Title : NSF 95-45 The National Science Foundation Global Change Research Program a component of the U.S. Global Change Research Program Type : Program Guideline NSF Org: GEO Date : March 3, 1985 File : nsf9545 The National Science Foundation Global Change Research Program a component of the U.S. Global Change Research Program Research Opportunities 1995-1996 The National Science Foundation Global Change Research Program Table of Contents toc \f cThe U.S. Global Change Research Program 1 Goals and Objectives 1 Research Framework 1 Critical Issues 2 Linking to National and International Science and Policy 2 The National Science Foundation Global Change Research Program 4 Background 4 NSF's Role 4 NSF's Focused Global Change Research Program 4 Contributing Research 4 General NSF Proposal Guidelines 5 Preparation and Submission of Proposals 5 Proposal Review 5 Grant Administration 6 Focused Research Opportunities of the National Science Foundation Global Change Research Program 7 Funding Opportunities Cross-Cutting Focused Research Programs 38 Mathematics, Statistics, and Computation in Global Change Research Opportunities 38 Division of International Programs Research Opportunities 39 Other Environmental Research Funding Opportunities at the National Science Foundation 40 The U.S. Global Change Research Program tc "The U.S. Global Change Research Program"\l\f c Goals and Objectivestc "Goals and Objectives"\l 2\f c The U.S. Congress enacted the 1990 Global Change Research Act to meet the need for a better understanding of the natural variability of Earth's global environment and the effects of human activity. The Act called for a integrative research effort "aimed at understanding and responding to global change, including the cumulative effects of human activities and natural processes on the environment, [and] to promote discussion toward international protocols in global change research." The high priority placed by the Government on understanding the global environment led to the establishment of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) as a Presidential Initiative. The USGCRP is coordinated across Federal agencies by the Subcommittee for Global Change Research (SGCR) of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). Its goal is to establish the scientific basis for national and international policy making related to natural and human-induced changes in the global system. Each of the major SGCR science-funding agencies (National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Agriculture (DOA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Interior (DOI), Department of Defense (DoD), Health and Human Services (HHS), and Smithsonian Institution (SI)) has a defined role in the USGCRP. These agencies work together to develop programmatic activities that respond to one or more of the following general focal areas of research: • To observe and record what is happening to Earth's environment, • To understand why changes are occurring, • To improve predictions of what will happen in the future. To meet this end, research since the program's inception has included support of surface, in situ and space-based systems for observing global change; development of worldwide data management, archive and curatorial systems and enhanced data and sample accessibility; support of research on Earth system processes to improve the understanding of the most important physical, biological, and chemical processes that influence the global system; development of integrative Earth-system models for predicting the magnitude, rates and extent of global change; analysis of the consequences of global change on the environment and society; and examination of the available national and international policies and choices, including innovative technologies and economically effective options for responding to global change. The budget for the U.S. Global Change Research Program is approximately $1.8 billion in FY 1995. Research Frameworktc "Research Framework"\l 2\f c In order to advance the fundamental goals of understanding, predicting, and assessing global change in a manner that is both policy-relevant and coordinated, a research framework has been devised that includes the following integrative elements: • Observing Global Change, which includes (a) a long-term, integrated and comprehensive program of surface, in situ, and satellite-based observations; and (b) assembling and analyzing observations on past and recent social and environmental changes; • Managing Global Change Data and Information, which includes assembling, processing, storing and distributing data for research on baseline and influenced global systems; • Understanding Global Change Processes, which includes focused studies to document, analyze and interpret processes in: • Climate Dynamics and Hydrological Systems; • Social Dynamics; • Chemical and Biochemical Dynamics; • Ecological Systems and Dynamics; • Human Interactions and Influences; • Earth System History; • Solid Earth Interactions; and • Solar Influences. • Predicting Global Change, which addresses the development, testing, and application of conceptual and predictive models in an effort to provide insights and projections of Earth system responses to natural and human influences; • Analyzing Global Change Consequences, which includes interpreting and evaluating the environmental and societal consequences and impacts of global change; and • Examining Policies and Options, which includes research on social and economic interactions, decision frameworks, and the development of policy and analytical tools for determining desirable courses of action. This research framework incorporates and expands on themes and elements of past program emphases while also building on two cross-cutting activities focusing on outreach and integration: • International Interactions, which includes cooperation with other nations in scientific interpretation and establishment of institutional frameworks on global change issues; • Education and Public Awareness, which enhances the consideration of global change and its human dimensions as part of the educational process. Critical Issuestc "Critical Issues"\l 2\f c Since its inception, the USGCRP has concentrated research efforts on specific forces and human activities that alter the global system. Critical issues that are the highest priority for consideration by the scientific and policy communities in FY 1995 are: • Climate Change and Greenhouse Warming - the potential for gases and aerosols to alter the global climate and impact the environment and societal activities; • Ozone Depletion and UV Radiation - the effects of natural and human derived emissions on the composition of the atmosphere and its subsequent ability to screen out ultraviolet (UV) radiation; • Significant Variations of the Seasonal Climate - the mechanisms responsible for seasonal climate variations and their impact on agriculture, on local and global economies and on other human interactions and activities. Although these particular research areas are being emphasized in 1995, other global issues such as population increases, deforestation, agricultural extension, coastal alteration, desertification, land-use management, preservation of ecosystem diversity, and ecosystem degradation will continue to receive policy, societal, and research attention. In addition to research in these critical issues, the Subcommittee for Global Change Research (SGCR) of the CENR has recommended five topical areas of research that should also receive emphasis in 1995. These target areas include: • International Data Collection Campaigns • Climate Modeling and Forecasting • Terrestrial Ecology • Policy Sciences • Integrated Assessments The U.S. Global Change Research Program requires a continuing commitment to the collection, description, maintenance, validation, accessibility, and distribution of high-quality, long-term data and information. Researchers conducting global change studies may collect samples or produce data and information which has extended value beyond the study itself. For this reason, it is our goal to have researchers identify and make available their relevant data and information to a publicly accessible archive for use by the broader global change research community. Linking to National and International Science and Policy tc "Linking to National and International Science and Policy"\l 2\f c Effective scientific planning and implementation of a global-scale program requires extensive national and international interaction. For long-term scientific guidance and scientific priority setting in the USGCRP, the SGCR and CENR work closely with the National Academy of Sciences' Board on Global Change (BGC) and other global change related NAS boards and committees. The Administration has also established the National Council on Sustainable Development, as well as proposed revisions on regulation and legislation to preserve old-growth forests and wetlands and to better care for government-owned range lands. Release of the U.S. Climate Change Action Plan also provides a policy framework for coping with environmental alterations. The U.S. plays a significant role in international efforts to understand and assess global change. Under mandate from the UN General Assembly, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in 1988. It offers a forum where more than fifty countries provide scientific representation for the review of environmental impacts, technologies, and economic considerations. Information derived from intergovernmental assessments serves as the primary input for international protocols and conventions such as the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC), the Montreal Protocol on Ozone, and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Beyond representation in international global change assessments, the USGCRP contributes to international global change research programs. Of primary focus are three current programs: (1) the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP); (2) the International Geosphere Biosphere Programme (IGBP); and (3) the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Program (HDP). Together, the HDP, IGBP and the WCRP have developed the System for Analysis, Research and Training (START), designed to develop research networks in developing countries. Additionally, the USGCRP offers leadership in the development of networks and institutions that focus on global change issues. This emphasis has led to the establishment and growth of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), the European Network for Research in Global Change (ENRICH), the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research, and the International Research Institute for Climate Prediction (IRICP). Additional international mechanisms and agreements add strength to the global change research community. Direct linkages with funding agencies in other countries are established through agencies like the International Group of Funding Agencies for Global Change Research (IGFA) and the Committee on Earth Observing Satellites (CEOS). Other linkages such as the bilateral and multilateral agreements of the U.S.-Japan Science and Technology Agreement (UJST) and the U.S-Japan Natural Resources Agreement (UJNR) serve to address joint scientific interest and to further support global change research. For details on the U.S. Global Change Research Program, see Our Changing Planet: The FY 1995 U.S. Global Change Research Program. Copies can be obtained from the Directorate for Geosciences, Rm 705, NSF, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22230, (703) 306-1500. The National Science Foundation Global Change Research Program tc "The National Science Foundation Global Change Research Program"\l\f c Background tc "Background"\l 2\f c In 1987, NSF began a new program called Global Geosciences to support studies of Earth as a system of interrelated physical, chemical and biological processes. Two years later, NSF designated the Global Geosciences program as its contribution to the U.S. Global Change Research Program. In FY 1995, four research directorates and one office within NSF are supporting global change research efforts within this broad national program. Participating NSF directorates and offices include: the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO); Directorate for Geosciences (GEO); Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS); Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE); and the Office of Polar Programs (OPP). NSF's Role tc "NSF's Role"\l 2 Within the U.S. Global Change Research Program, NSF is responsible for maintaining the health of basic research in all areas of solid earth, atmospheric, ocean, polar, and social sciences. This basic research focuses on studies at regional and global scales; large-scale field programs; interpretation and use of remotely sensed data and geographic information systems; theoretical and laboratory research; research facilities support; and the development of numerical models, computer databases, and information and communication systems. Given this broad role, NSF is unique among the CENR agencies in supporting research in all science priority areas of the U.S. Global Change Research Program. NSF is also distinctive in that most funding is granted through the unsolicited proposals of individual investigators and groups of investigators at universities, research centers and non-profit institutions. Furthermore, NSF is responsible for supporting the education and training activities necessary to prepare future scientists for global change research by funding related research proposals. NSF's Focused Global Change Research Program tc "NSF's Focused Global Change Research Program"\l 2\f c NSF's commitment to quality and broad scientific research provide it with a unique opportunity to fund research in all of the USGCRP Framework Elements of global change research. This document presents a compendium of abbreviated announcements of research opportunities for all NSF focused global change programs. A biennial update of this announcement is planned. In FY 1994, the NSF budget for focused global change research programs was $141.9 million. The expected budget for global change research in FY 1995 is $169 million. Contributing Research tc "Contributing Research"\l 2\f c NSF supports many research activities that contribute to, but are not focused components of, the U.S. Global Change Research Program. These include: fundamental research in atmospheric chemistry, hydrology, climate dynamics, meteorology, physical and biological oceanography, terrestrial ecology (including Long Term Ecological Research Sites), paleoenvironments (including the Ocean Drilling Program), glaciology, geology, solar-terrestrial sciences, development of mathematical and statistical models, data analysis techniques, and research on social and economic systems. Research projects that bridge traditional disciplines, to offer new insights to complex processes of global change and to their interpretation in public policy contexts, are encouraged. This basic research promotes and contributes to advances in the scientific knowledge and understanding of the global Earth system. The NSF Guide to Programs (NSF Publication 94-91) describes the broad range of programs supported by all directorates at the National Science Foundation. This and other NSF publications referred to in the text are available online (Internet: Telnet stis.nsf.gov; enter “public” at login prompt), electronically (Internet:pubs@note.nsf.gov), or in printed form at no cost from the NSF Forms and Publications Unit (Phone: (703) 306-1130; Internet: pubs@nsf. gov). General NSF Proposal Guidelines tc "General NSF Proposal Guidelines"\l\f c The National Science Foundation (NSF) provides awards for research in the sciences and engineering. The awardee is wholly responsible for the conduct of such research and preparation of the results for publication. The Foundation therefore does not assume responsibility for such findings or their interpretation. NSF welcomes proposals on behalf of all qualified scientists and engineers. NSF strongly encourages women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to compete fully in any of the research and research-related programs described in this document. In accordance with Federal statutes and regulations and NSF policies, no person on grounds of race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial assistance from the National Science Foundation. Preparation and Submission of Proposals tc "Preparation and Submission of Proposals:"\l 2\f c Proposals submitted in response to this announcement for research opportunities must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the guidelines provided in the NSF brochure, Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) NSF 94-2. These guidelines replaced Grants for Research and Education in Science and Engineering (GRESE, NSF 92-89) on April 4, 1994. Follow instructions in GPG carefully and completely when preparing your proposal. Note new requirements with respect to the length of proposed text and biographical sketches. Any exceptions to requirements in GPG are noted in individual announcements of opportunity. GPG also provides information on the number of copies of each proposal that should be submitted to NSF. All copies, including one copy bearing original signatures, should be mailed to: Proposal Processing Unit, Room 60 Attention: (NSF Unit listed in Announcement of Research Opportunity) National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22230 Proposal cover sheets should refer to this announcement and identify the program to which the proposal is being submitted in the space provided, e.g., WOCE. Only one (1) copy of NSF Form 1225, "Information about Principal Investigator/Project Director", should be sent. It must be attached to the original signed proposal. Target dates and deadlines are noted in each of the announcements of research opportunity found on pages 9-37 of this document. Unless otherwise stated in a specific announcement, proposals postmarked on or before the target or deadline date will be accepted for review. Inquiry about submission may also be made to the appropriate program office. Review and processing of proposals require approximately six months. Proposal Review tc "Proposal Review"\l 2\f c Proposals will be reviewed in accordance with established Foundation procedures and the general criteria described in GPG. An additional criterion will be the potential for contribution to the general goals, objectives and priorities of the U.S. Global Change Research Program, including the potential for enhancing its data and information base, outlined on page 1 of this document. Facilitation Awards for Handicapped Scientists and Engineers (FASED) provide funding for special assistance or equipment to enable persons with disabilities (investigators and other staff, including student research assistants) to work on an NSF-supported project. See the program announcement (NSF Publication 91-54), or contact the FASED Coordinator in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources. The telephone number is (703) 306-1636 (extension 6865). NSF has TDD (Telephonic Device for the Deaf) capability, which enables individuals with hearing impairment to communicate with the Division of Human Resource Management about NSF programs, employment, or general information. The telephone number is (703) 306-0260. Privacy Act and Public Burden. The information requested on proposal forms is solicited under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended. It will be used in connection with the selection of qualified proposals and may be disclosed to qualified reviewers and staff assistants as part of the review process; to applicant institutions/grantees; to provide or obtain data regarding the application review process, award decisions, or the administration of awards; to government contractors, experts, volunteers and researchers as necessary to complete assigned work; and to other government agencies in order to coordinate programs. See Systems of Records, NSF-50, “Principal Investigator/Proposal File and Associated Records,” and NSF-51, 60 Federal Register 4449 (January 23, 1995), “Reviewer/Proposal File and Associated Records,” 59 Federal Register 8031 (February 17, 1994). Submission of the information is voluntary. Failure to provide full and complete information, however, may reduce the possibility of your receiving an award. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 120 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Herman G. Fleming, Reports Clearance Officer, Contracts, Policy and Oversight, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22230; and/or to the Office of Management and Budget, OIRM-Paperwork Reduction Project (3145-0058), Washington, D.C. 20503. This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: numbers 47.049, 47.050, 47.074, 47.075 . Grant Administration tc "Grant Administation"\l\f c Grants awarded as a result of this announcement are administered in accordance with the terms and conditions of NSF GC1, Grant General Conditions, or FDP-II, Federal Demonstration Project General Terms and Conditions, depending on the grantee organization. More comprehensive information is contained in the NSF Grant Policy Manual including the 9 changes issued through April 1994 (NSF 8847, July 1989), available online via STIS or for sale through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. If the submitting institution has never received an NSF award, it is recommended that appropriate administrative officials become familiar with the policies and procedures in the NSF Grant Policy Manual which are applicable to most NSF awards. If a proposal is recommended for an award, the NSF Division of Grants and Agreements will request certain organizational, management, and financial information. These requirements are described in the NSF Grant Policy Manual. Upon completion of the project, a Final Project Report (NSF Form 98A), including the Part IV Summary, will be required. NSF will send the form with Part I information preprinted to the Principal Investigator approximately one month prior to the grant's expiration date. Applicants should review the sample forms in the Grant Proposal Guide prior to proposal submission so that appropriate tracking mechanisms are included in the proposal plan to ensure that complete information will be available at the conclusion of the project. Focused Research Opportunities of the National Science Foundation Global Change Research Program tc "Focused Research Opportunities of the National Science Foundation Global Change Research Program"\l\f c Competitive funding opportunities are available for 20 focused global change research programs at NSF. As shown on the next page, these programs are grouped into five major categories, with the first category further subdivided into seven subgroups. Descriptions of opportunities for competitive research activities in each focused global change program are presented in the following pages. Estimates are given of the amounts that NSF officials expect to be expended in each of the focused programs in FY 1995. The number and size of awards made through these programs will be contingent on the final determination of NSF's budgets for fiscal years 1995 and 1996. Following descriptions of the 20 focused programs are descriptions of opportunities for involvement of mathematical scientists and for international collaborations across the focused programs. A concluding section of this booklet is a general description of funding opportunities at NSF for other kinds of environmental research. Several of these NSF global change programs have developed their own detailed announcements. Certain programs may also elaborate on the general proposal guidelines and have specific pre-proposal guidelines and requirements. It therefore is recommended that the appropriate program office be contacted for detailed information prior to the submission of a proposal to a program. Unless otherwise specified in a detailed announcement, applicants should adhere to guidelines for proposal preparation and submission outlined in the Grant Proposal Guide (NSF 94-2). Data Availability and Access Research funded by NSF awards may produce data and information products that are of value to other scientists engaged in global change research. Examples are integrated data sets, such as records of Earth's surface temperature gathered from disparate sources. If new data and information will be produced during the conduct of NSF-supported global change research, investigators must prepare a special description of "Data Availability and Access" as part of Section I (Special Information Supplementary Documentation) of their proposal. This section should include a statement that data and information are expected to be a final product, a description of those products, the management plan for their validation, descriptions of quality control and archiving, and the budget for these data- and information- related activities. (Because this special section is included in Section I of the proposal, it is not included among those items subject to the page limitation for the proposal description.) Focused Research Opportunities of the NSF/GCRP toc "Focused Research Opportunities of the NSF/GCRP"\f c toc \f fI. Processes and Consequences of Earth System Change 9 A. Analyses on the Earth's Physical Systems 9 World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) 9 Climate Variability and Predictability (CLIVAR/TOGA) 10 Ridge Interdisciplinary Global Experiments (RIDGE) 12 Solar Influences 13 B. Analyses of Biogeochemical Processes 16 Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS) 16 Global Tropospheric Chemistry Program 17 Greenhouse Gas Dynamics 18 C. Analyses of Biological and Ecological Processes 19 Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamics (GLOBEC) 19 Ecological Diversity Research Opportunity 20 Land Margin Ecosystems Research (LMER) 22 Ecological Rates of Change (EROC) 23 D. Analyses of Socioeconomic Systems 24 Human Dimensions of Global Change (HDGC) 24 E. Integrative Analyses 26 Arctic Systems Science (ARCSS) 26 Water and Energy: Atmosphere, Vegetative, and Earth Interactions (WEAVE) ROCEW/CHP 28 F. Historical Analyses 29 Earth System History (ESH) 29 II. Observations and Management of Data on Earth System Change 30 Stratospheric Ozone Depletion/Polar Ultraviolet Radiation Effects 30 Sea Level Changes 32 Geosystem Databases Infrastructure 33 III. Modeling and Prediction of Climate Change 34 Climate Modeling and Analysis (CMAP) 34 IV. Evaluating Options for Responding to Global Change 35 Methods and Models for Integrated Assessment (MMIA) ................................... 35 World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) Research Opportunitytc "I. Processes and Consequences of Earth System Change"\l\f ftc "A. Analyses on the Earth's Physical Systems"\l 2\f ftc "World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE)"\l 4\f f NSF, NASA, NOAA, the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and DOE are supporting U.S. participation in WOCE, a key element of the U.S. effort in global change research and the World Climate Research Programme. The goals of WOCE are to understand the general circulation of the ocean well enough to be able to model its present state and to predict its evolution in relation to long-term changes in the atmosphere. Global climate system models will require such an oceanographic component. The WOCE budget is estimated to be $17.8 million in FY 1995. Description The U.S. contribution to WOCE consists of activities coordinated by the Science Steering Committee (SSC) and by several implementation panels. The NSF Division of Ocean Sciences will consider proposals in the following areas of activity given high priority by the SSC: WOCE Theory, Analysis, and Modeling Activities: symbol 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \h Model development: Development of new modeling techniques for application to global and regional ocean circulation modeling, and/or to the oceanic component of coupled climate models. symbol 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \h Data analysis and interpretation studies: Analysis and modeling projects and activities that address the interpretation of data from the observational program. symbol 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \h Theoretical studies: Theoretical developments directed at the role of the ocean in climate, including the physics of global-scale circulation. Pacific Ocean Expeditions symbol 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \h All of the committed lines in the U.S. WOCE Hydrography Program (WHP) have now been completed. Proposals for synthesis and analysis of the data from these lines and from related historical records will be considered (See WOCE Implementation Plan for lines - this and other documentation can be obtained from the WOCE office at the address given in this announcement). Indian Ocean Expedition The bulk of the Indian Ocean field work for WOCE will take place in calendar year 1995. Proposals for FY 1995 or FY 1996 funding will be considered for ancillary projects associated with the Indian Ocean lines, although FY 1995 WOCE funding is largely committed. Other areas that might be considered in FY 1996 are: symbol 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \h Modeling projects concerned with aspects of the Indian Ocean circulation, particularly the deep thermohaline circulation, that could use data from the expedition. symbol 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \h Analysis and synthesis projects integrating the WOCE data with other Global Change data being collected during the same time frame. Details of the Indian Ocean Expedition (centered on WOCE Core Project 1 Goals and the WHP) are given in the publication, "The U.S. WOCE Indian Ocean Expedition: Experiment Design" (U.S. WOCE Planning Report number 16, U.S. WOCE Office, 1992). Atlantic Ocean Expedition Planning is underway for the final field study under WOCE, in collaboration with NOAA's Atlantic Climate Change Program - a major study of the Atlantic, to be done in 1996-97. Hydrographic and tracer sections to be copied as part of the WOCE one-time survey in the Indian Ocean. Courtesy of WOCE. WOCE Synthesis Planning is now starting for a final WOCE phase of Analysis, Synthesis, and Modeling related to the complete WOCE data set, and integration of WOCE data with other historical ocean and atmospheric observations. Work on this phase could start immediately, but will peak in the years following completion of WOCE field work, and extend into the start of the next century. Questions regarding any component of the U.S. WOCE program should be addressed to Dr. Piers Chapman, Director, U.S. WOCE Office, 305 Arguello Drive, College Station, TX, 77843. All related documents can be obtained from this office. Proposal Submission Information Proposals for activities mentioned in the WOCE Implementation Plan not specifically cited in this announcement may be submitted. Each proposal must adhere to WOCE data management policies. Proposers should establish contact with the appropriate U.S. WOCE Implementation Panel. Planned target dates for submission of WOCE proposals are: Modeling - August 15, 1995 or February 15, 1996; Atlantic Ocean long-lead-time and major field work items - May 1, 1995; Supplemental Atlantic Ocean Proposals - August 15, 1995, and February 15, 1996. An update of this announcement is planned for early summer 1995. Contact: Dr. Richard Lambert Physical Oceanography Program Phone: (703) 3061583 FAX: (703) 306-0390 Internet: rlambert@nsf.gov CLImate VARiability and Predictability (CLIVAR/TOGA) Research Opportunitytc "Climate Variability and Predictability (CLIVAR/TOGA)"\l 4\f f The Divisions of Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences will consider proposals for participation in studies of the seasonal to centennial variability and predictability of the coupled ocean-atmosphere-land system. This announcement is based on research plans developed internationally by the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP). Nationally, the National Academy of Sciences' Climate Research Committee has proposed the Global Ocean Atmosphere Land System (GOALS) program as a U.S. contribution to CLIVAR with a focus on seasonal to interannual climate variability. The science plan for GOALS may be obtained from the National Research Council, Dr. William Sprigg, (202) 334-3515. An Initial Science Plan for CLIVAR will be available from WCRP in the Spring of 1995, with Implementation Plans to follow. The estimated FY 1995 budget for CLIVAR is about $12.2 million. This amount includes research funds for the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere (TOGA) Program and its major field study, the TOGA Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Response Experiment (COARE) during a transition phase over several years (see description below). Description CLIVAR (A study of CLImate VARiability and predictability) strives for smooth continuity with terminating WCRP programs: TOGA which phases out beginning in 1995, and with WOCE, whose field work ends with a 1996-97 Atlantic Ocean Experiment. CLIVAR is a major new program of the WCRP that will exploit the advances made by TOGA and WOCE. The concept of CLIVAR arose from the recognition that observed climate variations result from natural variability superimposed on long-term trends that may be induced by anthropogenic modifications of the global environment and other external forcing factors. CLIVAR’s objectives are: • to describe and understand the physical processes responsible for climate variability and predictability on seasonal, interannual, decadal and centennial time scales, through the collection and analysis of observations and the development and application of models of the climate system; • to extend the record of climate variability of the time scales of interest through the assembly of quality-controlled paleoclimatic and instrumental data sets; • to extend the range and accuracy of seasonal to interannual climate prediction through the development of global coupled models. In order to meet these objectives, CLIVAR is organized around three science thrusts to (1) study climate variability and predictability from seasons to years, (2) examine the role of the ocean in decadal to centennial climate variability, and (3) model and detect anthropogenic climate change. IMET (Improved METorological observation) buoy deployed in the Western Pacific Warm Pool to provide accurate measurements of air-sea fluxes during TOGA-COARE. (Photocourtesy of R. Weller, WHOI). TOGA process studies have completed their field phase and are in various stages of analysis and synthesis. The largest of these process studies, TOGA COARE (Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Response Experiment) recently completed its Intensive Observation Period (IOP) and its Enhanced Monitoring Period in the Western Equatorial Pacific. The field observations were very successful and the initial analysis of the wide variety of collected data indicates that TOGA COARE should be able to fulfill its scientific objectives which are to describe and understand the western Pacific warm pool region: • The principal processes responsible for coupling the ocean and atmosphere; • The principal atmospheric processes that organize convection; • The oceanic response to combined buoyancy and wind stress forcing; and • The multiple scale interactions that extend the oceanic and atmospheric influence to other regions and vice-versa. The remaining TOGA COARE research elements include data synthesis, analysis, and modeling in the context of seasonal to interannual variability of the tropical climate. Proposal Submission Information Documents describing the various aspects of TOGA COARE including its data sets are available from the TOGA COARE International Project Office (TCIPO); UCAR, PO Box 3000; Boulder, Colorado 80307-3000. The next target dates for TOGA COARE proposals will be May 1, 1995 and May 1, 1996 for research covering its analysis and synthesis phase and will be announced in a separate, multi-agency announcement of research opportunity. TOGA COARE proposals are considered jointly by NOAA and NSF and should be submitted to the U.S. TOGA Project Office (USTPO), NOAA Office of Global Programs, Suite 1225, 1110 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910. All TOGA COARE proposals are required to relate explicitly to questions relevant to climate processes and modeling on interannual time scales. CLIVAR proposal submissions must meet target dates of February 15 and August 15 for the Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) but may be submitted at any time to the Division of Atmospheric Sciences (ATM). At this stage CLIVAR proposals are not considered collectively but should be submitted to the appropriate agency and division (i.e., OCE or ATM at NSF). If appropriate, CLIVAR proposals will be jointly reviewed and considered for funding by OCE and ATM. In the future, announcements of research opportunity may be issued for participation in specific aspects of CLIVAR (e.g. process studies, community modeling, etc.). Contacts: Dr. Richard B. Lambert, Jr. or Dr. Eric C. Itsweire Division of Ocean Sciences Phone: (703) 306-1583 FAX: (703) 306-0390 Internet: rlambert@nsf.gov, eitsweir@nsf.gov Dr. Sankar Rao Mopidevi Division of Atmospheric Sciences Phone: (703) 306-1527 FAX: (703) 306-0377 Internet: smopide@nsf.gov Ridge Interdisciplinary Global Experiments (RIDGE) Research Opportunitytc "Ridge Interdisciplinary Global Experiments (RIDGE)"\l 4\f f The perspective taken by RIDGE is that the global mid-ocean ridge is a single, dynamic system of focused energy flow from the earth's interior to the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. The long-term goal of RIDGE is to understand the causes and predict the consequences of mass and energy transfer within the global ridge system through time. RIDGE program components are intended to complement existing types of ridge-crest research by forming an integrated, interdisciplinary investigation focused on key research objectives best accomplished with high levels of coordination and/or long-term commitment of funding. RIDGE includes both global change research objectives and broader geoscience components. Relative to global change, the primary objective of RIDGE is to understand the geological, chemical, biological, and physical oceanographic interactions between the oceans and hydrothermal circulation of seawater through the ocean crust. Most of the heat loss from the interior of the Earth occurs through the mid-ocean ridge system by means of this circulation. While hydrothermal circulation is steady-state on global and million year time scales, it is episodic on regional and shorter time scales. Consequentially, hydrothermal venting at mid-ocean ridges produces a wide variety of important effects in the overlying water column, including the formation of turbulent, buoyant plumes, the introduction of chemicals, nutrients, and biota, and the modification of deep ocean circulation and mixing patterns. RIDGE FY 1995 funding is estimated to be $4.0 million. Description Detailed RIDGE objectives and strategies are developed in documents available from the RIDGE Office, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, Woods Hole, MA 02543; Phone: (508) 457-2000 x2587; Internet: ridge@copper.whoi.edu. In the global change component of RIDGE proposals are invited to address the following: I. Temporal Variability An essential element of the RIDGE plan is quantification of both the transient and steady state dynamics of ridge-crest geological, geophysical, geochemical, and biological systems. Emphasis will be on developing the ability to detect and respond to short-term mass and energy release events. This includes identifying, locating and characterizing ridge-crest phenomena associated with intrusive and extrusive volcanism that can lead to catastrophic release of heat and chemical, nutrient, and biological mass into the water column. A. Detection Capabilities on the scale of multiple first-order ridge segments will employ acoustic/seismic methods and will rely heavily on the analysis of signals recorded by the U.S. Navy network of permanently installed hydrophone arrays (SOSUS). B. Studies of Volcanic and Tectonic Processes aim to understand the present tectonic and magmatic development of a ridge segment and to monitor active volcanic/tectonic processes, and to use constraints from time-series measurements to develop integrated models. C. Studies of Hydrothermal Processes aim to quantify the seafloor hydrothermal mass and energy fluxed, the relative contribution of focused and diffuse hydrothermal venting, the variability in these sources and effects over time, and the interrelation of these sources with biological production and community structure. To address these issues, measurements of temperature, effluent velocity, and fluid composition at numerous locations within an active vent field are envisioned. Both diffuse venting and focused higher temperature effluent should be monitored and sampled. Fluids will be analyzed for major, minor, and trace elements, and for gases. Estimates of the biological production supported by the hydrothermal fluxes will be determined. D. Water Column studies aim to understand the integrated thermochemical fluxes from vent system plumes, the temporal variability of plume structure, entrainment rates, vorticity dynamics, regional circulation patterns, and the chemical and biological processes transforming plume constituents. A range of water column time-series observations are envisioned to characterize plume fluxes, long-term variability, detection of anomalous events and related processes. E. Theoretical Models of temporal variability in submarine volcanic-hydrothermal systems and the overlying water-column are also needed. II. Biological Studies The evolution, colonization, community dynamics, physiological function, and molecular biology of animals and bacteria occupying the habitat created by young ocean crust and associated fluids will be examined in the context of spatial and temporal changes in the ridge-crest system. There will be a major effort to understand the biosphere living in the hydrothermal fluids within the pore spaces in the young ocean crust. The effect of vented nutrients on the biomass above the vents will also be emphasized. Both stand-alone projects and projects integrated with other RIDGE studies are invited. III. Technology Development, Material Properties, and Database Activities In addition to existing technology, where costs are borne by individual programs, instruments necessary to achieve the long-term goals of RIDGE will be developed. Experimental measurements of thermodynamic and physical properties of hydrothermal fluids and coexisting minerals are needed to provide a quantitative basis for modeling ridge-crest processes and interpreting complex field data. Support will be provided for database and data synthesis activities related to the described research. Proposal Submission Information NSF funding is shared between the Marine Geology and Geophysics and Biological Oceanography programs in the Ocean Sciences Division. Target dates for submission of proposals are February 15 and August 15. Contacts: Dr. David Epp Marine Geology and Geophysics Program Phone: (703) 306-1586 FAX: (703) 306-0390 Internet: depp@nsf.gov Dr. Phillip R. Taylor Biological Oceanography Program Phone: (703) 306-1587 FAX: (703) 306-0390 Internet: prtaylor@nsf.gov Solar Influences Program (CEDAR, GEM, SunRISE) Research Opportunity tc "Solar Influences"\l 4\f f The Solar Influences Program at NSF is the aggregate of three related but distinct activities: (1) the Coupling, Energetics and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions (CEDAR); (2) Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM); and (3) Radiative Inputs of the Sun to Earth (SunRISE). The Solar Influences program supports research on those elements of Earth's space environment that are most important to Global Change. Solar Influences FY 1995 funding is estimated to be $6.1 million. Coupling, Energetics, and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions (CEDAR) CEDAR is a broadbased communityinitiated upper atmospheric research program within NSF's Division of Atmospheric Sciences. The goal is to understand the behavior of atmospheric regions from the middle atmosphere upward through the thermosphere and ionosphere into the exosphere in terms of coupling, energetics, chemistry, and dynamics on regional and global scales. These processes are related to the sources of perturbations that propagate upward from the lower atmosphere as well as to solar radiation and particle inputs from above. The activities within this program combine observations, theory and modeling. Description The CEDAR concept originated in the mideighties and was developed over several years through workshops, symposia, and committee deliberations by nearly 100 scientists involved in aeronomical studies. These activities led to a comprehensive report that provided a framework for developing upper atmospheric research in the United States through an evolutionary strategy of instrument development and deployment coordinated with campaign activities related to the globalscale, coupled, nearearth environment. The program has attracted a large number of graduate students and many international collaborators. Guidance is provided by a science steering committee appointed by the NSF Aeronomy and Upper Atmospheric Facilities program directors; scientific feedback to the community is provided by newsletters and an annual summer workshop. Three broad categories embrace the scientific goals of the CEDAR program: (1) dynamics and energetics of the upper atmosphere, with particular emphasis on the hard to observe region between 80 and 150 km; (2) coupling between the mesosphere, ionosphere, thermosphere, exosphere, and magnetosphere; and (3) horizontal coupling between adjacent geographic regions. CEDAR has provided the community with improved spectrometers, interferometers, and imagers; allowed upgrades of existing facilities; and supported the development of lidars and small radars. Several facilities have been established containing a broad array of state of the art tools to provide a solid infrastructure with which to attack outstanding aeronomy problems well into the future. A report has recently been prepared that summarizes the results from the first five years of CEDAR funding. Proposal Submission Information Proposals intended for consideration in the CEDAR initiative should be submitted each year by May 1 for funding in the following fiscal year. Changes to this deadline may be made by the CEDAR steering committee and are announced either during the annual summer workshop or in the quarterly CEDAR newsletter. To ensure proper handling of proposals, it is advisable to indicate CEDAR in the Program Announcement portion of the NSF cover sheet and to use CEDAR in the title of the proposal. Contacts: Dr. Sunanda Basu Aeronomy Program Phone: (703) 3061529 FAX: (703) 3060377 Internet: sbasu@nsf.gov Dr. Robert Robinson Upper Atmospheric Facilities Program Phone: (703) 3061531 FAX: (703) 3060377 Internet: rmrobins@nsf.gov Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) The Geospace Environment Modeling program focuses on the near-earth portion of geospace from the lower ionosphere to where the earth system interacts with the solar wind. This space plasma environment, called the magnetosphere, is a highly coupled, electrodynamic system which links the earth's atmosphere with the local astrophysical environment. Thus, magnetospheric physics is a discipline which stands at the intersection of earth system science and modern astronomy. Motivation and Purpose The magnetosphere illustrates very effectively the interconnectedness of earth system components. The space plasma environment also affects various technological systems, from ground-based power grids and communication systems to spacecraft. All space plasmas, energetic particles, and electromagnetic coupling effects of the near-space environment are filtered through the magnetosphere. The purpose of GEM is to support basic research into the dynamical and structural properties of the magnetosphere. One of the objectives is the construction of a global geospace general circulation (GGCM) model with predictive capability. Such a quantitative magnetospheric model would be analogous to existing general circulation models for the lower atmosphere and would also be linked to ongoing developments of general circulation models of the upper atmosphere (stratosphere to the thermosphere) being supported by the Aeronomy program and the CEDAR research opportunity. Description The strategy for achieving GEM goals is to undertake a series of "campaigns," in both theory and observational modes, each focusing on particular aspects of the geospace environment. The first campaign, continuing through about FY 1996, focuses on the magnetospheric cusp and boundary layer. The second campaign on the magnetotail and substorms began in FY 1994 and is anticipated to continue through FY 1996. Along with these focused area of research are observational campaigns based on various events of opportunity in which NSF-supported ground-based observations play an important and unique role. Ground-based access to the geospace environment has improved substantially within the past decade and both GEM and CEDAR are reaping the rewards of these technological advances. Proposal Submission Information The title of proposals submitted for the Geospace Environment Modeling program should begin with the GEM acronym. The proposal submission target date is October 15. For further information about studies of the geospace environment, especially the magnetosphere, and the GEM program in particular, contact the Program Director. Contact: Dr. Odile de la Beaujardiere Magnetospheric Physics Phone: (703) 306-1519 FAX: (703) 306-0377 Internet: odelabe@nsf.gov Radiative Inputs of the Sun to Earth (SunRISE) Radiative Inputs of the Sun to Earth (SunRISE) is a program that supports basic research on the impact of the Sun's varying radiative output (total irradiance, ultraviolet (UV) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV)) upon the Earth and its atmosphere. Description The Sun is now recognized to have undergone significant and welldocumented variations on long timescales. The indications are that modifications of some aspects of the solar activity have been associated with terrestrial climate changes such as the 17th century "Little Ice Age" and the 1112th century "Medieval Optimum." Modern observations now show irradiance changes on the scale of a few years, as well as on shorter timescales. These naturally occurring fluctuations in the radiative input to the Earth's atmosphere are small but comparable to other effects which are recognized as important for climate processes on the Earth. An understanding of these effects and the underlying physical processes is thus essential for the interpretation and understanding of the severity of modern anthropologicallyinduced global climate changes. The total solar eclipse of November 3, 1994 photographed from Putre, Chile by a team from the High Altitude Observatory of the National Center for Atmospheric Research. The photograph was taken through a radially graded filter which suppresses the bright inner corona in order to show the much fainter outer regions in the same photograph. The SunRISE initiative grew out of a communitywide workshop on this subject held in Boulder, Colorado in 1987, and a working document subsequently produced by the steering committee (RISE: A Research Plan for the 1990s on Solar Irradiance Variations). The purpose of this program of studies is to examine the origin of the variations in the total irradiance and the spectral irradiance of the Sun, particularly the UV and EUV components. The goal is to increase our understanding of the Sun's radiative output to the Earth and to improve our capability of predicting its changes. Special emphasis will be given to the nature of solar variability and the resulting terrestrial response. Together with the efforts already underway, which include interpretation of existing data as well as the development of new instrumentation and new observations, it is intended to support a wide range of studies on this problem. Proposal Submission Information The deadline for SunRISE proposals is expected to be November 1. The title of each SunRISE proposal should begin with the SunRISE acronym. Contact: Dr. David Sime Solar Terrestrial Program Phone: (703) 3061530 FAX: (703) 3060377 Internet: dsime@nsf.gov U.S. Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (U.S. JGOFS) Research Opportunitytc "B. Analyses of Biogeochemical Processes"\l 2\f f tc "Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS)"\l 4\f f U.S. JGOFS is the U.S. component of the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS), sponsored by the Scientific Committee for Oceanic Research (SCOR). JGOFS is a "Core Project" of the International Council of Scientific Union's International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme. The NSF budget for this program is projected to be $16.8 million in FY 1995. Description JGOFS has two goals: • To determine and understand on a global scale the processes controlling the time-varying fluxes of carbon and associated biogenic elements in the ocean, and to evaluate the related exchanges with the atmosphere, sea floor, and continental boundaries. • To develop a capability to predict on a global scale the response of oceanic biogeochemical processes to anthropogenic perturbations, in particular those related to climate change. The goals and objectives of U.S. JGOFS have been articulated in detail in a series of reports available through: U.S. JGOFS Planning and Implementation Office, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543 (Phone: (508) 5472000, ext. 2834). The international science plan for JGOFS is available through SCOR: Ms. E. Gross, SCOR/JGOFS Secretariat, 201 Olin Hall, San Martin Dr., Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218. Phone: (410) 516-4070; Internet: scor@jhubms.hcf.jhu.edu. The Division of Ocean Sciences of the National Science Foundation is publishing a series of announcements to alert the Chemical and Biological Oceanography communities of opportunities for participation in global ocean flux research. The detailed announcements are based on research priorities developed and continually reviewed by the U.S. JGOFS Scientific Steering Committee. With a major five-nation field program executed in the North Atlantic in 1989, and two long-term time-series stations established, U.S. JGOFS and its international component, JGOFS, have completed the final phases of an Equatorial Pacific (EQPAC) Process Study. The field operation of EQPAC occurred in FY 19911992, and involved several of the Pacific rim countries. An announcement was published in May 1992 calling for proposals for an Arabian Sea Process Study in 1994-1995, which is now in progress. JGOFS is also developing plans and strategies for the other oceans through the nineties, with the Southern Ocean being scheduled for the next process study in FY 1997. In FY 1995 and 1996, announcements may be published for the following areas of research: • Time Series Enhancements • Small-scale, Discretely Focused Research • Southern Ocean Process Study Proposal Submission Information All application materials must be received at the Foundation by announced deadlines. These deadlines can be obtained by consulting the appropriate program manager listed below. U.S. JGOFS funding from the NSF Division of Ocean Sciences is provided cooperatively by the Chemical and Biological Oceanography Programs. Joint funding for the Southern Ocean Process Study is expected with the Office of Polar Programs (OPP). Floating sediment traps in the Equatorial Pacific. (Photo courtesy of Cindy Lee and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. ) Contacts: Dr. Neil Andersen Chemical Oceanography Program Phone: (703) 306-1583 FAX: (703) 306-0390 Internet: nandersen@nsf.gov Dr. Phillip R. Taylor Biological Oceanography Program Phone: (703) 306-1587 FAX: (703) 306-0390 Internet: prtaylor@nsf.gov Dr. Polly A. Penhale Polar Biology and Medicine Phone: (703) 306-1033 FAX: (703) 306-1039 Internet: ppenhale@nsf.gov Dr. Bernhard Lettau Polar Oceans and Climate Systems Phone: (703) 306-1033 FAX: (703) 306-1039 Internet: blettau@nsf.gov Global Tropospheric Chemistry Program (GTCP) /International Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC) Research Opportunity tc "Global Tropospheric Chemistry Program"\l 4\f f The composition and chemistry of the atmosphere are both indicators of changes occurring in the Earth's environment and climate forcing agents. Climate changes driven by changes in the composition of the atmosphere may result from: (1) the greenhouse effect through increases in the fluxes of radiatively active gases, (2) alterations to the atmospheric albedo through modifications to the atmospheric burden of chemical compounds which participate in the formation of aerosols or induce changes in the microphysical properties of clouds, and (3) modifications in the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere caused by the introduction of reactive chemical compounds which can lead to changes in the atmospheric lifetimes of some radiatively active compounds. Understanding global change depends to a large degree on improving the scientific knowledge of the processes controlling the trace chemical composition of the global atmosphere. The biogeochemical cycling of elements through the atmosphere is a critical process in the Earth system that involves the biosphere as well as the chemical and physical processes in air, land and water. NSF's Global Tropospheric Chemistry Program addresses these issues through participation in the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry project of the IGBP. The FY 1995 budget is estimated to be $12.8 million. Description GTCP is a focused atmospheric chemistry program designed to provide a better understanding of how substances of natural or anthropogenic origin enter the atmosphere, are physically and chemically transformed, and ultimately removed. GTCP's goal is to measure, interpret, understand, and predict changes in the chemistry of the atmosphere on both global and regional scales, with emphasis on those processes affecting the oxidizing capacity and radiative properties of the atmosphere and the atmospheric component of biogeochemical cycles. This objective is to be accomplished through field and laboratory investigations as well as theory aided by numerical modeling. In 1988 and 1989, a committee of the ICSU International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics' Commission on Atmospheric Chemistry and Global Pollution developed plans for the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry Programme, which is a designated core project of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme. The goals of IGAC are (i) to develop a fundamental understanding of the chemical processes that determine the chemical composition of the atmosphere; (ii) to understand the interactions between atmospheric chemical composition and biological and climatic processes; and (iii) to predict the impact of natural and human-influenced forcing on the composition of the atmosphere. The NSF GTCP activities will contribute to, and be a part of, the IGAC Programme. Further descriptions of IGAC plans and activities may be obtained for the IGAC Core Project Office, Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139. The activities to be supported by NSF under this announcement include field, laboratory and modeling studies designed to better understand tropospheric chemistry and its importance to climate. Other projects to be supported include the development and performance evaluation of new instrumentation and experimental strategies that are necessary to advance the U.S. Global Change Research Program and IGAC research efforts. Moreover, proposals that deal with applied mathematics and statistics research that may lead to improved mathematical and statistical models and experimental designs that can be used for atmospheric chemistry process understanding will also be considered (see Mathematics, Statistics and Computation in Global Change Research Opportunities page 38). The NSF activities will be coordinated with related NASA, NOAA and other Federally supported U.S. Global Change Research Program and IGBP/IGAC research activities. Proposal Submission Information Proposal cover sheets not bearing the words: "Global Tropospheric Chemistry Program," but otherwise meeting the requirements of this announcement, may also be considered for support. Proposals submitted in response to this announcement must be postmarked no later than June 1 or December 1. Contact: Dr. Jarvis Moyers or Dr. Sherry Farwell Atmospheric Chemistry Program Phone: (703) 306-1522 FAX: (703) 306-0377 Internet: jmoyers@nsf.gov sfarwell@nsf.gov Greenhouse Gas Dynamics (GGD) Research Opportunity tc "Greenhouse Gas Dynamics"\l 4\f f The Division of Chemistry will consider proposals for studies related to the production, interaction, and reactions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Research focused on laboratory investigation of processes at the molecular level, development of experimental data necessary for effective modeling and prediction of greenhouse gas effects on a global scale, and identification of alternative, less environmentally destructive substances. FY 1995 funding is estimated to be up to $1 million. Description Greenhouse Gas Dynamics (GGD) supports research on the complex chemical processes, both natural and industrial, which lead to GHG production and release, and on the interactions of greenhouse gases with light, other atmospheric gases, surfaces, and other relevant substances. Photochemical studies of greenhouse gases, undertaken because of environmental relevance, have revealed much about the reaction chemistry of isolated gases. The complex nonlinear interactions of multiple gases and phases, however, are only vaguely understood despite their clear climatic importance. Photochemical studies aimed at improving understanding of the behavior of complex systems are encouraged. Only recently has it been appreciated that a combination of mass and thermal transport, photochemistry, and surface chemistry is necessary to describe interactions of GHGs in the atmosphere. This program supports investigations of adsorption, photochemistry, and bulk reactions between GHGs and other substances--frequently at surfaces or in aerosols or hydrosols--which determine their environmental impact on global climate change. Surface interaction studies which point to new and effective means for selectively removing GHGs from process streams or catalyzing their conversion to innocuous substances are also appropriate. Proposals for development of new physical and chemical tools to carry out analyses essential for characterization of environmentally critical interactions will be considered. Attention will be given to developing reliable techniques for in situ sensing and quantification of GHGs and understanding fundamental chemistries underlying passive and active sensor design. Proposal Submission Information Proposals may be submitted at any time. Contact: Dr. Frank Wodarczyk Division of Chemistry Phone: (703) 306-1856 FAX: (703) 306-0534 Internet: fwodarcz@nsf.gov Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamics (GLOBEC) Research Opportunitytc "C. Analyses of Biological and Ecological Processes"\l 2\f f tc "Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamics (GLOBEC)"\l 4\f f NSF's Division of Ocean Sciences announces opportunities for global ocean ecosystems research through the U.S. Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamics Research Program (U.S. GLOBEC). NSF and NOAA are cooperatively managing and supporting the U.S. GLOBEC research effort. This announcement is based on research priorities developed and reviewed by the U.S. GLOBEC Scientific Steering Committee, with recommendations directed to the NSF Divisions of Ocean Sciences and Polar Programs, and other Federal agencies. The NSF budget for U.S. GLOBEC in FY 1995 is estimated to be $ 6.7 million. Description The U.S. GLOBEC research initiative has been called for by the oceanographic, marine ecology and fisheries communities to address the question: what will be the impact of changes in our global environment on populations and communities of marine animals comprising marine ecosystems? The U.S. GLOBEC approach is to develop basic information about the mechanisms that determine the variability of marine animal populations. Through such understanding scientists can produce reliable predictions of population changes in the face of a shifting global environment. A goal of U.S. GLOBEC is to couple studies of the physical environment to those of biological processes in the ocean that act during life stages of most marine animals. Investigations are proceeding at individual, population, and community levels because the effects of global change may be felt at all three. Once projects directed toward understanding the impact of physical phenomena in marine ecosystems are well advanced, U.S. GLOBEC investigators must address the question of predicting the future responses to the climatic scenarios that researchers deem probable in the sea. Directions and objectives of the U.S. GLOBEC program appear in reports available from the U.S. GLOBEC Scientific Steering Committee Office; c/o Dr. Thomas Powell; Department of Integrative Biology; University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720. Announcements of opportunities are planned for the following, based on the availability of funding: • The U.S.-GLOBEC Eastern Boundary Current - California Current Program. This is the second designated region for field research. The first announcement will solicit proposals for the needed modeling, retrospective studies, paleooceanography and technology as outlined in the Science Plan. • The U.S.-GLOBEC Southern Ocean Program. This is the third designated region for field research. The first announcement will solicit proposals for the needed modeling research as outlined in the Science Plan. Detailed announcements for these activities will be posted from NSF and NOAA and in the US-GLOBEC newsletter. The U.S. GLOBEC planning and implementation documents should be obtained prior to proposal preparation. The following are available from the U.S. GLOBEC Scientific Steering Committee Office and include: • Initial Science Plan, Report No.1, Feb. 1991 • GLOBEC: Northwest Atlantic Program, Report No.2, Feb. 1991 • GLOBEC: Southern Ocean Program. GLOBEC Workshop on Southern Ocean Marine Animal Populations and Climate Change, Report No. 5, Nov. 1991 • GLOBEC Workshop on Acoustical Technology, Report No. 4, Sept. 1991 • Implementation Plan for U.S. GLOBEC NW Atlantic/Georges Bank Study, Report No. 6, June 1992 • Eastern Boundary Current Program: Report on Climate Change and the California Current Ecosystem, Report No. 7, Sept. 1992 • Optics Technology Workshop Report, Report No. 8, March 1993 • U.S. GLOBEC Data Policy, Report No. 10, Feb. 1994 • Eastern Boundary Current Program: A Science Plan for the California Current, Report No. 11, August 1994 Proposal Submission Information Deadlines for proposal submission can be obtained from the Biological Oceanography Program. Contact: Dr. Phillip R. Taylor Biological Oceanography Program Phone: (703) 306-1582 FAX: (703) 306-0930 Internet: prtaylor@nsf.gov Dr. Polly A. Penhale Polar Biology and Medicine Phone: (703) 306-1033 FAX: (703) 306-1039 Internet: ppenhale@nsf.gov Ecological Diversity Research Opportunity tc "Ecological Diversity Research Opportunity"\l 4\f f The Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) announces funding opportunities in a new Global Change research area: Ecological Diversity. All the Divisions within BIO support Ecological Diversity which will be initiated in FY 1995 with a special competition in Terrestrial Ecology and Global Change (TECO). This interagency competition, whose expected budget in FY 1995 is $4.6 million, is described in a separate announcement. In future years, it is expected that TECO will be augmented with other Ecological Diversity research activities. Ecological Diversity Description Ecological processes influenced by or contributing to Global Change ultimately are dependent on the diversity of organisms and their influence on system dynamics. An improved understanding of ecological processes requires knowledge of the species, populations and spatial patterning that contribute to total community composition (including microbial communities), survival and adaptation mechanisms, natural rates of change, and human-caused changes such as exotic invasions or extinctions. Diversity can be defined as the number of different items and their relative frequency. For biological and ecological diversity, these items and processes are organized at many levels, ranging from complete ecosystems to the chemical structures that are the molecular basis of heredity. Research is broadly defined to include biotic surveys and inventories, the evolutionary history of organisms and species, and the functions and interactions of populations, communities, and ecosystems. The Ecological Diversity research area seeks to determine the potential effects of global change on the biological and ecological diversity of managed and unmanaged ecosystems, and the resulting effects of altered diversity on ecosystem function. Biodiversity defines and determines ecosystem characteristics and processes. Comparative studies in Ecological Diversity are important because they are the basis for synthesis and generation of principles of use in management. To facilitate synthesis and comparison, researchers are encouraged to use ecological research sites in networks and appropriate electronic data bases. These networks may consist of sites supported by NSF [e.g., Long-term Ecological Research (LTER) and Land Margin Ecosystem Research (LMER) site-based networks] or by other federal agencies (e.g., National Parks, Estuarine Reserves, Wildlife Refuges, Forest and Agricultural Experiment Stations). Terrestrial Ecology and Global Change (TECO) Description This initial activity under Ecological Diversity, which is supported by NSF, DOE, NASA, and USDA, will strengthen research efforts in terrestrial ecology. The special competition will support research on: (i) ecosystem responses to combined effects from global forcings of elevated CO2, temperature, water, and nutrients; (ii) obtaining a predictive understanding of the combined effects of global forcings on landscape-scale processes and on the future structure and distribution of ecosystems; (iii) potential effects of global forcing on the biodiversity (e.g., species diversity, genetic diversity, habitat diversity) of managed and unmanaged ecosystems; and (iv) the reciprocal influence of ecological processes on atmospheric properties and climate. The goal for research supported by TECO is to improve the understanding of how species, ecological properties and processes, and ecosystems are related to global change, and to enhance capabilities to predict consequences of multiple influences (e.g., when the physical environment and ecological parameters change simultaneously). The research also will increase the ability for extending experimentally-derived process information to landscape and larger scales (e.g., regions, river basins). To achieve this scientific understanding, the TECO competition will seek to fund innovative field experimental designs, retrospective analyses, and new modeling efforts. Participating agencies would like to especially encourage multidisciplinary proposals involving companion experimental, retrospective and modeling efforts to provide critically needed data and parameters for improved predictions of important global change phenomena. Examples of such areas include CO2 and other trace gases related to climate change, consequences of global change on ecosystems, and ecosystem feedbacks to global change. Complementary Global Change Programs Description Ecological Diversity activities, TECO in FY 1995, will complement NSF's Global Change research efforts in Ecological Rates of Change (EROC), Water, Energy, Air and VEgetation (WEAVE), and Land Margin Ecosystem Research (LMER). These efforts provide the breadth required to address the ecological research needs identified in the USGCRP, and more recently in the Terrestrial Ecology Initiative. The Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program is a contributing Global Change Program and will complement the focused efforts through site-based research allowing large-scale experiments, retrospective analyses of site changes, interdisciplinary analyses and syntheses, and integrated regional modeling, including social and economic factors. Ecological Diversity activities provide multidisciplinary research opportunities for researchers and training for students. This ecological research complements global change research conducted by other directorates at NSF, and by other mission agencies, and provides critical information for biodiversity conservation strategies and ecosystem modeling. TECO Proposal Submission Information TECO research proposals must focus on the effects of global change on ecosystems and feedbacks on atmospheric composition and climate. Within this framework, proposals that are interdisciplinary are encouraged. Research proposed for this competition is encouraged to take advantage of existing programs, research sites or data sets of other agencies with multidisciplinary efforts. For specific instructions, refer to the section on General NSF Proposal Guidelines (pages 5-6). Proposals must be received by NSF no later than May 1, 1995. If you intend to submit a proposal for the TECO competition, please refer to the separate TECO announcement of funding opportunity, NSF 95-47. Also, it is advisable to contact a program officer prior to submitting the proposal. Who May Submit All institutions eligible to receive support from NSF may submit proposals in response to this announcement. For this particular initiative, federal scientists at National Laboratories and other Federal Laboratories (FFRDC’s) may also be eligible for support. TECO Contacts: Dr. Cliff Dahm Division of Environmental Biology Phone: (703) 306-1479 FAX: (703) 306-0367 Internet: cdahm@nsf.gov Dr. David Vleck Division of Integrative Bio. and Neuroscience Phone: (703) 306-1421 FAX: (703) 306-0349 Internet: dvleck@nsf.gov Ecological Diversity Contacts: Dr. Gerald Selzer Division of Biological ` Instrumentation and Resources Phone: (703) 306-1470 FAX: (703) 306-0356 Internet: gselzer@nsf.gov Dr. Joann Roskoski Division of Environmental Biology Phone: (703) 306-1480 FAX: (703) 306-0367 Internet: jroskosk@nsf.gov Dr. Machi Dilworth Division of Integrative Biology and Neurosciences Phone: (703) 306-1420 FAX: (703) 306-0349 Internet: mdilwort@nsf.gov Dr. Phillip Harriman Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Phone: (703) 306-1441 FAX: (703) 306-0355 Internet: pharrima@nsf.gov Land-Margin Ecosystems Research (LMER) Research Opportunitytc "Land Margin Ecosystems Research (LMER)"\l 4\f f In a joint endeavor, NSF's Divisions of Environmental Biology and Ocean Sciences support research on land-margin ecosystems. The LMER program, begun in 1988, is cooperatively administered by the Long-Term Projects Cluster and the Biological Oceanography Program The NSF FY 1995 budget for LMER is estimated to be $ 2.9 million. Description Land-margin ecosystems are at the interface of continental land masses and coastal oceans, including the Laurentian Great Lakes. Estuaries, coastal wetlands, tidal portions of rivers and coastal reefs are examples of land-margin ecosystems. The goal of the LMER program is to increase understanding of: (1) the structure and function of land-margin ecosystems; and (2) the linkages between these systems at the land-sea interface and those in adjacent terrestrial and marine systems, thereby increasing our capacity to predict the consequences of global change impacts. Proposals should be organized around major ecological questions that stress linkages between terrestrial and land-margin ecosystems. Studies of the ways in which changes on land cause changes in land-margin ecosystems should be a part of the proposed research. In order to achieve major advances in understanding these land-margin systems, the research should: (1) be interdisciplinary; (2) include a strong mathematical modeling component; and (3) make appropriate use of advanced technologies. Investigators may request up to six years of funding, not to exceed $500,000 annually. All projects are expected to seek and document significant extramural funding from sources other than the NSF and the home institution. Directions and objectives of the LMER program appear in reports available from the LMER Coordination Office c/o Dr. John Hobbie, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543. Proposal Submission Information The next Research Opportunity announcement for LMER is planned for the Fall of 1995 with a submittal deadline of February 1996. This announcement will replace NSF announcement 93-135. The Biological Oceanography Program will administer this competition. Interested PI's should contact the relevant Program Directors in the Divisions of Ocean Sciences or Environmental Biology listed below for further details on proposal guidelines. Contacts: Dr. Phillip R. Taylor Biological Oceanography Program Phone: (703) 306-1587 FAX: (703) 306-0390 Internet: prtaylor@nsf.gov Dr. Michael F. Allen Division of Environmental Biology Phone: (703) 306-1483 FAX: (703) 306-0367 Internet: mallen@nsf.gov Ecological Rates of Change (EROC) Research Opportunitytc "Ecological Rates of Change (EROC)"\l 4\f f The Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) announces opportunities for funding of global change-related research on ecological systems through the Ecological Rates of Change (EROC) activity. The estimated FY 1995 budget for EROC is $3.0 million. Description The purpose of EROC is to support research on how human-induced global change affects ecological rates of change. Specifically, the EROC activity seeks proposals for ecological research designed to separate the effects of natural versus anthropogenic changes on plant and animal physiological ecology, behavior, plant-animal interactions, plant or animal communities, and ecosystem processes and dynamics in terrestrial and freshwater aquatic systems. EROC is broadly defined, recognizing the complex ways in which global change can affect and be affected by biological systems. Interactions among biota and between biota and their environment may produce unpredictable results with cascading feedbacks. EROC research projects may concentrate on rates of change in communities and ecosystems, and involve studies of community composition and gradient structure, species interactions and distributional limits, and processes such as nutrient cycling, and decomposition. These changes may occur at fine spatial scales, such as interactions between individual plants or animals, or at larger spatial scales, including habitat succession, shifts in ecotones, or regional changes in species range boundaries, distribution, and abundance. Land use changes can force plant and animal populations to respond by genetic adaptation, modifications in behavior or physiology, migration, or extinction. These changes in species distribution and abundance may affect ecosystem structure and function. It is currently difficult to predict how ecosystem processes may be altered by the addition, subtraction, or changes in abundances, physiologies, behaviors, or composition of species, along with altered patterns of species interactions. Of particular interest to the EROC program are studies that address the relationship between, and reciprocal feedbacks among, biodiversity and ecosystem processes under various global change scenarios. For comparative studies, researchers are encouraged to use ecological research sites in networks. These networks may be new or may be existing networks (e.g., LTER and LMER site-based networks). In addition to small-scale studies, EROC research might include large manipulative experiments such as carbon dioxide augmentation, soil warming, or alternative land use patterns on a landscape. Complementary Global Change Programs Ecological Rates of Change program will complement the programs of Ecological Diversity (ED), and Water and Energy: Atmospheric, Vegetative and Earth Interactions (WEAVE), and Land Margin Ecosystem Research (LMER). Together, the four programs provide the breadth required to address the ecological research needs identified by the USGCRP. Additionally, the Terrestrial Ecology Initiative which focuses on the effects of global change on ecosystems and feedbacks on atmospheric composition and climate, is the newest addition to the suite of programs to address these scientific needs. The Long-term Ecological Research (LTER) program is a contributing Global Change program and will complement the four focused programs through site-based research allowing large-scale experiments, retrospective analyses of site changes, interdisciplinary analyses and syntheses, and integrated regional modeling, including social and economic factors. Research supported under the EROC program is related to two IGBP core projects -- Global Change and Terrestrial Ecosystems and Global Change and Ecological Complexity. Other international programs include UNESCO's MAB Biosphere Reserves Network, SCOPE's initiative on Inventory and Monitoring and IUBS program on Biodiversity. The Ecological Rates of Change Program provides multi-disciplinary opportunities for researchers and training of students. EROC complements global change research conducted by other directorates at NSF, by other mission agencies, and provides critical information for conservation strategies of communities and ecosystems, along with baseline data for modeling ecological systems. The EROC program will yield crucial information for the development of ecosystem management strategies in governmental agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Interior, EPA, NOAA, and related state agencies. Proposal Submission Information EROC research must focus on effects of global change on structure, function, and change in ecological systems. Within this framework, proposals that are interdisciplinary and collaborative are specifically encouraged. For specific instructions on proposal format, refer to the Grant Proposal Guide (NSF 94-2). Planned deadlines are the same as the Division of Environmental Biology's regular deadlines: June 15 and December 15. Contacts: Division of Environmental Biology Ecological Studies Program: Phone: (703) 306-1479 FAX: (703) 306-0367 Systematics & Population Biology: Phone: (703) 306-1481 FAX: (703) 306-0367 Human Dimensions of Global Change (HDGC) Research Opportunitytc "D. Analyses of Socioeconomic Systems"\l 2\f ftc "Human Dimensions of Global Change (HDGC)"\l 4\f f The National Science Foundation supports three related funding opportunities for research on the Human Dimensions of Global Change (HDGC). HDGC research focuses on the interactions between human and natural systems, with an emphasis on the social and behavioral processes that shape and influence those interactions. For FY 1995, proposals are solicited for 1) general research on HDGC; 2) policy sciences research for HDGC; and 3) a consortium of centers and teams for HDGC research. The FY 1995 budget for these combined activities is estimated to be $17 million. General Research on HDGC Description General research on HDGC must be clearly related to social, psychological, economic, demographic, anthropological, geographic, governmental, legal, institutional, and/or ethical aspects of global change including the development of statistical methodology and mathematics models. Although the emphasis is on global change, proposals for research on regional or local phenomena are welcome provided the implications for global effects are clearly specified in the proposal. Proposals should be well grounded in relevant social science theory, they should explain how the research will contribute to the enhancement of that theory, and they should clearly outline and justify the research methods to be used. Proposals to build or synthesize databases should include detailed research plans for use of the data. Proposal Submission Information HDGC is a coordinated activity sustained by the cooperation of programs in the Division of Social, Behavioral and Economic Research (SBER), the Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS), and the Office of Polar Programs (OPP). Proposals should be submitted to the most relevant program in these units in accordance with the guidelines in the Grant Proposal Guide. For additional information, contact a program officer in one of the following programs: Applied Mathematics Program (703) 306-1870 Archaeology and Archaeometry Program (703) 306-1759 Arctic Social Sciences Program (703) 306-1031 Computational Mathematics (703) 306-1870 Cultural Anthropology Program (703) 306-1758 Decision, Risk, and Management Science Program (703) 306-1757 Economics Program (703) 307-1753 Ethics and Values Studies Program (703) 306-1743 Geography and Regional Science Program (703) 306-1754 Human Cognition and Perception Program (703) 306-1732 Law and Social Science Program (703) 306-1762 Linguistics Program (703) 306-1731 Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics Program (703) 306-1729 Physical Anthropology Program (703) 306-1758 Political Science Program (703) 306-1761 Research on Science and Technology Program (703) 306-1742 Science and Technology Studies Program (703) 306-1743 Social Psychology Program (703) 306-1728 Sociology Program (703) 306-1756 Statistics and Probability Program (703) 306-1870 Policy Sciences for HDGC Description The policy sciences focused area is supported by the Division for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research (SBER), the Office of Polar Programs (OPP), and the Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS). This component of HDGC was established to further basic research on topics relevant to the formation and execution of environmental policies. The objective of policy sciences research for HDGC is to advance basic research on the processes, methodological tools, and formal models fundamental to the creation, implementation, and evaluation of environmental policies. The NSF welcomes proposals that incorporate interdisciplinary approaches and/or interdisciplinary collaborations on research issues relevant to environmental policies. In addition to furthering basic research on environmental policy issues, the NSF seeks to support the communication and dissemination of basic research results to the policy community. The policy sciences focused area encourages research on methodological and statistical issues relevant for the requirements of policy analysis and for understandings of the policy process. Potential topics for further investigation include models of the policy process, including the extraction of general relationships from case studies; applied and methodological research on forecasting and simulation; and research on the valuation of environmental resources, including theoretical approaches from a variety of disciplines. Research is also encouraged on the policy process as related to global environmental change; that is, this competition seeks research on the role of institutions, cultural norms, values, and human actions on the formation, implementation, and evaluation of environmental policies. All substantive areas in global environmental change are appropriate avenues for policy sciences research. Among the topics that have been identified as particularly pertinent for policy sciences research are: 1) human adaptation to global environmental change; 2) societal values and environmental justice; 3) technological innovation and diffusion; and 4) the international/transnational environment. In addition to research proposals, this focused area encourages proposals for workshops, conferences, or other activities that foster communication and dissemination of policy relevant basic research to interested parties beyond the academic research community. Proposal Submission Information Complete information about this focused area is contained in the Human Dimensions of Global Change Program Announcement, NSF 94-166. For further information on HDGC programs and target dates for submission of proposals, contact a program officer in one of the participating programs listed in the section on General HDGC Research. Consortium of Centers and Teams for HDGC Research Description Progress on many global change problems requires sustained disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary efforts that can be achieved only through the explicit coordination of people and resources. In FY 1995, it is estimated that $6 million will be available for a consortium of centers and teams in HDGC research. The goals of this competition are to: • facilitate the progress of HDGC research • promote HDGC education and training of researchers ranging from undergraduate to post-doctoral levels • foster interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research collaborations on HDGC issues NSF also encourages proposals that foster international collaborations. For more information on international opportunities for HDGC research centers and teams, see NSF announcement number 95-29 (addendum to NSF 94-166). Proposal Submission Information Proposals for this special competition must be postmarked no later than March 1, 1995. Complete information about this competition is contained in the Human Dimensions of Global Change Program Announcement, NSF 94-166. Specific inquiries regarding the HDGC Center competition should be directed to: Dr. Cheryl Eavey Division of Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research, rm. 995 National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22230 Phone: (703) 306-1729 FAX: (703) 306-0486 Internet: ceavey@nsf.gov Arctic System Science (ARCSS) Research Opportunitytc "E. Integrative Analyses"\l 2\f ftc "Arctic Systems Science (ARCSS)"\l 4\f f The National Science Foundation invites scientists from U.S. institutions to submit proposals to perform research on environmental processes and interactions of the Arctic environment. This research will contribute to NSF's Arctic System Science (ARCSS) Program. The FY 1995 total budget of ARCSS is estimated to be about $14.2 million. Description The features which distinguish the ARCSS program are captured by the words "Arctic" and "System". The program builds on a firm foundation of basic research in individual disciplines, aiming to achieve a genuine synthesis of knowledge that transcends traditional boundaries. The goal of ARCSS is two-fold: 1) to understand the physical, chemical, biological, and social processes of the Arctic system that interact with the total Earth system, to advance the scientific basis for predicting environmental change on a decade-to-century time scale and 2) to formulate policy options in response to the anticipated impacts of changing climate on humans and social systems. Special solicitations for the ARCSS competition are responsive to the publication Arctic System Science: A Plan For Integration, which can be obtained from the Program office. Schematic representation of transport processes in the Eurasian Arctic Ocean. Ages represent mean residence times of individual water masses. From Schlosser, P, J.H. Swift, D. Swift, D. Lewis, and S.L. Pfirman, The role of the large-scale Arcitc Ocean circulation in the transport of contaminants, Deep-Sea Research. (in press) ARCSS has three linked components: Paleoenvironmental Studies; Contemporary and Process Studies; and Synthesis, Integration, and Modeling Studies. Paleoenvironmental Studies construct climatic and ecological histories from ice-sheet cores and other proxy sources such as bog, lake and ocean sediments. These records document the rate, timing, magnitude, and spatial variability of Arctic climate change. When coupled with simulation models that include mechanistic explanations of climate behavior, these records allow tests of specific hypotheses about the causes of observed climate variation. The successful GISP2 (Greenland Ice Sheet Project Two) which is included in this component will be completed in 1996. The ongoing PALE (Paleoclimate from Arctic Lakes and Estuaries) Project focuses on reconstructing Arctic climate variation and biotic responses over the past 150,000, 20,000, and 2,000 years with the goal of understanding the interactions of these variations with the global system. PALE contributes to the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program's Past Global Changes (PAGES) initiative. The Contemporary and Process Studies include the OAII (Ocean-Atmosphere-Ice Interactions) Project and the LAII (Land-Atmosphere-Ice Interactions) Project. OAII priority areas are: surface energy budget, atmospheric radiation, and clouds; circulation of the Arctic Ocean; hydrologic cycle of the Arctic Basin; productivity and biogeochemical cycling in the marginal and adjacent seas; and coupled modeling of the air/sea/ice system. LAII priority areas are: Arctic feedback processes that may amplify global climate change; changes in the Arctic hydrological and biogeochemical systems, and their effects; changes in biotic communities, and how these will affect Arctic and global systems; and how all these changes in the Arctic will affect, and be affected by, human activities. Synthesis, Integration, and Modeling (SIM) studies provide a cross-cutting component to all programs within ARCSS, and are intended to foster linkages and system level understanding. Several workshops on modeling, synthesis and integration are planned for FY 1995. Proposal Submission Information ARCSS proposals are reviewed and funded by the Office of Polar Programs and the Divisions of Ocean Sciences and Atmospheric Sciences and are coordinated by the NSF ARCSS Program Office. ARCSS solicitations are published annually. Target date for submission of proposals is September 1. Proposers should refer to ARCSS workshop planning documents. Contacts: Dr. Patrick Webber or Dr. Michael Ledbetter Office of Polar Programs Phone: (703) 306-1030 FAX: (703) 306-0139 Internet: pwebber@nsf.gov mledbett@nsf.gov Water and Energy: Atmospheric, Vegetative and Earth Interactions (WEAVE) Research Opportunitytc "Water and Energy: Atmosphere, Vegetative, and Earth Interactions (WEAVE)"\l 4\f f The Water and Energy: Atmospheric, Vegetative, and Earth Interactions (WEAVE) Initiative coordinates complementary research in the Geosciences and Biological Sciences Directorates. The WEAVE program seeks to improve the understanding of the Earth's hydrologic and energy cycles sufficiently to allow assessments of the potential impact of human activities on those cycles and on the climate system, in general. The estimated budget for WEAVE in FY 1995 is $8.9 million. Description Regional and global climate, as well as flora and fauna, are the products of hydrologic and energy cycles. Water is the primary vehicle of energy and nutrient transport linking the biological, earth and atmospheric components of the climate system. Vegetation is a major conduit of water and energy between hydrologic and atmospheric systems, and a key agent in soil formation. Understanding the complex interactions and feedbacks among these components in the overall system is the primary objective of WEAVE. Each component of the hydrologic and related geochemical cycles is strongly interconnected. Surface characteristics determine the rate and nature of water and energy exchanges with the atmosphere. Radiative fluxes, sensible and latent heat fluxes, and evapotranspiration are governed by conditions in the atmosphere and influenced by surface and subsurface water flow, soil moisture, and types and states of vegetation. Precipitation and clouds are strongly influenced by surface properties, and also impact hydrologic and biogeochemical cycles. The distribution of water vapor, clouds, and precipitation influence ecosystem dynamics and the evolution of land surface features. Distribution dynamics of vegetation are strongly governed by physical factors, such as soil moisture and climate dynamics, and the relative importance of these factors is scale dependent. In addition, vegetation may impose strong feedbacks on hydrology and climate. One of the most challenging aspects of the WEAVE program is to ascertain the spatial and temporal scales at which key interactions occur. The Role of Clouds, Energy, and Water in Global Climate Change (ROCEW) Program is the component of WEAVE within the Division of Atmospheric Sciences. The goal of ROCEW is to improve understanding of the atmospheric portion of the Earth's water and energy cycles, with particular emphasis on the role of clouds and water vapor in the Earth system. A critical part of the program is the development of appropriate techniques for representing cloud processes and feedbacks in Earth system models. Continental Hydrologic Processes (CHP) is a component of WEAVE in the Division of Earth Sciences. This program supports research on the distribution and fluxes of water in lakes, streams, and continental surfaces. The research is to investigate how the hydrologic cycle is driven by transfers of water and energy between the atmosphere and underlying surfaces, impacts regional and global climate, interacts with and reshapes the land surface, and transports particles and solutes. The program looks for a holistic approach that integrates hydrological, geological, biological and atmospheric processes and aggregates them to determine surface and subsurface fluxes. WEAVE research will contribute to the goals of a number of programs under the World Climate Research Program and the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program, particularly the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) and the Biological Aspects of the Hydrological Cycle (BAHC). WEAVE efforts also complement a number of NSF's Global Change programs and will provide critical understanding of processes that will allow their representation in earth system models. Proposal Submission Information WEAVE proposals may involve either process or modeling studies of water and energy and their earth vegetation-atmosphere interactions governing or influencing the hydrologic cycle. The work must contribute to improved understanding of climate, the potential for global change, or the impact of global change on the physical and biological aspects of the hydrologic cycle. All WEAVE proposals must be so identified and submitted to one of the three disciplinary areas. Interdisciplinary proposals are especially encouraged and will be jointly reviewed by the appropriate programs. For specific instructions regarding grant preparation refer to the Grant Proposal Guide. Expected target dates are June 15 and December 15 (DEB); December 1 and June 1 (EAR); and proposals are accepted anytime for the Division of Atmospheric Sciences. Contacts: Division of Environmental Biology Ecological Studies Program Phone: (703) 306-1479 FAX: (703) 306-0367 Dr. L. Douglas James Division of Earth Sciences Continental Hydrologic Processes (CHP) Phone: (703) 306-1549 FAX: (703) 306-0382 Internet: ldjames@nsf.gov Ms. Pamela L. Stephens Division of Atmospheric Sciences Role of Clouds, Energy, and Water in Global Climate Change (ROCEW) Phone: (703) 306-1528 FAX: (703) 306-0377 Internet: pstephen@nsf.gov Earth System History (ESH) - Research Opportunitytc "F. Historical Analyses"\l 2\f ftc "Earth System History (ESH)"\l 4\f f Earth System History (ESH) includes coordinated paleoscience programs supported by all GEO Divisions and contributes to understanding critical elements of the coupled atmosphere-biosphere- cryosphere- earth- ocean system, including those aspects that cross disciplinary boundaries. The goal of ESH research is to understand the natural variability of the Earth system through records preserved in geo-biologic archives and to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of environmental change with decadal to millennial resolution, including the forcing mechanisms, interactions and feedbacks among its components. The importance of the ESH Program as an element of the USGCRP stems from its unique capabilities to: (1) assess the temporal and spatial characteristics of global-scale environmental and ecosystem variability, (2) define the nature of Earth sensitivity to a large number of forcing factors, including greenhouse gasses, (3) examine the integrated climatic, environmental, geochemical and biologic response of the Earth system to a variety of perturbations, (4) evaluate the simulations of numerical models under conditions very different from the present day, and (5) assess the rates of change associated with the variability of the Earth system. These attributes represent the criteria by which ESH investigations can be viewed as contributions to USGCRP. ESH represents a U.S. contribution to Past Global Changes (PAGES), a core project of the IGBP. ESH proposals are encouraged to address, but are not limited to, objectives that focus on the PAGES effort. ESH is coordinated with paleoscience efforts at NOAA and the U.S. Geological Survey and encourages collaborative efforts with these and other federal agencies. The budget for FY 1995 is estimated to be approximately $9 million. Description Assessment of future environmental changes requires understanding the full range of the Earth's variability and how the interlinked systems of ice, ocean, atmosphere, continents and biosphere respond to changing conditions. Integrated responses of the Earth system to climatic and environmental perturbations are preserved in natural archives of many types including: tree-rings, ice cores, corals, ancient soil deposits and marine, lake and terrestrial sediments. These records provide the data needed to understand the natural behavior of Earth's environmental systems and will provide the temporal perspective for evaluating more recent human-induced impacts. The paleoclimate and geologic record includes information on: (1) natural temporal and spatial variability, (2) periods of extreme climates and episodes of rapid climate and ecological change, (3) major changes in ocean and atmospheric circulation and composition, and (4) regional effects of climate and environmental fluctuations. These features present intellectual, observational, and analytical challenges that must be met in order to understand changes in climate that occur on societal time scales. Proposals for the ESH Program will be considered in any one or combination of the following areas of research: • Systematic compilation of high quality physical, chemical, and biological paleorecords focusing on climatic and environmental changes and events. • Quantification and development of biotic and geochemical proxy indicators for past Earth system processes and the improvement of geochronological techniques. • Analysis of the sensitivity of climate and forcing mechanisms (e.g., atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations) to changes in terrestrial and oceanic states. • Development and testing of models of the processes of climate change and evaluation of climate models with paleoclimatic data and information. Proposal Submission Information Proposals submitted in response to this announcement must be postmarked no later than January 15, 1996. Proposal cover sheets should also indicate "ESH" and the appropriate GEO Division (OCE, EAR, or ATM) under NSF Organization Unit. Each proposal must include a statement demonstrating how the proposed research responds to the objectives and criteria of the ESH Program. Investigators are strongly urged to contact appropriate NSF program officers prior to preparing proposals: Contacts: Dr. Herman Zimmerman Atmospheric Sciences Phone: (703) 306-1527 FAX: (703) 306-0377 Internet: hzimmerm@nsf.gov Dr. John Maccini Earth Sciences Phone: (703) 306-1551 FAX: (703) 306-0382 Internet: jmaccini@nsf.gov Dr. Leonard Johnson Earth Sciences Phone: (703) 306-1559 FAX: (703) 306-0382 Internet: lejohnso@nsf.gov Dr. Bilal Haq or Dr. C. Sancetta Ocean Sciences Phone: (7030 306-1586 FAX: (703) 306-0390 Internet: bhaq@nsf.gov or csancett@nsf.gov Stratospheric Ozone Depletion Research Opportunitytc "II. Observations and Management of Data on Earth System Change"\l\f ftc "Stratospheric Ozone Depletion/Polar Ultraviolet Radiation Effects"\l 4\f f The National Science Foundation supports research on the causes and nature of stratospheric ozone production and destruction. Approximate FY 1995 funding for such research is $500,000 each for the Arctic and the Antarctic, and in other regions it is $2.0 million. Description Since the announcement in 1985 of the discovery of the annual springtime "ozone hole" above Antarctica, NSF has supported research intended to understand the causes of stratospheric ozone depletion, particularly in polar regions where it is caused by contamination of the stratosphere by human activities. The stability of the stratospheric ozone layer is of great scientific interest and serious public concern. It is still necessary to understand more completely the chemical, physical and dynamical processes controlling the composition of the stratosphere. This requires laboratory studies of the detailed chemical processes that control ozone levels, field observations of the concentrations and distribution of chemical species, and improvements in mathematical and theoretical modeling of stratospheric chemistry and dynamics. NSF is supporting research related to all of these aspects of the ozone problem. Proposal Submission Information For research in the Arctic, direct proposals to the Office of Polar Programs prior to September 1. For Antarctic Research, first request a proposal kit by writing to: Polar Coordination and Information Section, Office of Polar Programs, NSF, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22230 (Phone: (703) 306-1031 or dfriscic@nsf.gov on Internet), and submit the completed application before June 1 of each year. For laboratory or theoretical work or for experimental research in non-polar regions, proposals should be directed to the Division of Atmospheric Sciences. Contacts: Dr. John T. Lynch Office of Polar Programs Phone: (703) 306-1033 FAX: (703) 306-0139 Internet: jlynch@nsf.gov Balloon launch at South Pole, Antartica, takes a scientific payload to as high as 35 km (115,000 ft) to measure ozone and other atmospheric processes. Dr. Jarvis L. Moyers Division of Atmospheric Sciences Phone: (703) 306-1523 FAX: (703) 306-0377 Internet: jmoyers@nsf.gov Polar Ultraviolet Radiation Research Opportunity The Polar Biology and Medicine Program of the Office of Polar Programs invites scientists from U.S. institutions to submit proposals for research on biological consequences of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, photobiology, UV optics and physics in Antarctica. The FY 1995 budget estimated for UV research in this polar region is about $1 million. Description Stratospheric ozone over the Antarctic has declined sharply over the last decade and the depletion is expected to continue. This depletion has allowed enhanced penetration of UV-B radiation to the Earth's surface in Antarctica where surface UV-B radiation has been historically low. Even small increases in ambient UV-B radiation can elicit a negative response from organisms. Although the response of Antarctic organisms to increasing UV-B radiation is largely unknown, these organisms may be particularly vulnerable. A system of instrumentation to monitor ultraviolet radiation is currently providing data in the Antarctic, Arctic and South America. Also, oceanographic instrumentation to measure UV-B penetration through sea water and sea ice and snow has been developed. Most current research efforts are directed towards understanding the biological consequences of enhanced UV penetration on marine phytoplankton and an understanding of UV optics and physics. Future efforts will be directed towards possible effects on other trophic levels, communities and ecosystems. Although 98% of Antarctica is covered with ice and snow, biological systems exist in the Dry Valleys in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Further study is needed to understand the influence of UV-B on components of the trophic structure and on ecosystems. Proposal Submission Information Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the instructions on the proposal preparation for Antarctic research. A Proposal Preparation Kit can be ordered from: Polar Coordination and Information Section, Office of Polar Programs, NSF, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22230 (Phone: (703) 306-1031 or dfriscic@nsf.gov on Internet). Proposals must be received no later than June 1 of each year. Contact: Dr. Polly A. Penhale Polar Biology and Medicine Program Phone: (703) 306-1033 FAX: (703) 306-0139 Internet: ppenhale@nsf.gov Sea Level Research Opportunity tc "Sea Level Changes"\l 4\f f The National Science Foundation invites scientists from US institutions to submit proposals to perform research on current changes in sea level using geophysical techniques. The projected budget for sea level change research in FY 1995 is $5.8 million. Description Any substantial rise in sea level due to global warming will have a severe impact on low-lying coastal areas and oceanic islands. Mitigation of the effects of rising sea level on developed coastal regions (barrier islands, river estuaries, and deltas) over the short term would involve a large monetary investment in shoreline stabilization; over the long term, strategic retreat becomes necessary, with large economic costs and widespread social disruption. Prudent formulation of national and international public policy with respect to future sea level change requires a solid scientific understanding of the trend in absolute sea level in the decadal time frame, and how local or regional tectonics may counter or amplify worldwide sea level change. In order to achieve this understanding, NSF plans to systematically expand its programs in space-based geodesy using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and in fundamental studies of active tectonic processes. This will result in strategically-placed geodetic networks at coastal locations and in places of tectonic activity. Through analysis of data from these networks, long-term trends in sea level due to glacial melting and ocean expansion can be distinguished from effects of post-glacial rebound and active tectonics. Analysis of data from coastal locations will be supported by analysis of data from tide gauges and absolute gravity instruments. Analysis of relative motions due to active tectonics in the vicinity of plate boundaries will be supported by investigations involving geologic field studies and the deployment of portable seismic arrays. Basic scientific investigations of internal processes within the solid Earth, coupled with well-distributed observations, careful data processing, and the development of long time series, are essential for an understanding of this important form of global change. NSF's global geodetic program is supported through the University NAVSTAR Consortium (UNAVCO), which has an international membership; a substantial fraction of the currently-supported projects are outside the U.S., and involve cooperation with the national geodetic agencies of other countries. NSF's program of studies of contemporary sea level change is strongly coupled with stratigraphic and geomorphologic studies within the Earth System History element aimed at understanding the longer-term causes of sea level change in the glacial and pre-glacial past. Thus, sea level studies support two elements of the global change program. The studies also support a proposed Core Project of the IGBP, Land-Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone, Research Focus 3: Responses to changes in relative sea level. The program is linked studies of ecosystem dynamics under changing environmental conditions being carried out through the Land Margin Ecosystems Research (LMER) program. It is further linked to the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) initiative with regard to the potential impact of future instability of this ice sheet on sea level. Proposal Submission Information Proposal deadlines for the Division of Earth Sciences are December 1 and June 1 of each year. Contact: Geophysics Program Phone: (703) 306-1556 FAX: (703) 306-0382 Geosystems Databases Infrastructure Programtc "Geosystem Databases Infrastructure"\l 4\f f Geosystems Databases is intended to provide scientists with the necessary resources to assemble and use global climate change data and information efficiently and effectively for research and education. It is a program, in cooperation with other science agencies, to collect, organize, process, and assimilate with state-of-the-art models the long-term global synoptic data required to understand how the climate system functions. Funding for FY 1995 through the Divisions of Atmospheric and Earth Sciences is estimated to be about $1.4 million. Description It is becoming increasingly clear that many traditional concepts and practices of data and information management are inadequate for global change studies. The interdisciplinary, interagency, and international aspects of these studies, coupled with the necessary long-term view, pose unprecedented challenges to the data management and research communities alike. It will require research scientists and managers of data and information to work together to find solutions and to implement them. Substantial climate data exist as a result of past observations and research. The efficient use of those data to obtain a better understanding of global climate change is a crucial need. Criteria need to be established for the selection of data sets and subsets of data sets to be preserved for global change studies. Moreover, we need better data identification and documentation. Few historic data sets that might be widely used by researchers are adequately quality-controlled or documented. The absence of thorough and consistent documentation makes it difficult for potential users to evaluate data sets to determine which ones are most appropriate for their particular applications. These are problems that require the combined efforts of scientists and data managers. Mathematical and statistical research is also required to develop methods and techniques for assessing the representativeness and quality of data and for managing large, complex data sets (see also page 38). Geosystems Databases activities include the development of long-term data sets for studying global climate change, exploratory research on value-added data products and information, e.g., model-assimilated data and information, and research into techniques for managing large, complex data sets and on standards for general archiving of value added, or derived, subsets of raw data. In addition, Geosystems Databases supports facility enhancements that strengthen the data management infrastructure available to global change researchers through, e.g., improved mass storage and retrieval capabilities for model data outputs. Geosystems Databases is coordinated through the Global Change Data Management Working Group, a consortium of Federal agencies that support global change research. Within NSF, it is coordinated with the Division of Information, Robotics and Intelligent Systems' Research Initiative on Scientific Databases. For information on this initiative contact Dr. Ron Ashany, Phone: (703) 306-1926; Internet: rashany@nsf.gov. Proposal submission information Modest levels of support through the Geosystems Databases program are available for qualified projects in FY 1995 and beyond. Proposals may be submitted at any time. Contact: Dr. Jay S. Fein Climate Dynamics Program Phone: (703) 306-1527 FAX: (703) 306-0377 Internet: jfein@nsf.gov Climate Modeling, Analysis and Prediction (CMAP) Research Opportunitytc "III. Modeling and Prediction of Climate Change"\l\f ftc "Climate Modeling and Analysis (CMAP)"\l 4\f f Climate Modeling, Analysis and Prediction (CMAP) supports research in climate-system model development, simulation and prediction, validation, error estimation, and assessment of predictability. The FY 1995 budget is estimated to be $11.5 million. Future attention will be given to enhancing supercomputer resources. Description Questions about the future state of the environment - global and regional distributions of temperature and precipitation, sea level, water resources, and biological productivity - can be answered only through theoretical model simulations and predictions because the processes and feedbacks are so complex. However, various components of climate models- for example: cloud-radiative processes and feedbacks, ocean circulations and surface fluxes, and biosphere interactions, are inadequately represented because we lack sufficient knowledge of the processes involved. Research leading to improved understanding of these components is required in order to achieve the goal of CMAP, which is significant improvements in climate-system modeling and prediction. Moreover, the representativeness of physical, chemical and biological processes in numerical climate models and the interpretation of model estimates of future climate states, requires mathematical and statistical studies (see also page 38). Examples of the research that will be supported include: • studies using conceptual models, both stand-alone, e.g., atmospheric energy balance models, and coupled, e.g., one-dimensional radiative convection models coupled with variable depth ocean mixed layer models; • development and experimentation with three-dimensional atmospheric general circulation models (GCMs), both stand-alone and coupled; • modeling studies of past climates; and • studies of chaotic behavior and predictability of the coupled climate system. Priority will be given to research that addresses issues related to coupling the atmosphere to its lower boundaries; the ocean, land surface and cryosphere. A fully-coupled, community climate system model (CSM) should be available at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) by early 1996 for use by researchers. More information on the CSM will be available by late FY 1995. Temporal and spatial scales of interest are seasonal, interannual, decadal-to-century, and regional-to-global. Proposal Submission Information Proposals may be submitted at any time. Contact: Dr. Jay S. Fein Climate Dynamics Program Phone: (703) 306-1527 FAX: (703) 306-0377 Internet: jfein@nsf.gov Methods and Models for Integrated Assessment (MMIA) Methods and Models for Integrated Assessment (MMIA) is a new funding opportunity for global change research at the National Science Foundation. The goal of MMIA is to support methodological research that will advance the design and conduct of integrated assessments. Integrated assessment is a new approach for examining the complex interactions among Earth’s physical, biological, and human systems. Assessing the combined influence of multiple systems is central to understanding important issues such as global environmental change, large-scale technological change, and international socio-political evolution. The integrated assessment approach involves the use of quantitative models and other methods to better understand individual component systems and their interactions, with particular emphasis on how changes in one or more component systems will impact other systems. Federal agencies participating in the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) have identified integrated assessment as an important approach for providing information to policy and decision makers. In addition to providing information about the dynamics of change, integrated assessments will assist policy makers by providing a framework for identifying and evaluating likely consequences of different environmental policies. In concert with other USGCRP agencies, NSF has established MMIA to sponsor high-quality, fundamental and methodological research in two categories: (1) research that advances the development of methodologies and models that will integrate multiple component systems; and (2) research that develops and enhances the scientific components of the integrated approach. MMIA will consist of two funding opportunities. The first opportunity is a special interdisciplinary competition that advances integrative methodologies linking component systems. Information on this special competition is given in the section titled ‘Funding Opportunity I.’ The following section, ‘Funding Opportunity II’, describes the availability of funding for research that enhances understanding of scientific components of the integrative approach. Research in this category will be supported through disciplinary and interdisciplinary awards made by individual NSF programs. For both research funding opportunities, NSF encourages participation and collaboration of researchers from all appropriate scientific and engineering disciplines, including the mathematical sciences. NSF expects to make up to 30 MMIA awards in FY 1995, with total support for MMIA at approximately $3.4 million. Funding Opportunity I: Research to Integrate Multiple Components Proposals addressing the overall analytical approach should describe research intended to improve methods for integrated assessment. Proposed research should emphasize integrated assessment as an analytical approach. Because of the nature of this research, NSF expects most awards in this category to be interdisciplinary in scope and to focus on the linkages among multiple human and natural systems with reference to high priority policy issues (such as national economic welfare, international technological change or regional ecological impacts). Examples of research in this category include rigorous modeling methods and algorithms that link atmospheric, ecological, socio-economic systems; meta-analysis of models and data; treatment of uncertainty and risk in integrated systems; and the development of exploratory and confirmatory techniques for prediction in large complex models and statistically based inferences. Proposals addressing integrated assessment are expected to indicate the scientific merit of the proposed research and the policy relevance of the anticipated results. They may also propose specific activities, such as workshops and briefings, to foster interactions and communications between the policy and research communities. Although participation by researchers in specific disciplines is not required, the Foundation encourages investigators to demonstrate substantial contributions from the mathematical, statistical, natural and social sciences in their research plans. A special competition for the proposals addressing this integrative approach will be conducted in the Spring of 1995. Evaluation of proposals in this special competition will include reviews by external experts and by a multidisciplinary panel. Evaluation of proposals will be based on the four standard NSF evaluation criteria: (1) research performance competence; (2) intrinsic merit of the research; (3) utility or relevance of the research; and (4) effect of the research on the infrastructure of science and engineering. Proposals submitted for the overall approach category must be postmarked no later than April 17. Funding Opportunity II: Enhancement of Scientific Components MMIA also will support more focused research in disciplinary methods and components that contribute to the overall objectives of the program. This research will emphasize improved understanding of the topical and methodological components of integrated assessment. The research is expected to reduce uncertainty about critical processes, fill knowledge gaps, and improve the validity and reliability of the component science. Examples of research in this category include further analysis of environmental change variables; modeling of physical and human processes related to global change; modeling ecosystem function and value; modeling adaptive behavioral and social responses to environmental change; computational and modeling methods to address uncertainty, vulnerabilities, surprise scenario forecasts, and simulation; and modeling international growth, competitiveness, and security in the context of resource sustainability. MMIA will also support research on higher-dimensional statistical inference techniques. Examples include extensions of inferential technologies to the dimensions needed to construct bridges between Earth-system-data and policy relevant questions regarding global change and evaluation of the efficacy of methods for integrated assessment through analyses of their use in actual assessments. Proposals addressing the component science category should be submitted to the most relevant program in the NSF research directorates. They must include a statement demonstrating how the proposed research responds to the science needs of integrated assessments for global change research. Evaluation of proposals will follow the procedures of the relevant programs. Evaluation of proposals will be based on the four standard NSF evaluation criteria: (1) research performance competence; (2) intrinsic merit of the research; (3) utility or relevance of the research; and (4) effect of the research on the infrastructure of science and engineering. Investigators should consult the NSF Guide to Programs to determine the most relevant program. They are encouraged to contact that program before submission to verify evaluation procedures and submission deadlines. Proposal Submission Information All institutions eligible to receive support from the NSF research directorates may submit proposals in response to this announcement. The Foundation also has express statutory authority to support research performed by other Federal agencies and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs). The Foundation ordinarily does not encourage research proposals from other Federal agencies or FFRDCs; however, for this particular announcement the Foundation will consider proposals for research and logistic support activities of other Federal agencies or FFRDCs directed to the goals of special national and international research programs for which the Foundation bears special responsibility. Scientists from other federal agencies or FFRDCs are encouraged to participate by developing collaborations with university scientists. Any proposals under this category should not include costs related to Civil Service Salaries for federal scientists. MMIA projects that will produce data and information that can be used by other global change researchers must include a special information and supplementary documentation section (Proposal Section I) titled “Data and Information Availability.” Section I is described in detail on page 10 of the Grant Proposal Guide and is not counted in the 15-page Project Description limitation. This discussion should describe the data and information products, the management plans for their validation, quality control and archiving, and the costs for these activities. If a proposal is being submitted in response to the special competition addressing the overall analytical approach, the delivery address must clearly identify the number of the MMIA research opportunities announcement, NSF 95-9. If the proposal is being submitted in response to the scientific component funding opportunity, make sure to indicate the division and program to which the proposal is being directed, including appropriate program deadlines. Proposals should be mailed to: NSF 95-9 (if responding to Funding Opportunity I) Relevant program (if responding to Funding Opportunity II) Proposal Processing Unit, Rm. 60 National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22230 Contacts: Dr. Robin Cantor Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Phone: (703) 306-1757 FAX: (703) 306-0485 Internet: rcantor@nsf.gov Dr. Al Thaler Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences Phone: (703) 306-1880 FAX: (703) 306-0555 Internet: athaler@nsf.gov --or-- Dr. Sallie Keller-McNulty Program Director for Statistics & Probability Phone: (703) 306-1870 FAX: (703) 306-0555 Internet: smcnulty@nsf.gov Ms. Susi Baranano Directorate for Geosciences Phone: (703) 306-1527 FAX: (703) 306-0377 Internet: sbaranan@nsf.gov Related Funding Opportunities Other Federal agencies have been working with NSF to advance research on integrated assessments related to global change. Investigators may wish to obtain information about the following related funding opportunities: Department of Energy The Division of Environmental Sciences of the U.S. Department of Energy expects to solicit applications on Global Change Assessment Research, subject to availability of funds. The notice of this solicitation is expected to appear in the Federal Register late in 1994; applications will be due early in 1995. For further information, contact John Houghton; Environmental Sciences Division, Office of Energy Research; ER-74; U.S. Department of Energy, Washington D.C., 20585; Phone: (301) 903-8288; Internet: john.houghton@mailgw.er.doe.gov. Dr. J. Thomas Callahan Directorate for Biological Sciences Phone: (703) 306-1479 FAX: (703) 306-0367 Internet: jcallaha@nsf.gov Dr. Dennis Peacock Office of Polar Programs Phone: (703) 306-1033 FAX: (703) 306-0139 Internet: dpeacock@nsf.gov National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The Office of Global Programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will support research on integrated assessment relevant to the impacts and effects of episodic climate variations (such as those related to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon) and the identification of policies for mitigation and adaptation. Notice of this program is included in the Program Announcement for NOAA's Climate and Global Change Program, which is published each spring in the Federal Register. The deadline for proposals to be considered in Fiscal Year 1996 is expected to be in late summer 1995. For further information, contact Claudia Nierenberg; Office of Global Programs; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; 1100 Wayne Ave., Suite 1225; Silver Spring, MD 20910; Phone: (301) 427-2089, Ext. 46; Internet: nierenberg@ogp.noaa.gov. Identical information on MMIA also appears in the separate NSF announcement of funding opportunity, NSF 95-9. Funding Opportunities Cross-Cutting Focused Research Programstc "Funding Opportunities Cross-Cutting Focused Research Programs"\l\f c Mathematics, Statistics, and Computation in Global Change Research Opportunities tc "Mathematics, Statistics, and Computation in Global Change Research Opportunities "\l 2\f c Mathematics, statistics, and computation play fundamental roles in the modeling, analysis, simulation, and prediction of complex phenomena. NSF, therefore, encourages their development as they contribute to research on global change. Description Important areas for continuing work include analytical and computational methods for stochastic and deterministic partial differential equations, and statistical techniques that encompass the full range of temporal and spatial scales. These areas provide critical tools for modeling the Earth system, analyzing models and observations, and handling substantial data bases. Accordingly, the Division of Mathematical Sciences invites proposals that will: • yield new insights into environmental systems of global change through developments in mathematics and statistics. • combine statistical and dynamical approaches for quantification and forecasting global change indices, • provide improved computational techniques or software for the analysis of global change data, and for the design and simulation of Earth systems, • establish new databases related to global change and improve database access. Mathematical sciences develop and use tools for description, analysis, modeling, understanding, prediction, and presentation of complicated phenomena. These tools are important for the study of global change. Therefore, proposed areas for research include: • fluid dynamics, magnetohydrodynamics, and materials studies in biological and geophysical regimes, and associated numerical methods, • dynamical systems, waves, and reaction-diffusion systems arising in chemistry, biology, or the geosciences, and associated computational methods, • computer visualization of evolving systems or of high-dimensional data, • orbital mechanics and related measurement systems, • seismic tomography, inverse problems, and control theory, • interpolation, smoothing, filtering, and prediction, • multiple time series, spatial statistics and multivariate analysis, • inference with stochastic processes, • parametric and nonparametric function estimation, and wavelets, • extreme value theory. Other areas of study are appropriate as they address the objectives of the U.S. Global Change Research Program. Proposal Submission Information Investigators must clearly establish the connection of their planned research with the objectives of the U.S. Global Change Research Program. Proposals addressing interdisciplinary opportunities will be reviewed by experts in the appropriate disciplines. For a guide for proposal submission, refer to NSF 94-2, Grant Proposal Guide. Deadlines for proposal submission can be obtained from program officers in the Division of Mathematical Sciences: Algebra and Number Theory (703) 306-1875 Applied Mathematics (703) 306-1877 Classical Analysis (703) 306-1879 Computational Mathematics (703) 306-1878 Geometric Analysis (703) 306-1881 Modern Analysis (703) 306-1887 Statistics and Probability (703) 306-1885 Topology and Foundations (703) 306-1886 Investigators who are members of new or existing interdisciplinary research teams are encouraged to apply. Division of International Programs Research Opportunitiestc "Division of International Programs Research Opportunities"\l 2\f c Global change is a phenomenon and challenge that demands international participation in efforts to improve knowledge and develop appropriate responses. Most of the international cooperative research in global change is funded by the disciplinary divisions. However, the Division of International Programs supports collaborative research activities that encourage a wider pool of participants in the global research effort. Description The Division of International Programs (INT) catalyzes international cooperation between U.S. scientists and engineers and their foreign colleagues by supporting collaborative partnerships between U.S. principal investigators and their foreign partners. The Division gives priority to proposals that initiate cooperation between U.S. and foreign scientists or expand cooperation to new types of activities. It specifically sponsors: • initial stages of cooperative research projects • joint seminars and workshops • international planning visits • international research fellow and dissertation enhancement awards • international linkages between organizations and institutions Unlike the disciplinary divisions that can support the core costs of a research effort, the Division of International Programs can fund only the incremental costs of the international collaboration. However, INT and the disciplinary research divisions often jointly fund international research proposals. The Division of International Programs is cross-disciplinary and supports research in all engineering and science fields that the National Science Foundation sponsors. Partnerships that cross national boundaries can fill gaps in the global change knowledge base in the physical, biological, social sciences, math and engineering. Thus, the entire range of global change fields is eligible for consideration by INT, including, but not limited to: • human dimensions of global change • international communication and data sharing • terrestrial, coastal and oceanic ecology • terrestrial and oceanic biodiversity • monitoring, modeling, and assessment of regional phenomena and their impact on global change Proposal Submission Information Investigators must clearly establish the connection of their planned research to the objectives of the U.S. Global Change Research Program. In addition, the Division of International Programs assesses the quality of the international collaboration. The Division especially encourages the submission of proposals that expand the circle of research collaboration by involving more junior people in the effort, or bringing in researchers from other institutions or neighboring countries to build research networks. For specific information on the Division of International Programs, refer to the International Opportunities for Scientists and Engineers Program Announcement (NSF 93-51). For more information about support for global change research through the Division of International Programs, please contact Dr. Frances Li at (703) 306-1707. Deadlines for the specific regional areas can be obtained by calling the following numbers: Africa, Near East, and South Asia (703) 306-1707 Internet: fli@nsf.gov Americas (703) 306-1706 Internet: hstolber@nsf.gov East Asia and Pacific Program (703) 306-1704 Internet: cwallace@nsf.gov Eastern Europe (703) 306-1703 Internet: astepani@nsf.gov Western Europe (703) 306-1702 Internet: jhudson@nsf.gov Japan (703) 306-1701 Internet: ptsuchit@nsf.gov Other Environmental Research Funding Opportunities at the National Science Foundationtc "Other Environmental Research Funding Opportunities at the National Science Foundation"\l\f c The National Science Foundation has numerous research programs that support research on the environment. The Office of Polar Programs and the Directorates for Biological Sciences; Engineering; Geosciences; Mathematical and Physical Sciences; and Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences all participate in this research effort. The NSF FY 1995 commitment to environmental research, excluding Global Change, is expected to be $161 million. Description The balance of environmental quality and sustainable development poses major scientific and technological challenges for the twenty-first century. An enhanced program of research can underpin efforts to preserve, manage and enhance the environment in which we and future generations will live. The National Science Foundation supports environmental research and education across a broad spectrum of scientific interests. Specific areas of research include: air quality; biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics; environmental technology; natural disaster reduction; resource use and management; water and watersheds; social, behavioral, and economic research; risk assessment; and toxics. Research awards in this area are managed through individual NSF programs. For more information on environmental research opportunities, please contact the most relevant program listed in the Guide to Programs (NSF 94-91). Proposal Submission Information NSF seeks to support environmental research which strengthens the Foundation’s investment in disciplinary discovery, which nurtures discovery at disciplinary interfaces, and catalyzes partnerships with other agencies or the private sector. Proposals which satisfy these goals should be submitted to regular NSF programs. Planned deadlines are the same as regular Division deadlines (see NSF Guide to Programs, NSF 94-91). For specific instructions on how to submit a proposal, refer to the NSF Grant Proposal Guide (NSF 94-2). For more information on environmental research programs, please contact: Dr. Joann Roskoski Division of Environmental Biology Phone: (703) 306-1480 FAX: (703) 306-0367 Internet: jroskosk@nsf.gov Relationship to Global Change Research Program Other kinds of environmental research supported by NSF are fundamentally linked with NSF's global change research programs. Within NSF, the Global Change Research Program and other environmental research programs are being integrated to maximize the benefits of all types of environmentally related research. New Priorities for NSF Environmental Research Increased emphasis is being given in FY 1995 to environmental research in three priority areas: • Biodiversity • Water and Watersheds • Environmental Technology Together with continued research support in many ongoing areas, these priority areas define a framework through which NSF can invest in fundamental research to address the nation's environmental needs. Biodiversity Variation and diversity are essential elements in the maintenance of populations, species, communities, ecosystems, and the entire biosphere. The natural complexity of biological systems serves as a buffer for dramatic change. Biological diversity also plays a significant role in human affairs, as we obtain foods, fuel, fibers, and pharmaceuticals from plants, animals, and microbes. Natural forces such as hurricanes, floods, droughts and desertification may have long-term effects on biodiversity, especially if combined with unsustainable land use practices. Human forces such as deforestation, urbanization and over-exploitation of commercially desirable species and habitats are known to adversely impact biodiversity, but our understanding of the drivers, indicators, and effects of these forces is as yet incomplete. The over-arching goal of this special emphasis area is to increase the knowledge base through fundamental research designed to: • develop an improved understanding of the natural and human forces that contribute to the increase, maintenance and loss of biodiversity at all levels, from genes to landscapes. • gain a fuller understanding of the role(s) of biodiversity at various hierarchical levels (e.g., how do changes in biodiversity at the species or gene level affect ecosystem function) Contact: Dr. Joann Roskoski Division of Environmental Biology Phone: (703) 306-1480 FAX: (703) 306-0367 Internet: jroskosk@nsf.gov Water and Watersheds Water at the surface of the earth structures the physical landscape, is a central feature of climate, and exerts major influences on our social, economic and demographic patterns. Water is also critical to life processes of all organisms. Watersheds are the natural units of the landscape that integrate terrestrial and atmospheric events. The aquatic ecosystems within watersheds are intimately coupled to terrestrial ecosystems, and both are strongly influenced by human activities as well as natural cycles and phenomena. This element frames a systems approach to the quantity and quality of water resources and the integrity and function of watershed ecosystems. Studies of patterns and processes in watersheds, including relevant research in a very wide cross-section of fields supported by NSF will lead to a better understanding of the drivers, indicators, and effects of environmental change, and will ultimately underpin decision-making at the management and policy levels. The overarching goal is to develop an improved understanding of the sources and availability of water resources in natural and human-dominated systems, as well as an understanding of the structure, function and dynamics of the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that comprise watersheds. Contact: Dr. Penny Firth Division of Environmental Biology Phone: (703) 306-1480 Fax: (703) 306-0367 Internet: pfirth@nsf.gov Environmental Technology Technologies have profound impacts on the environment, both positive and negative. An environmental technology is one that advances sustainable development by reducing risk, enhancing cost effectiveness, improving process efficiency, and creating products and processes that are environmentally beneficial or benign. The word “technology” is intended to include hardware, software, processes, systems and services. Priorities for research in this area stress the need for a shift toward technologies that emphasize sustainable use of natural resources and avoidance of environmental harm. These include increased investment in technologies to control and minimize environmental harm (particularly hazardous wastes), an improved environmental technologies information infrastructure, and environmentally conscious technologies, monitoring technologies, and remediation technologies focused on areas such as manufacturing, transportation, materials, water and energy. Also included are technologies that respond to the release of toxic and other detrimental materials as the result of natural extreme events such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters. The overarching goal is to foster the development of environmental technologies that enable sustainable development, both domestically and internationally, and add value simultaneously to both the environment and the economy. Contact: Dr. Margaret Cavanaugh Division of Chemistry Phone: (703) 306-1371 Fax: (703) 306-0534 Internet: mcavanau@nsf.gov OMB 3145-0058 PT 34 KW 1001003 1002016 1001000 1005000 1008000 0112000 0110001 0110002 0404000 0408000 0412000 0725000 1002000 1013000 NSF 95-45 (Replaces NSF 92-77) These areas are linked to the subcommittees of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).