Automated biogeochemical sensing of icy ecosystems (resubmitted)
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bristol
Department Name: Geographical Sciences
Abstract
Icy ecosystems (e.g. glacier, snow, sea ice, frozen lakes) remain the least explored sector of the cold biosphere, yet are now known to be inhabited by significant populations of microorganisms. They are the closest models we have for habitats on other planets and may have been refuges for life during periods of extreme cold in Earth's history. Because of the extreme environmental conditions present (cold, desiccation, high radiation, high pressure and physical abrasion by meltwater/ice) few sensors are developed for these environments and most investigations to date have involved hand-sampling and laboratory analysis of samples. These rudimentary sampling methods yield only limited information and are inappropriate for investigating the more remote deep sub-surface environments, such as lakes beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet. Significant innovation in the field of chemical/biosensor development is essential for controls on microbial activity in icy environments to be understood, and in order to engage fully in the future exploration of Antarctic subglacial lakes and sub-ice water bodies on other planets (e.g. Mars, Jovian moons). The Principle Investigator has extensive experience in sensor deployment and biogeochemical monitoring in extreme cold environments, including the glacial field site, and will organize and lead a core team of experts to develop the first generation of chemical/biosensors for high resolution monitoring of icy ecosystems. The sensor testing site is a glacier, Engabreen (Norway), where environmental stresses common to a range of icy ecosystems are present. A unique aspect of this site is the exploitation of the Svartisen subglacial laboratory, where tunnels bored in bedrock beneath the glacier enable relatively straight-forward emplacement of sensors in the high stress subsurface environment. This work will provide a platform for the future development of a larger research group focused on biogeochemical sensing of the cryosphere and the acquisition of further funding from a variety of sources.
Organisations
- University of Bristol (Lead Research Organisation, Project Partner)
- University of Copenhagen (Collaboration)
- IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
- Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (Collaboration)
- British Antarctic Survey (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- James Hutton Institute (Project Partner)
- University of Aberdeen (Project Partner)
- Iowa State University (Project Partner)
- University of Leicester (Project Partner)
- Aberystwyth University (Project Partner)
- University of Southampton (Project Partner)
- CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY (Project Partner)
- Norwegian Water Resources & Energy (Project Partner)
People |
ORCID iD |
Jemma Wadham (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Dubnick A
(2017)
Trickle or treat: The dynamics of nutrient export from polar glaciers
in Hydrological Processes
Bagshaw EA
(2011)
The microbial habitability of weathered volcanic glass inferred from continuous sensing techniques.
in Astrobiology
Bagshaw EA
(2016)
Response of Antarctic cryoconite microbial communities to light.
in FEMS microbiology ecology
Bagshaw E
(2016)
Processes controlling carbon cycling in Antarctic glacier surface ecosystems
in Geochemical Perspectives Letters
Yallop ML
(2012)
Photophysiology and albedo-changing potential of the ice algal community on the surface of the Greenland ice sheet.
in The ISME journal
Stibal M
(2017)
Organic matter content and quality in supraglacial debris across the ablation zone of the Greenland ice sheet
in Annals of Glaciology
Bhatia M
(2013)
Organic carbon export from the Greenland ice sheet
in Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
Bagshaw E
(2011)
High-resolution monitoring reveals dissolved oxygen dynamics in an Antarctic cryoconite hole
in Hydrological Processes
Bagshaw E
(2012)
E-tracers: Development of a low cost wireless technique for exploring sub-surface hydrological systems
in Hydrological Processes
Description | Chair of the SCAR ATHENA Expert Group (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) "Advancing TecHnologies for subglacial ExploratioN in Antarctica" and in the SCAR Code of Conduct for subglacial access in Antarctica |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Impact | The SCAR Code of Conduct (on which Wadham served as a panel member) established guidelines for subglacial exploration in Antarctica. These have informed 3 subglacial lake access campaigns worldwide. |
URL | http://www.scar.org/scar_media/documents/science/atcm34_ip033_CofC_SAEs.pdf |
Description | Collaboration with the East Greenland Ice Core Project (EGRIP) |
Organisation | University of Copenhagen |
Department | Niels Bohr Institute |
Country | Denmark |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Liz Bagshaw (former PDRA on two technology-led NERC grants led from Bristol) participated in the EGRIP field season, and developed and deployed Etracers and Cryo-Eggs for monitoring processes in firn. |
Collaborator Contribution | This collaboration would not have been possible without significant in kind backing from the EGRIP team. |
Impact | Further plans are being developed. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research ATHENA Expert group launched |
Organisation | Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Leadership of an Expert group by Wadham on Advancing TecHnologies for Exploration in Antarctica (ATHENA) - international collaboration with several countries linked to NERC-funded research |
Collaborator Contribution | Collaboration |
Impact | Publication of a Special Issue of Annals of Glaciology on Advancing Technologies for Exploration in Antartica, input to the SCAR Code of Conduct for future exploration of subglacial environments (link to policy) |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | Technology application in Antarctica |
Organisation | British Antarctic Survey |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Development of sensors and instrumentation for potential deployment via the BEAMISH programme |
Collaborator Contribution | input to technology development |
Impact | none as yet |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | Technology application in Antarctica |
Organisation | Imperial College London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Delivery of technology for future subglacial lake exploration |
Collaborator Contribution | deployment opportunities for technology deployment |
Impact | Ongoing |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | 1. Exhibition on "Could Cryo-Eggs help predict sea level rise?" at the Science Museum "Contemporary Science Gallery" (London, 2010-2011): |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | exhibition sparked much public interest via a web-based Q&A media uptake |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2010,2011 |
Description | Invitation to two workshops on "Exploration of Subglacial Lake CECS, Antarctica", Valdivia, Chile |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
Results and Impact | Wadham was invited to and led discussion of plans to explore Antarctic Subglacial Lake CECs at two international workshops in the Centro Estudio Scientificos, in Valdivia (Chile). This was a UK-Chilean group of scientists and engineers who plan to enter and sample this lake. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017 |
Description | Invited research seminar at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Wadham invited to give a research seminar at WHOI, based upon her work on Greenland biogeochemistry and sensor development. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Keynote at European Geophysical Union Meeting (Vienna) by Wadham |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
Results and Impact | Wadham was invited to give a keynote presentation about her sensor development work via several NERC funded projects. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Organisation of a workshop - Sensor data collection and management in freshwater systems |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | new collaborations NERC impact accelerator funding (See follow-one funding) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Partnership with the BBC on documentary on BBC4 on "Dangerous Earth: Icebergs" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Wadham was a lead scientist on this BBC4 documentary, which communicated the impacts of icebergs on the rest of the planet. She participated in filming and appeared in the final product in December 2016. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |