NEED FOR THE DATABASE
A number of international organizations (IUGG, SCOSTEP, SCAR, URSI, and SPARC), under the International Council for Science (ICSU), indicated the necessity of constructing large-scale radar in the Antarctic region. In response to this recommendation, Japan built large atmospheric radar (PANSY, Program of the Antarctic Syowa MST/IS radar) with the 2009 (H21) supplementary budget. It is the first large atmospheric radar in Antarctica capable of observing wind movement and plasma parameters above Syowa Station up to 500 km with high accuracy, and it is a joint project of the National Institute of Polar Research, the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and other universities and research institutes (Leader: Professor Kaoru Sato of the University of Tokyo). PANSY radar covers a broad area, including high altitudes, and can observe actual atmospheric conditions not observable from satellites. The building of this radar was eagerly awaited because the observed data are valuable, available only in the polar region, and can serve as determining factors in formulating global atmosphere models, including weather phenomena. Organizing and making these data available internationally is an important contribution for our country.
Main characteristics of PANSY:
- 1,045 active phased array antennas
- Precise observation of wind in the troposphere, mesosphere, and stratosphere, and plasma in the ionosphere
- Captures 3D structures of phenomena, quantifies global energy balance, and clarifies atmospheric coupling
- Improves the accuracy of prediction models for climate change and warming through the collaboration of domestic and international academic communities
(Database Project and Division Leader: Takuji Nakamura [National Institute of Polar Research])
DATABASE PROJECT OVERVIEW
The "PANSY Data Analysis Collaboration Center" is established to utilize the large atmospheric radar (PANSY) at Syowa Station, and it is working on the following activities:
1. Support for the stable operation of PANSY radar
Regular assistance in system setting, creation of observation mode, data analysis, troubleshooting, and instructions to the operator are provided from Japan, for the stable observation by the PANSY radar for which regular operation started in 2012. The troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere (polar summer/winter echo) are steadily observed currently, and steady observation and data acquisition have been made a reality. Further, operation of newly enhanced observation functions are tested in the system, and investigation and tests are underway in coordination at both the observation site and in Japan, for early observation implementation using these functions.
2. Data analysis and distribution
A Web-based real-time quick look (QL) display system is progressively developed. This system will allow confirmation of radar operation status and observation data in a timely manner. In addition to the existing developed and operated system in the Syowa Station, a new operation location has been newly established. The latest and existing observation data and regular observation data can now be displayed in velocity and altitude spectra in one-minute intervals. The center is also working on further function enhancement. The system operation status can now be understood comprehensively with a simple control on the Web, by incorporating an observation time and mode history creation system and a display system of the latest operation status of individual servers. With these improvements, regular observation can be promptly switched to special observation either from within Syowa Station or locations in Japan in the event of sudden atmospheric phenomena.
3. Advanced observation technology development
In a conventional large atmospheric radar, from several to over 10 μ seconds are required to switch between sending and receiving signals, and there is a low altitude region between the ground level to approximately 1 km in elevation where observation precision deteriorates, thus making seamless research observation from the boundary layer to the free atmosphere difficult. To break through this challenge from an observational research perspective, the researchers started to examine a technique to lower the minimum observation height to several hundred meters. They adopted a technique for the construction of a dedicated receiver system using unused channels in the multi-channel digital receiver system, and developed an ultra-low noise, high-sensitivity pre-amplifier for low altitude observation. As proof-of-concept, a prototype dedicated receiving system for channel 1 was created, and it is scheduled to be tested for observation in the 55th Antarctic Research Expedition. In preparation for full operation of all 55 clusters in 2015, technologies for a multi-channel observation method are also being developed to take advantage of the hardware.
PROMOTION OF DATABASE DEVELOPMENT
Under the strong leadership of the University of Tokyo, the "PANSY Data Analysis Collaboration Center," in collaboration with Kyoto University and other domestic academic communities (17 universities and research institutes in total), is promoting joint use and research. The center is controlled by an operation committee that consists of members from both within and outside of the organization, and discusses the joint usage of radar observation and data distribution.
The center invites researchers from affiliated institutions to cover diverse research fields, and offers international workshops to help establish the international collaborative research community in order to promote the expansion of domestic and international data users.
Japanese affiliates:
Hokkaido University, Tohoku University, the University of Tokyo, the University of Electro-Communications, Shinshu University, Nagoya University, Kyoto University, Kyushu University, the University of the Ryukyus, the Meteorological Research Institute, the National Institute for Environmental Studies, the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology
Research View 020
Adventure of the Blooming Data Centric Science
[Earth environment data] Kaoru Sato (The University of Tokyo, Professor)
Research View 015
Archiving the winds above Antarctica
[Earth environment data] Takuji Nakamura (Professor at National Institute of Polar Research)