Norwegian and Russian Upper Atmosphere Co-operation On Svalbard

During the Norwegian - Russian research seminar organized by the Norwegian research council and the Norwegian Polar Institute in Tromsø 9 - 10 March 2006, group 4 with members associated to upper atmospheric research on Svalbard compiled a list of actions to be taken in order to increase the cooperation between our two countries. The participants / applicants are all active researchers on Svalbard using existing infrastructure that includes radars and optical stations in Longyearbyen, Barentsburg and Ny- Ålesund. The below items are objectives that will be addressed by this application. Scientific objectives: 1. Multi - site* spectral observation of N2 and O2. 2. OH and O2-atm airglow spectral campaign. 3. Continue the PROTONICS project (dayside proton precipitation). 4. Multi-site observations of fine-scale structure in the aurora. 5. Auroral temporal dynamics in context of ionospheric convection. 6. Real time exchange of data during radar and rocket campaigns. 7. Historical studies of auroral research at Svalbard. *Multi - site means in this context observation with existing equipment from Barentsburg, Longyearbyen and Ny-Ålesund. Key activity for the application: The increasing number of low light optical instruments operated in Svalbard for monito ring auroras and airglow phenomena emphasize the need for establishing accurate calibration routines of international standard. We therfore propose to organize yearly calibration workshops at the new calibration fasility at UNIS in Longyearbyen. The main idea is that the different groups spend 1 - 2 weeks calibrating their instruments before they move the instruments to their final destination or home base. UNIS will provide the logistical support including housing, offices and access and use of the calib ration laboratory. We plan to use the Annual European Meeting on Atmospheric Studies by Optical methods as the forum for discussions and outcome of the research covered by the application