 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
|||
 |
 |
ClimateProjects are listed alphabetically by principal investigator _______________ University of Toronto ($144,000 over 3 years) Project Title: Black carbon particulates: effects of chemical processing in the atmosphere This study will examine the chemical processes of soot particles as they age in the atmosphere. It will determine the rate and ability of the particles to take up water and release toxins and their rate of deposition. It will also provide essential information on how quickly toxic constituents formed in the particles are removed by oxidative processes. The work will help in assessing the environmental impact of black carbon particulate emissions and contribute to the development of environmental policies that apply to soot sources such as forest fires and fossil fuel consumption. _______________ St. Francis Xavier University ($226,248 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed August 2006) Project Title: Determination of the past energy balance at the Earth’s surface: Canadian and global spatial variations Paleoclimate studies can identify past variations in surface and subsurface temperatures. By comparing temperature differences between the Earth’s surface and depths up to 500 metres, the research improved our understanding and prediction of past and future temperature variants across the Earth’s surface. The work provided valuable information on energy process mechanisms, which can be incorporated into land-surface computer models to improve climate predictability and variability. St. Francis Xavier University ($166,000 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Permafrost stability analysis using downscaled GCM simulations and borehole temperatures The fate of permafrost in the Arctic is an increasingly important issue due to ongoing climate change. This project will not only provide estimates of the degree to which Arctic permafrost might melt during the next century, but it will also assess the performance of climate models. Research results will also help inform mitigation and adaptation efforts, such as improved infrastructure and engineering design in response to a changing climate. _______________ University of British Columbia ($258,020 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed March 2006) Project Title: Heterogeneous freezing kinetics of upper troposphere particles The project enhances scientific knowledge of how ice clouds form in the upper troposphere level of the Earth’s atmosphere (the region from the ground to an altitude of approximately 15 kilometres). Clouds are formed by the freezing of aerosol particles in this region; scientists look at the freezing process of the particles using temperature, relative humidity, and trace-gas concentrations that are present in the upper troposphere. The work leads to improved models of upper tropospheric clouds and the Earth’s climate system, and to more effective tools for predicting and studying the impact of climate change. University of British Columbia ($287,200 over 3 years) Project Title: Improving the understanding of mixed-phase and ice clouds with emphasis on the Arctic region and cubic ice in the upper troposphere Climate models are key tools for predicting future climate. The Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM) is capable of examining relatively small processes, such as the formation of clouds or thunderstorms, at a regional scale. The research will investigate the role of cubic ice formation, an important element of ice clouds. It will improve the representation of mixed-phase clouds and ice clouds in the Model and result in more accurate climate predictions, particularly in the Arctic region. It will also provide a better understanding of the Arctic climate system. _______________ University of British Columbia ($299,900 over 2 years) Project Title: Impact of mountain pine beetle on the carbon balance of lodgepole pine stands in western Canada A warming climate is associated with more, and more intense, infestation by some forest pests. Within the next 20 years, mountain pine beetles will likely kill over 80% of BC’s lodgepole pine stands. This will significantly affect the forest industry in B.C. and alter the amount of carbon dioxide that would normally be taken up by these trees through photosynthesis and respiration. The project will provide flux data from forest sites in north-central B.C., showing how the carbon balance of lodgepole pine stands is changing as a result of beetle attacks. _______________ McGill University ($172,000 over 3 years, awarded 2005, completed January 2009) Project Title: A new fast stratospheric ozone chemistry scheme and its application to the modelling of past and future trends Over the past two decades, changes in stratospheric ozone over the Antarctic have increased ultraviolet radiation at the Earth’s surface. This has led to the application of the Montreal Protocol on reductions of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) emissions. Although more research is needed on an ongoing basis to determine other anthropogenic sources affecting stratospheric ozone, the computational cost of state-of-the-art chemistry is still a major limitation in our predictive capability. Dr. Bourqui created a “fast-chemistry” scheme for modelling stratospheric ozone, enabling the research team to investigate the past and future evolution of ozone and to identify the contributions of different gases emitted as a result of human activity. _______________ University of Waterloo ($175,200 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Quantifying the uncertainty in modelled estimates of future extreme precipitation events Global climate change could have serious implications for water resources and lead to increased instances of flooding. This research will improve understanding of the impacts of climate change on extreme precipitation events, quantify the uncertainties associated with these events, and develop improved procedures and guidelines for risk-based decision-making. This information will help develop policy related to design standards for extreme precipitation events—standards that form the basis for designing water infrastructure. _______________ University of British Columbia ($279,900 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed March 2005) Project Title: Temporal and spatial variability of CO2 efflux in the eastern equatorial Pacific during the last 200,000 years as monitored by sedimentary nitrogen isotope ratios A key challenge in climate history research involves determining the causes of major fluctuations in the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This project contributed to a better understanding of long-term controls on the carbon dioxide (CO2) content of the atmosphere and the dynamics of greenhouse warming on the planet. CO2 concentration can fall by one-third in ice ages and rebound during the interglacial periods; the reason for this is not known. The equatorial eastern Pacific is the most important oceanic source of CO2, accounting for 75% of the total exchange of CO2 from the ocean to the atmosphere, due to the upwelling of CO2-enriched water from below. This project examined past changes in the intensity and spatial distribution of upwelling in the equatorial eastern Pacific using a new tracer: the ratio of naturally occurring isotopes of nitrogen in organic matter. _______________ University of Toronto ($148,160 over 2 years, awarded 2001, completed December 2003) Project Title: Carbon balance estimate at landscape level from atmospheric CO2 and isotope concentration measurements The results of the project helped validate climate models and improve estimates of the carbon source and sink distribution. Assessing terrestrial carbon balance is important in understanding the Earth’s climate system. The team investigated the feasibility of deriving carbon cycle information from accumulated data over the past decade at one of its research sites. The research helped determine if landscape-level carbon balance signals from various carbon dioxide temporal and spatial patterns could be retrieved through use of models, tower concentration and isotopic measurements, and aircraft profiling date. A further step was to study carbon balance over larger areas from a 100- to 200-metre-tall tower above a forest. Participants in this project included scientists from the University of Calgary, Meteorological Service of Canada, and Canada Centre for Remote Sensing. University of Toronto ($389,065 over 3 years, awarded 2003, completed November 2006) Project Title: Ecosystem-coupled and nested atmospheric inversion for carbon fluxes over Canada’s landmass Trace gas concentrations measured in the atmosphere can be used to inversely calculate their sources and sinks. The research involved atmospheric inversion studies of the carbon cycle over Canada’s landmass, which incorporate modelled constraints imposed on the ecosystem processes, using remote sensing input data. Initially, results using the GEM-BEPS model were compared and calibrated with TransCom3 data, after which extensive Canadian atmospheric inversion studies are undertaken using the nested modelling capability of GEM, both with and without ecosystem constraint criteria. The results improve the understanding global atmospheric inversion methods and further the understanding of the real-time simulation of carbon dynamics in Canada. University of Toronto ($298,000 over 3 years) Project Title: Nested global inversion for North America carbon sinks and sources with 13CO2 isotope constraint The project uses inverse modelling to strengthen our ability to estimate regional, terrestrial carbon balances and produce a tool capable of integrating major carbon-related datasets gleaned from remote sensing, forest inventory, soil, fire history, flux tower carbon dioxide measurements, meteorology, and atmospheric trace gas measurements. The work will quantify Canada’s ecosystem carbon balance; it will reduce uncertainty in estimating carbon sources and better reflect the nature of all sources and sinks of carbon dioxide. _______________ University of Western Ontario ($592,611 over 3 years, awarded 2003, completed August 2007) Project Title: Roaming GHG-hotspots (CO2, CH4, and N2O): a hydrologically based method for mapping GHG sources Forest soils play a significant role in the global budget of the primary greenhouse gases (GHG): carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide. This research examined the distribution of soil GHG fluxes in complex forested landscapes in relation to a variety of environmental (temperature, soil, moisture, oxygen) and organic soil parameters. The results were incorporated into an ecosystem simulation model for the prediction and mapping of GHG fluxes in temperate forest landscapes. Knowledge generated by the project assists in developing improved GHG accounting tools and emissions strategies for forested ecosystems. _______________ University of Victoria Project Title: Iron supply in the Arctic Ocean and its effect on productivity, carbon cycling and emission of climatologically active gases ($293,500 over 3 years, awarded 2006) Memorial University ($191,975 over 3 years) Project Title:Response of the Labrador Sea environment to global climate changes: modelling, diagnosis and predictability During the past half century there have been substantial changes in the physical and ecosystem characteristics of the Labrador Sea. Scenario studies will be conducted to improve understanding of the Labrador Sea’s complex ecosystem and to correlate changes in fish stocks and the abundance of phytoplankton and zooplankton with large-scale atmospheric and ocean variability. The research will improve understanding of how global warming influences the environment in this area and provide information to inform decisions on the use and management of natural resources. _______________ English, Michael _______________ Trent University ($204,000 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed October 2006) Project Title: Radiative forcing of greenhouse gases in the troposphere Radioactive forcing of greenhouse gases is a major driver in climate change. The project used remote-sensing techniques to measure climate forcing attributed to different greenhouse gases (including water vapour) in a variety of locations as well as under cloud cover. The climate-forcing measurements provided a dataset with which to compare Global Climate Model (GCM) radiation models (the Canadian GCM-3 and the NCAR CCM3). Measurements can also be compared to predictions from GCM codes to determine discrepancies between the model and the measurements. _______________ Dalhousie University ($62,500 over 3 years, awarded 2003, completed April 2007) Project Title: Mean water vapour budget of the tropical troposphere Much of the warming seen in climate models is associated with carbon dioxide, which can be attributed to increases in water vapour. A water vapour feedback mechanism therefore exists, which can significantly determine the degree of future climate change i.e., that which might occur over the next 100 years. The study employed satellite, aircraft and radiosonde measurements collected in the tropics to more accurately characterize the various sources of water vapour released to the tropical atmosphere. The results assist general circulation modellers in determining whether the hydrological cycle is being modelled in a realistic manner, and help clarify the outstanding uncertainties associated with both the size and nature of the water vapour feedback mechanism. _______________ University of Northern British Columbia ($405,497 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed July 2006) Project Title: Regional carbon-balance and GIS-model for a sub-boreal research forest in British Columbia The carbon balance of a sub-boreal research forest was examined and modelled at a site near Prince George in central British Columbia. The research examined links between carbon stocks and fluxes, and climatic and environmental factors, including microclimate, temperature and water. Additional work included evaluating the impact of forest management practices on carbon pools in BC forests. The initiative contributed to the validation of regional and national computer models of carbon balance and helped develop benchmarks for long-term carbon inventory studies. _______________ Francois, Roger _______________ Gajewski, Konrad _______________ University of Alberta ($130,000 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Potential impact of climate change and climate anomalies in the water resources of western Canada: adaptation options and reducing vulnerability Changes to Canada’s climate will mean increased pressure on diminishing water resources. This project will study how climatic processes such as El Niño produce stream-flow anomalies, especially water shortages, in western Canada. The project will determine the economic impact of these water shortages—information that policy-makers can use to manage impacts. _______________ University of Victoria ($99,095 over 3 years, awarded 2003, completed October 2007) Project Title: Assessing the role of seafloor weathering in the global carbon cycle The oceanic crust is known to react chemically with the oceans and bring significant carbon fluxes into subduction zones. However, the role of seafloor weathering in the global carbon cycle is very poorly understood, even though it plays a significant role in generating volcanic CO2 fluxes. Utilizing drill cores of the upper oceanic crust recovered from sites in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the study utilized a variety of isotope and trace element techniques, to determine the environmental conditions that favour carbonate precipitation. The results are to be used to quantify the CO2 inventory of the oceanic crust as well as identify the variables controlling the amount and spatial distribution of stored carbon. _______________ Université du Québec à Montréal ($298,300 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed June 2005) Project Title: Simulating aerosol-cloud-climate interactions in the Arctic Clouds influence the amount of solar radiation that reaches the earth’s surface and the amount of infrared radiation that escapes to space; hence, surface temperature is closely linked to clouds. The research investigated the effects of sulphuric acid aerosols, originating from predominantly anthropogenic sources, on cloud formation in the Arctic, and the impact of this on the climate of the Arctic. The results are also helping improve regional climate-change models. _______________ McGill University ($199,500 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Heterogeneity in northern climate trends: assessing the role of glacial modulation This project will not only provide estimates of the fate of Arctic permafrost during the next century, but will also help assess the performance of climate models. From this research will flow a better understanding of permafrost, which will be vital for policy development regarding mitigation and adaptation. The research will also lead to improved forecasting of future permafrost distribution and will help with the development of improved infrastructure and engineering design for northern pipelines. These and other such installations will become increasingly important as the Arctic opens up. _______________ University of Toronto ($159,600 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Reconstructing Labrador Current variability during the past centuries using coralline red algal and other proxy climate data The northwestern Atlantic Ocean is a key region where poorly understood climate and oceanographic changes have recently had a dramatic impact on ecosystems, fishery yields and, therefore, employment and industry. The project will generate and interpret multi-century climate records to help improve modelling and forecasting of long-term weather patterns, ecosystem responses and fishery yields for the eastern Canadian provinces. _______________ University of Western Ontario ($462,750 over 3 years, awarded 2003, completed November 2007) Project Title: Tropopause processes and dynamics relating to ozone transport, tropospheric ozone and ozone climatology Though often considered a “lid” to the troposphere, the tropopause is far from being an isolating layer. On occasion it can split, or form tropospheric folds and intrusions, often resulting in mixing between the tropopause and the stratopause. The project aimed to determine the percentage of tropospheric ozone originating from the stratosphere by such processes. The research used measurements and observations from simultaneous and collocated windprofiler radars, ozonesondes and radiosondes, including those of other constituents such as various fluorocarbons, water vapour, carbon monoxide and methane, under certain circumstances. Several case study comparisons were made with a MSC high-resolution (21 km over three years) region forecast model and pollution models (CHRONOS and AURAMS). _______________ York University Project Title: Chemical dynamical studies of the troposphere and stratosphere with a high resolution model, GEM-Strato ($300,000 over 3 years, awarded 2006) _______________ St. Francis Xavier University ($198,300 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed August 2006) Project Title: Evaluating the role of soil total heat in controlling carbon dioxide production in Canada This project examined the role of stored energy in controlling surface emissions of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) in the top metre of the soil. The research took place at a range of soil and land-use sites across Nova Scotia. A central goal of the research was to determine how the annual soil heat storage, hence the production and emission of carbon dioxide, varies with shifts in air temperature. The project contributed to the understanding and modelling of potential global warming scenarios. _______________ University of Victoria ($200,000 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Multicloud and multiscale models for tropical convection and equatorial waves Surprisingly, tropical storms and extreme weather have a dramatic effect on Canada, including severe flooding in British Columbia. This project will provide a better understanding of tropical climate events, improving forecasts of a weather phenomenon in Indonesia similar to El Niño that actually has surprising impacts closer to home. _______________ Kushner, Paul University of Toronto ($198,050 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Predictors of the atmospheric circulation response to transient forcing: applications to North American seasonal forecasts Seasonal forecasts use statistics and models of weather and climate. They are subject to uncertainty, especially in Canada and the U.S., where the weather varies so much from year to year. This project will help reduce uncertainty in seasonal forecasts by providing information on how atmospheric conditions react with varying weather events. Weather-sensitive industries, which represent about one-quarter of the North American economy, would benefit greatly from improved seasonal forecasts. _______________ Trent University ($475,850 over 3 years, awarded 2003, completed June 2007) Project Title: Investigation of the Canadian tundra carbon dioxide exchange The research examined carbon flux and environmental changes in the Canadian Arctic, using existing research facilities at the Terrestrial Environmental Research Station (TERS) at Daring Lake, NWT. Measurements focused on the exchange of carbon on 3 different scales: ecosystem; plot (tundra); and plant species. The results were used to determine the current net CO2 sink/source strength of Canadian arctic tundra vegetation communities, the seasonal and annual variability in CO2 exchange in Arctic tundra, and characterize the biotic and abiotic controls affecting carbon exchange in Arctic tundra ecosystems. _______________ Queen’s University ($55,400 over 2 years, awarded 2002, completed March 2006) Project Title: Reconstructing long-term hydrological variability and flow extremes on the Columbia River, British Columbia, using varved lacustrine sediments The project involved examining the annual sediment layers of Upper Arrow Lake, in order to evaluate the yearly runoff from the Columbia River over the past 1,000 years. The information was used to determine long-term variations in the river flow regime and identify extremes, such as floods and droughts. The data helped validate long-term climate changes and determine if and how flow regimes are linked to changes in ocean circulation patterns. University of Ottawa ($290,860 over 3 years) Project Title: Impact of climate change on mountain permafrost, northwest Canada Residents of northern Canada rely on permafrost to support an array of services and structures: pipelines, building foundations, water supplies, ice-roads and the stability of land-slide prone areas. How climate change will affect permafrost in the mountains of northwestern B.C. and the Yukon is largely unknown. The project will record the complex distribution of permafrost in this region at a level of detail that will be more useful to regional resource managers than the general maps currently available. Information about present conditions will be combined with modelling techniques, resulting in more accurate predictions of permafrost change over the short and long term. Better understanding of the impacts of climate change on the northern environment will also help in planning adaptive measures for infrastructure and resource development. _______________ Dalhousie University ($412,000 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed September 2005) Project Title: Laboratory testing of an anthropogenic role in ice nucleation Ice is an important factor in climate and air quality issues: its presence affects the lifespan of clouds and trace gases. An ice nuclei laboratory was set up to study the ice activity of black carbon and mineral dust found in atmospheric aerosols. The role of temperature on the ice nucleating ability of different types of aerosols was examined, as was the effect of trace gases on the ability of aerosols to act as ice nuclei. This project permitted a better characterization of the microphysical properties of clouds in climate and air quality models, especially the glaciation ability of supercooled clouds. It will also increased understanding of ice nucleation mechanisms. _______________ University of Alberta ($336,102 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed July 2006) Project Title: Air-sea gas transfer due to micro-scale breaking waves This research enhanced global climate modelling through a better understanding of the role that micro-scale breaking waves play in the exchange of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, between the atmosphere and the world’s oceans. _______________ University of Western Ontario ($418,600 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed July 2006) Project Title: Developing a proxy climate database for the last 300 years in the Canadian Cordillera This project represents a Canadian contribution to a major international project “The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research Collaborative Network.” The network compared information on climate variability from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. Climate variation in western Canada over the last 300-500 years was documented, using proxy climate records derived from tree rings. Long-lived tree species provide annual data on precipitation and temperatures: this information was incorporated into an integrated, accessible database to develop local, regional and continental-scale reconstructions of past climate variation. Tree-ring data also permitted investigation of the relationship between climate and biomass production/carbon sequestration: the capacity of natural forest systems to sequester additional amounts of carbon in response to climate change was assessed. Documenting and understanding natural climate variability is critical to modelling future climates, as future anthropogenically driven climate changes will be superimposed on this continuing natural variability. _______________ University of Waterloo ($130,100 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Response of shallow lakes and ponds to contemporary climate change in the Hudson Bay lowland near Churchill, Manitoba Ponds and shallow lakes in northern Canada are rich in biodiversity—a habitat for wildlife at high latitudes and a breeding ground for migratory shorebirds. Recent observations, however, show a decrease in the surface area of Arctic lakes and ponds. This project will focus on the Canadian landscape to provide a better understanding of the seasonal variability of water levels and long-term trends regarding the state of these bodies of water. _______________ Concordia University ($190,780 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Probabilistic forecasts of the viability of future Canadian carbon sinks As a nation with substantial forest cover, Canada can make an important contribution to international climate-mitigation efforts through management of its forest carbon resources. In many cases, the forest acts as a sink for carbon, absorbing more carbon than it emits. By improving predictions of how Canadian carbon sinks will change over the coming century, this research will supply a more precise estimate of future climate change, and the impact of this on the Canadian environment. _______________ York University ($139,000 over 2 years, awarded 2002, completed December 2005) Project Title: Measuring ozone column from astronomical archives Given concerns about changes in the terrestrial ozone column in the stratosphere, we need to know more about what the unperturbed levels were before satellite coverage started in the 1970s. The longest record may be the Arosa record, which goes back to 1926. The present research examined and analyzed measurements of the ozone column back to the beginning of the 20th century or even earlier, using ozone signatures from historical stellar observational data for several astronomical observatories around the globe. This provided much-needed data on ozone changes over a much longer time frame than is currently available and increased our knowledge of variations in the Earth’s ozone layer. _______________ University of Victoria ($139,000 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Vegetation feedbacks to high-latitude climate change As a northern nation, Canada will see amplified warming in response to increasing greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, Canada's vast forested areas have the potential to alter the global carbon cycle through changes in natural sources and sinks, with increased likelihood of forest fires and pest outbreaks. This project will develop a better understanding of what will happen to Canada's forests in the face of a changing climate. This will translate into improved, more accurate tools for decision-makers. _______________ University of Victoria ($150,000 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed January 2006) Project Title: Stochastic subgrid-scale parameterizations in climate The Earth’s climate is a system of tremendous complexity. Mathematical models of the system help us understand it, but some processes cannot be explicitly described. The problem of representing non-explicitly resolved processes on explicitly modelled climate phenomena is known as “subgrid-scale parameterization.” This project considered the importance of subgrid-scale variability and developed a strategy for building this variability into operational models, which were used to understand the climate system and possible human impacts upon it. _______________ Monahan, Adam Project Title: Interactions across space and time
scales in the climate system University of Toronto ($296,000 over 3 years) Project Title: The Canadian Contribution to GFDex (the Greenland Flow Distortion Experiment) Greenland plays an important role in the atmospheric circulation in the northern hemisphere. The high topography and ice-covered surface of Greenland affects atmospheric air flows, air-sea fluxes of heat and moisture, the movement of Arctic water into the subpolar North Atlantic, and a host of other climate and atmospheric conditions. GFDex is a collaborative effort between scientists in the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada; it is also a contribution to International Polar Year. The Experiment will use data from instrumented aircraft and oceanographic observing systems; it will provide some of the first detailed in situ observations of the intense atmospheric events modifying the ocean in this area, and the “downstream” effects on Europe, Asia and North America. _______________ Moore, Robert M. and Punshon, Steve Dalhousie University ($65,532 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed June 2004) Project Title: Marine nitrous oxide production and loss kinetics This project examined nitrous oxide concentrations that are showing a long-term atmospheric increase. One of its sources is the ocean, where it is produced by microbial processes. A major problem in the detailed study of nitrous oxide in the ocean is that it is not easy to separate the production and loss processes, so that measurement can normally provide only the net result of both types of process. This project helped in that separation and assisted in building knowledge about the oceans’ impacts on concentrations of the chemical. A key result was determining the upper limits and how ocean processes affect the concentrations. The ultimate result was to separating and quantifying the kinetics of nitrogen oxide consumption and production in the upper ocean. _______________ Moore, Timothy _______________ Memorial University of Newfoundland / University of Alberta ($192,500 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed January 2005) Project Title: Interdecadal climate variability in the sub-polar North Atlantic An existing regional model of the Labrador Sea was improved as a key result in this study of the role of fresh water in the ocean/climate system of the Labrador Sea and other sub-polar areas of the North Atlantic Ocean. Other key results included quantifying the effects of freshwater transport through the Canadian Archipelago to the Labrador Sea region and the deepwater convection processes, allowing for parameterizations for coarser resolution climate models. Overall, the work assisted in developing a greater understanding of climate variability (with an emphasis on the variability over decades) in the Atlantic region. _______________ McGill University ($289,785 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed January 2006) Project Title: Investigation of interglacial and glacial geosphere-biosphere feedbacks, climate system modelling The research used a coupled biosphere-geosphere Earth System model to investigate a number of long time-scale climate problems associated with glacial and inter-glacial periods. It increased understanding of the relationship of biogeophysical and biogeochemical feedback mechanisms. _______________ University of Calgary ($63,640 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed March 2006) Project Title: Temporal and spatial trends in DMS-sulphate in Arctic aerosols Naturally occurring variations between two atmospheric aerosols—dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and methane sulphonic acid (MSA)—were studied at two Arctic locations. Both aerosols influence atmospheric behaviour. An increase in the amount of aerosols released due to warmer ocean temperatures, enhanced biological activity, and more open water in the Arctic are thought to affect global temperatures. This study led to a better understanding of the complex feedback mechanisms associated with climate variations in Arctic regions. Université de Sherbrooke ($279,381 over 3 years) Project Title: CALIPSO analysis and validation; application to model evaluation The objective of the work is to analyze aerosol data from the pristine Arctic environment and that of southern Ontario, in order to evaluation how well air quality and climate models predict aerosols. Researchers will use two-dimensional atmospheric “slices” captured by a sensor on the CALIPSO satellite, as well as data gathered at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL) on Ellesmere Island, and both ground-based and airborne measurements from southern Ontario. They expect to see differences between the aerosol optical data gathered in the high Arctic and the data from the more heavily populated southern Ontario. The analysis will be used to evaluate the aerosol predictive performance of the models. _______________ University of Saskatchewan Project Title: High-resolution Holocene climate derived from lacustrine sediment, cellulose and speleothems ($299,360 over 3 years, awarded 2006) _______________ University of Toronto ($184,000) over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Paleo-synopses and dynamics of sea-ice cover in the Arctic Ocean and Subarctic Canada during critical intervals of the present interglacial Arctic sea ice plays a critical role in northern climate, reflecting sunlight into the atmosphere and acting as a source of fresh cold water, which is eventually transferred to the North Atlantic Ocean. Sea ice modelling is important, yet still a challenge, for the scientific community. This project will produce practical tools for better predictions of the fate of Arctic sea ice. _______________ Lakehead University ($210,000 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed August 2005) Project Title: Effects of climate change on Ontario’s boreal forest ecosystems: assessment of impacts and consequences to carbon budgets The Global Climate Model predicts that a doubling of carbon dioxide will increase mean air temperature in Ontario by 3–5° during the growing season and alter regional precipitation regimes. There is an urgent need to develop a better scientific understanding of the impacts of future climate change on Ontario’s boreal forest ecosystems, including carbon budget and changes in carbon flux between vegetation and the atmosphere. This project assessed climate change impacts on Ontario’s forests and led to a better understanding of the impact of climate change on key processes and mechanisms of carbon dioxide sinks and sources. A new process-based dynamic model of forest growth and carbon was developed, calibrated and tested. Sustainable forest management strategies that account for these impacts and that maximize carbon sequestration were identified. Université Laval ($376,000 over 3 years) Project Title: Climate reconstruction of the terrestrial Arctic at different time scales: The New Quebec Crater Lake Project Lake sediment records are excellent archives of past environmental change since biological remains of aquatic organisms reflect past conditions. Most lakes in the northern hemisphere provide information on conditions back to the last deglaciation; however, the New Quebec Crater Lake, created by the impact of a meteorite, is an opportunity to study climate change over several interglacial periods. By deciphering the history of natural climate variability from sediment cores, the project will fill important gaps in our knowledge of past and present conditions in northern polar regions, and help improve climate models for improved weather forecasting and prediction of future change. It will also provide necessary reference and baseline data for climate-related policy development. _______________ Simon Fraser University ($360,000 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed April 2005) Project Title: Snow and soil moisture representation and scaling in climate model land-surface schemes for cold regions Regional climate models (RCM) are used to simulate the cycling of water and energy within the atmosphere. An important component of RCMs are land-surface schemes (energy and mass flux interaction at the atmosphere-ground interface). This research resulted in improved RCM simulations by developing an improved land-surface scheme. The WATCLASS land-surface scheme was improved by including water balance (accounting for water inflows to the ground, storage on or below it, and outflows from it). This is important, as most climate models do not do a good job of predicting wet processes, which results in water resources being largely ignored in global warming and climate change scenarios. _______________ Ridgwell, Andrew _______________ McGill University Project Title: Changes in scale net greenhouse gas emissions due to land cover changes associated with the creation of reservoirs for the production of hydroelectricity ($399,000 over 3 years, awarded 2006) _______________ Université de Sherbrooke ($232,000 over 3 years, awarded 2003, completed June 2007) Project Title: Parameterization of northern high-latitude environment from space Scenarios of future evolution predict that climate change will be particularly significant in the high latitudes. The study aimed to establish the extent to which permafrost, lake and wetland dynamics enhance energy and moisture exchanges with the atmosphere, and the amplitude of future climate change. Using satellite data of geophysical parameters, the project examined recent variability and change in Canadian sub-Arctic and boreal climate. Benefits were twofold: 1) Development of new methods of analysis and interpretation of remotely sensed data at the scale of surface characteristics and processes; and 2) Improved understanding of interaction processes between surface characteristics and climate variability linked to the regional-scale energy budget and hydrometeorological behaviour of the northern environment. _______________ University of Regina ($102,000 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed December 2005) Project Title: Climate variability in the Canadian interior: coupling proxy data and GCM simulations This research focused on the climate variability of the past 1,000 years in the western Canadian interior and improved the modelling of future climate variability and the interpretation of past climates. Climate variability simulated by global climate models were compared to climate variability from paleoclimate records. New knowledge was provided to assess impacts of climate variability on natural and social systems and inform decision- and policy-makers addressing the costs of climate extremes and variability. _______________ University of Waterloo ($267,446 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed July 2005) Project Title: Reservoirs and flooded landscapes: an important source of greenhouse gases in Canada Flooding caused by construction of reservoirs for hydroelectric power generation releases carbon stored in forest and wetland soils to the atmosphere as greenhouse gases (GHG). This study investigated whether new surfaces on previously flooded peat margins act as carbon sources or sinks, what controls the extent of methane (CH4) oxidation in the reservoirs, and the longevity of the carbon supply in both uplands and wetlands. The work focused on evaluating the magnitude of the carbon sources and sinks and processes that affect GHG fluxes associated with reservoir construction in northern Canada. A process-based dynamic computer model was developed to simulate the carbon cycle in flooded reservoirs of various vegetation communities in the boreal forest. From this research, proposed mitigation strategies prior to flooding can be evaluated. This work can contribute to the evaluation of wetland response to flooding conditions created by a potential future global warming in the permafrost areas of Canada and Siberia. _______________ McMaster University ($254,200 over 3 years, awarded 2003, completed August 2007) Project Title: Holocene paleotemperature records from stable isotopic analyses of speleothems and their fluid inclusions Deep inside a cave where the temperature changes very gradually, deposits grow out of drip water fed by rain and snow falling above the cave. Speleotherms are calcite deposits formed in limestone caves and include stalagmites, stalactites and flowstones. This project focused on the last 10,000 years, the period since the end of the last ice age, when climate was generally mild but experienced periodic fluctuations. Various methods were used to determine Holocene temperature history at caves in western Canada and the northeastern U.S. _______________ Sharp, Martin _______________ York University ($330,000 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed July 2006) Project Title: Enhancing climate knowledge through global mesospheric observations and comparison with models The Earth’s atmosphere at an altitude of between 70 km and 120 km is very important. It’s in this zone that energy from the Earth’s surface mixes with solar radiation coming from space. Both of these influences are strong and can be readily studied. Even small changes in the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface can produce observable changes in lower atmospheric conditions. The project investigated these changes in the lower atmosphere, using a large database obtained from Canada’s WIND Imaging Interferometer (WINDII), which is mounted on NASA’s Upper Atmospheric Research Satellite (UARS). In addition to analyzing the WINDII database, extensive computer modelling studies were undertaken to evaluate the influence of the solar component on changes in the 70–120 km zone and on climate variations. _______________ University of Toronto ($118,000 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Inferring gravity-wave drag parameters from data assimilation Accurate climate modelling is vital to ensure accurate weather forecasting. This project will address limitations in current models. The innovative, cutting-edge research promises to improve the representation of gravity-wave drag in national forecasting and climate models. University of Toronto ($207,000 over 3 years) Project Title: Energy and momentum consistency in subgridscale parameterization for climate models How can we be sure that climate models are physically plausible? By parameterizing the effects of atmospheric motions which occur on scales too small to be resolved otherwise. The researchers use fundamental equations governing the dynamics of atmospheric conservation: momentum, energy and mass. The project addresses the consistency of parameterizations (energy and momentum) and considers applications to two important processes—cumulus convection and gravity wave drag. It also assesses the implications in both idealized models and General Climate Models (GCM). The parameterizations represent the greatest uncertainly in current climate model predictions; the research will help reduce this uncertainty. _______________ Simpson, Andre _______________ University of Toronto ($300,000 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed July 2005) Project Title: Assessing the role of labile and refractory soil organic carbon in the global carbon cycle Soils are both a sink and a source for carbon dioxide. Soil organic carbon (SOC) also represents the largest source of terrestrial carbon and has been estimated to account for one-half to two-thirds of the total terrestrial carbon pool. Accurate accounting of SOC is a challenging but necessary task in understanding global carbon fluxes and ecological responses to global warming. This research focused on studying the nature and structure of SOC from a variety of ecosystems (forests, grasslands and agricultural land) and will ultimately lead to the development of more accurate global cycling models. _______________ Sloan, James _______________ McGill University ($222,570 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed January 2006) Project Title: Reducing the uncertainties in greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural farms by making use of nocturnal boundary layer properties Canadian agricultural systems contribute to emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. Current estimates of farm-scale emissions contain a high degree of uncertainty, due to a lack of direct measurements and difficulties in extrapolation. In this project, the nocturnal boundary layer, the layer of air above the surface that develops during calm nights, was monitored for greenhouse gas emissions from farm sources in eastern Ontario and western Quebec. Supporting data from soil, land-cover and meteorological variables enabled modelling of greenhouse gas emissions from homogeneous fields. The project helped improve estimates of greenhouse gas emissions to provide policy makers with better information to promote greenhouse gas reduction. _______________ University of Toronto ($225,000 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed July 2005) Project Title: Stratospheric indicators of climate change Data to improve current climate models are one result of research into stratospheric ozone and polar ozone depletion from the release of CFCs. These are closely linked to the global climate system, even though they have often been regarded as separate issues. This research helped increase understanding about the relationship between ozone and climate change, as well as improve knowledge of Arctic ozone loss and its links with the climate system. A UV-visible grating spectrometer was successfully deployed in the spring of 2001 at Eureka, Nunavut, providing measurements of ozone and other key trace gases at the time of year when conditions leading to polar ozone depletion develop. This experience was repeated at the same time over two more years. Analysis of the observations and measurements from other instruments and meteorological data helped unravel the coupled chemical, dynamical, microphysical and radiative processes of the climate system that determine the stratospheric ozone budget in the Arctic. _______________ Université du Québec à Montréal ($186,000 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Assessment of climate-change impacts on Canadian water resources using regional climate model projections Climate change will have substantial impacts on the stability of Canada’s water resources; a detailed understanding of those resources is necessary in order to plan for the future. This project will analyze the regional impacts of climate change on water resources, providing reliable and valuable estimates of future water availability. _______________ University of Alberta ($273,890 over 3 years, awarded 2003, completed July 2006) Project Title: Generation, propagation and breaking of internal waves in the abyssal ocean The correlation of enhanced mixing with the presence of rough ocean topography, such as occurs in the mid-Atlantic ridge, is the result of breaking internal waves generated by tidal-forced turbulence. The dynamics of the mechanism involve complex interactions between waves and turbulence and irregular boundaries on wide range time- and length-scales. The study used numerical simulations of the ocean, laboratory experiments, and computer-aided analysis tools to correctly predict energy transport over rough topography of internal waves. It also measured the path taken by internal waves in fluid with complex density variations, representative of the deep ocean. The results facilitated simulation of more realistic oceanographic circumstances and development of numerical schemes that capture essential dynamics of internal small-scale internal waves. University of Alberta ($266,280 over 3 years) Project Title: Improving weather and climate prediction with better internal wave models Internal waves are like surface waves on the ocean, but they can move vertically through the atmosphere, the density of which decreases with height. Researchers include internal wave dynamics in weather and climate simulations for better predictions of surface winds, more realistic dynamics of the ozone hole and other essential elements. While models can account for large-scale mountain-generated waves, however, less is understood about how internal waves affect convective cloud generation. This project will use laboratory experiments to provide the first detailed measurements of wave generation by a convective source. It will include an experimental and numerical study on how the atmosphere’s varying density affects wave growth. _______________ University of Guelph ($599,850 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed March 2005) Project Title: Cross-evaluation of the Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM) and lake thermal models using observations and objective analysis Large lakes are important agents in influencing the circulation of the atmosphere and Canada has a significant proportion of the world’s large lakes. Little is known of the heat and mass transfers and thermal regimes of these large deep lakes. The project advanced knowledge of the effects of Canada’s lakes on regional climate and vice versa. Lake models were linked with atmospheric models for better prediction of future effects on the health of lakes, both in water quantity and quality. The accuracy of these models was evaluated. _______________ Tang, Youmin University of Northern British Columbia ($185,000 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Atmospheric predictability on time scales from days to seasons The project will improve weather-forecasting ability not only for days, but also for seasons. Accurate long-range weather forecasting is vital for the many industries that depend on future weather conditions, from agriculture to construction, to oil and gas, and others. _______________ York University ($229,000 over 3 years) Project Title: High resolution wind energy resource prediction Canada has a huge potential for the installation and use of wind turbines for electricity generation. Efficient use of wind resources requires accurate knowledge of wind energy potential at a wind turbine or wind farm site. Most of these sites are on complex terrain: on hills or by shorelines, where there is considerable variability in wind speed. Current wind models are effective at predicting variations in wind speed where there are low hills, but they do not do as well in more complex regions. The study will address topographical and thermal variations and improve wind-energy prediction models. This will allow more efficient and cost-effective development of wind energy in Canada and elsewhere. _______________ Dalhousie University ($199,625 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Controls of freshwater and oceanic variability on CO2 uptake and ocean acidification at the east Canadian Shelf area In Atlantic Canada, fisheries represent a vital way of life and an essential resource that is threatened by fishing pressures and rising atmospheric CO2 levels, making oceans increasingly acidic. This project will use observations and modelling tools to contribute essential knowledge regarding the state of the CO2 system at the Scotian Shelf. _______________ McMaster University ($371,000 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed July 2005) Project Title: Vegetation and hydroclimatological controls on greenhouse gas exchange in a changing climate: peatlands as sensitive ecosystems Peatlands accumulate more carbon than any other terrestrial ecosystem and, as peatlands cover more than 17% of Canada’s land surface, they are an internationally important natural resource. The response of peatlands to predicted drying due to global warming has global ramifications. This project simulated the effects of the widespread drying of peatland. The changes in peatland hydrology, feedback between the atmosphere and the peatland, and the role of vegetation in modifying these feedbacks were among the factors being examined. _______________ University of Guelph ($240,000 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed June 2004) Project Title: Understanding interannual variability of nitrous oxide from soils: a field and modelling study An existing micrometeorological field experiment to evaluate the effect of carbon-sequestering management practices on nitrous oxide emissions was expanded at the University of Guelph. This project involves collecting crucial supporting data sets of meteorological, soil and surface variables needed for air-surface modelling. Nitrous oxide, an important greenhouse gas, originates mostly from soils and is enhanced by nitrogen fertilizer use in agriculture. The results obtained in the research contributed to better testing of nitrogen oxide models used in determining how air-surface exchange is affected by climate change, and to identifying agricultural soils as sinks or sources of greenhouse gases. _______________ University of Guelph ($110,700 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed June 2004) Project Title: Development and application of in-canopy flux measurement techniques This project helped develop new methods of measuring the exchange of trace gases such as carbon dioxide, ozone and methane to better understand sources and dispersion. The gases play important roles in many environmental challenges, especially the greenhouse effect and air pollution. With two experimental components, one in a forest and the other at a research farm, knowledge gained helps other researchers make new measurements of other trace gases such as ozone. This is important to various other parts of atmospheric research and provided new insights into various relationships involving carbon dioxide exchange and water use. _______________ University of Victoria ($429,000 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed July 2005) Project Title: Vegetation/carbon cycle feedbacks on quaternary climate This research contributed to national efforts to improve the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis’ coupled model, used to make computer projections of future climate change. Understanding the intricate feedbacks between land and ocean surface properties and climate helps improve current models. Using models to simulate past climatic events is an important verifier, which can boost our confidence in the value of these models to predict future events. The project examined the climates of 116,000, 21,000, and 6,000 years ago, and tried to answer questions such as how vegetation changes contributed to glacial inception. Weaver, Andrew University of Victoria ($196,000 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Projecting changes in high-latitude greenhouse gas sources and sinks As the climate warms, northern areas of permafrost are melting into wetlands, increasing the likelihood that those areas will give off growing levels of methane, a greenhouse gas. There is an urgent need to understand better the consequences of climate change on permafrost in order to develop appropriate, responsive policy. _______________ York University ($234,250 over 3 years) Project Title: Effects of convection on humidity and ozone (ECHO) Thunderstorms have an enormous effect on the distribution of humidity, ozone and particulate matter in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. The project will address questions on tropical convection, stratospheric ozone and tropospheric air quality. In Canada, thunderstorms triggered by forest fires result in persistent layers of dust in the global stratosphere. Using lidar sensors and other airborne measurements, this study will also gather information about the transport of particulate matter from troposphere to stratosphere. The project is linked with complementary work in the U.S., U.K. and Europe. _______________ University of Victoria ($115,400 over 3 years, awarded 2003, completed October 2008) Project Title: Modelling and atmospheric methane measurements over Late Glacial through Holocene (MAMMOTH) This research sought to understand the radically different global climate changes seen during the Late Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the pre-industrial Holocene (PIH) over three years, which are evidenced by pronounced changes in atmospheric CH4 concentrations and stable carbon isotope ratios (13CH4/12CH4) seen over this period. The work included studies using a global process model (the Canadian Peatlands Carbon Simulator—PCARS over three years) and the Lund-Potsdam-Jena Global Dynamic Model (LPJ-DGVM) to quantify the isotopic signatures and magnitude of the CH4 emissions. In addition, collection and analysis of Greenland and Canadian LGM to PIH ice samples for isotope ratios, combined with existing ice data, provided the basis for atmospheric CH4 mass balance studies. Detailed modelling of the LGM-PIH transition improved the understanding and prediction of future global climate response due to changes in methane sources and sinks. _______________ McGill University ($300,000 over 3 years) Project Title: Modelling the tropical tropopause layer Water vapour absorption occurs mostly in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere; understanding this process is crucial for predictions of future climate because water vapour in this region is a major player in the “greenhouse effect.” The project seeks to clarify the temperature and humidity structures of the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) by examining the roles of large-scale atmospheric circulation, deep convective “towers,” larger scale tropical waves, and horizontal transport. Using numerical models, researchers will perform a simulation of the convection over the warm tropical Pacific Ocean. Results from experiments such as this will improve understanding of how the different scales of motion interact and influence the temperature and humidity of the TTL. _______________ Zhang, Xuebin
|
|