The deadline for full proposals is Friday, 18 March 2005.
For further information, please contact:
Neil R. Swanberg
E-mail: nswanber [at] nsf.gov