Arctic PRoductivity in the seasonal Ice ZonE (Arctic PrIZE)
Lead Research Organisation:
Scottish Association For Marine Science
Department Name: Contracts Office
Abstract
Arctic PRIZE will address the core objective of the Changing Arctic Ocean Program by seeking to understand and predict how change in sea ice and ocean properties will affect the large-scale ecosystem structure of the Arctic Ocean. We will investigate the seasonally and spatially varying relationship between sea ice, water column structure, light, nutrients and productivity and the roles they play in structuring energy transfer to pelagic zooplankton and benthic megafauna.
We focus on the seasonal ice zone (SIZ) of the Barents Sea - a highly productive region that is undergoing considerable change in its sea ice distribution - and target the critically important but under-sampled seasonal transition from winter into the post-bloom summer period. Of critical importance is the need to develop the predictive tools necessary to assess how the Arctic ecosystems will respond to a reducing sea ice cover. This will be achieved through a combined experimental/modelling programme. The project is embedded within international Arctic networks based in Norway and Canada and coordinated with ongoing US projects in the Pacific Arctic. Through these international research networks our proposal will have a legacy of cooperation far beyond the lifetime of the funding. The project comprises five integrated work packages.
WP1 Physical Parameters: We will measure properties of the water column (temperature, salinity, turbulent fluxes, light, fluorometry) in both open water and under sea ice by deploying animal-borne tags on seals which preferentially inhabit the marginal ice zone (MIZ). We will use ocean gliders to patrol the water around the MIZ and track it as the ice retreats northwards in summer. Measurements of underwater light fields will support development of improved regional remote sensing algorithms to extend the spatial and temporal context of the proposal beyond the immediate deployment period.
WP2 Nutrient Dynamics: We will undertake an extensive program of measuring inorganic and organic nutrients, their concentrations, isotopic signatures and vertical fluxes to understand the role of vertical mixing and advection (WP1) in regulating nutrient supply to PP in the surface ocean.
WP3 Phytoplankton Production: We will investigate nutrient supply (WP2) and light availability (WP1) linked to sea ice affect the magnitude, timing, and composition of phytoplankton production, and the role of seasonal physiological plasticity. Through new numerical parameterisations - cross-tuned and validated using a rich array of observations - we will develop predictive skill related to biological production and its fate; resolve longstanding questions about the competing effects of increased light and wind mixing associated with sea ice loss; and therefore contribute to the international effort to project the functioning of Pan-Arctic ecosystems.
WP4 Zooplankton: Zooplankton undergo vertical migrations to graze on PP at the surface. We will use acoustic instruments on moorings and AUVs, with nets and video profiles to measure the composition and behaviours of pelagic organisms in relation in light and mixing (WP1) and phytoplankton production (WP3) over the seasonal cycle of sea ice cover. The behaviours identified will be used to improve models that capture the life-history and behavioural traits of Arctic zooplankton. These models can then be used to investigate how feeding strategies of key Arctic zooplankton species may be modified during an era of reducing sea ice cover.
WP5 Benthic Community: We will use an AUV equipped with camera system to acquire imagery of the large seabed-dwelling organisms to investigate how changes in sea ice duration (WP1), timing of PP (WP3) and bentho-pelagic coupling (WP4) can modify the spatial variation in benthic community composition. We will also conduct time series-studies in an Arctic fjord using a photolander system to record the seasonally varying community response to pulses of organic matter.
We focus on the seasonal ice zone (SIZ) of the Barents Sea - a highly productive region that is undergoing considerable change in its sea ice distribution - and target the critically important but under-sampled seasonal transition from winter into the post-bloom summer period. Of critical importance is the need to develop the predictive tools necessary to assess how the Arctic ecosystems will respond to a reducing sea ice cover. This will be achieved through a combined experimental/modelling programme. The project is embedded within international Arctic networks based in Norway and Canada and coordinated with ongoing US projects in the Pacific Arctic. Through these international research networks our proposal will have a legacy of cooperation far beyond the lifetime of the funding. The project comprises five integrated work packages.
WP1 Physical Parameters: We will measure properties of the water column (temperature, salinity, turbulent fluxes, light, fluorometry) in both open water and under sea ice by deploying animal-borne tags on seals which preferentially inhabit the marginal ice zone (MIZ). We will use ocean gliders to patrol the water around the MIZ and track it as the ice retreats northwards in summer. Measurements of underwater light fields will support development of improved regional remote sensing algorithms to extend the spatial and temporal context of the proposal beyond the immediate deployment period.
WP2 Nutrient Dynamics: We will undertake an extensive program of measuring inorganic and organic nutrients, their concentrations, isotopic signatures and vertical fluxes to understand the role of vertical mixing and advection (WP1) in regulating nutrient supply to PP in the surface ocean.
WP3 Phytoplankton Production: We will investigate nutrient supply (WP2) and light availability (WP1) linked to sea ice affect the magnitude, timing, and composition of phytoplankton production, and the role of seasonal physiological plasticity. Through new numerical parameterisations - cross-tuned and validated using a rich array of observations - we will develop predictive skill related to biological production and its fate; resolve longstanding questions about the competing effects of increased light and wind mixing associated with sea ice loss; and therefore contribute to the international effort to project the functioning of Pan-Arctic ecosystems.
WP4 Zooplankton: Zooplankton undergo vertical migrations to graze on PP at the surface. We will use acoustic instruments on moorings and AUVs, with nets and video profiles to measure the composition and behaviours of pelagic organisms in relation in light and mixing (WP1) and phytoplankton production (WP3) over the seasonal cycle of sea ice cover. The behaviours identified will be used to improve models that capture the life-history and behavioural traits of Arctic zooplankton. These models can then be used to investigate how feeding strategies of key Arctic zooplankton species may be modified during an era of reducing sea ice cover.
WP5 Benthic Community: We will use an AUV equipped with camera system to acquire imagery of the large seabed-dwelling organisms to investigate how changes in sea ice duration (WP1), timing of PP (WP3) and bentho-pelagic coupling (WP4) can modify the spatial variation in benthic community composition. We will also conduct time series-studies in an Arctic fjord using a photolander system to record the seasonally varying community response to pulses of organic matter.
Planned Impact
Science-led: Arctic PRIZE is focused on improving the modelling capabilities of pan-Arctic ecosystem models. The modelling community will benefit from this research through integration of Arctic PRIZE with NEMO/MEDUSA (and subsequently with the UK Met Office and Hadley Centre) and other IPCC pan-Arctic model frameworks. We have partnerships with UK, US and Norwegian modelling groups and through these there will be improved projections for Arctic ecosystems in place for the next IPCC assessment.
Broader engagement with the science community will be through one of the largest annual meetings between science and stakeholders in the Arctic - Arctic Frontiers, hosted in Tromso, Norway. Arctic PRIZE will establish a special session at the Arctic Frontiers conference to disseminate the findings of the project and establish academic ties with other Arctic research programs. We will be exceptionally well placed, through our international collaborators, to contribute to regional assessments of the Barents Sea and wider pan-Arctic integration. PDRAs and PhD staff working on Arctic PRIZE will benefit through becoming members of the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists and the Norwegian marine ecology network ARCTOS. This will ensure appropriate career development through training, peer engagement and networking.
Policy-led: The UK government made a clear statement of interest in the Arctic with the publication of the House of Lords report "Responding to a Changing Arctic" in 2015. To support UK interests we will develop a strong relationship with the UK Arctic Office to feed new science towards policy development in the areas of ecosystem services, fisheries and economic development - of particular relevance to emerging trade routes and mineral resources. Internationally, Arctic PRIZE will engage as a collaborator on a coordinated NSF program linked to Alaska fisheries and into Norwegian policy structures through our Project Partners in the Institute of Marine Research.
Outreach-led: The Arctic is a source of great public interest. The research team will interact with the public through personal, group and institutional websites, social media and links to exhibition centres such as SAMS' Ocean Explorer Centre (OEC) and the Glasgow Science Centre (GSC). This activity will be supported by training for PDRAs and PIs in the form of participation in the GSC 'Inspire and Challenge' professional science communication course. PDRAs and PIs will build on this by taking part in 'Meet the Expert' events at GSC before and after cruises and will maintain an interactive 'Arctic Expedition Blog' while at sea. The research team will work with GSC staff to develop an interactive exhibit that illustrates the role of greenhouse gases on warming of the Arctic and impact on ecosystem function. This exhibit will form part of GSCs upcoming EnviroScience Gallery and will showcase our research to an annual audience of over 300,000 visitors, including ~75,000 structured education visits. Arctic PRIZE will also allow us to expand formal science education locally in Argyll, from nursery to primary/secondary schools and undergraduate degree level building on previously highly successful talks/lectures, teaching material and visitor centre facilities (OEC) used to showcase science in the Arctic. Finally Arctic PRIZE will develop focused outreach videos by engaging a scientific film maker. These will help to illustrate and explain the key science messages in Arctic PRIZE to a wider audience.
Broader engagement with the science community will be through one of the largest annual meetings between science and stakeholders in the Arctic - Arctic Frontiers, hosted in Tromso, Norway. Arctic PRIZE will establish a special session at the Arctic Frontiers conference to disseminate the findings of the project and establish academic ties with other Arctic research programs. We will be exceptionally well placed, through our international collaborators, to contribute to regional assessments of the Barents Sea and wider pan-Arctic integration. PDRAs and PhD staff working on Arctic PRIZE will benefit through becoming members of the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists and the Norwegian marine ecology network ARCTOS. This will ensure appropriate career development through training, peer engagement and networking.
Policy-led: The UK government made a clear statement of interest in the Arctic with the publication of the House of Lords report "Responding to a Changing Arctic" in 2015. To support UK interests we will develop a strong relationship with the UK Arctic Office to feed new science towards policy development in the areas of ecosystem services, fisheries and economic development - of particular relevance to emerging trade routes and mineral resources. Internationally, Arctic PRIZE will engage as a collaborator on a coordinated NSF program linked to Alaska fisheries and into Norwegian policy structures through our Project Partners in the Institute of Marine Research.
Outreach-led: The Arctic is a source of great public interest. The research team will interact with the public through personal, group and institutional websites, social media and links to exhibition centres such as SAMS' Ocean Explorer Centre (OEC) and the Glasgow Science Centre (GSC). This activity will be supported by training for PDRAs and PIs in the form of participation in the GSC 'Inspire and Challenge' professional science communication course. PDRAs and PIs will build on this by taking part in 'Meet the Expert' events at GSC before and after cruises and will maintain an interactive 'Arctic Expedition Blog' while at sea. The research team will work with GSC staff to develop an interactive exhibit that illustrates the role of greenhouse gases on warming of the Arctic and impact on ecosystem function. This exhibit will form part of GSCs upcoming EnviroScience Gallery and will showcase our research to an annual audience of over 300,000 visitors, including ~75,000 structured education visits. Arctic PRIZE will also allow us to expand formal science education locally in Argyll, from nursery to primary/secondary schools and undergraduate degree level building on previously highly successful talks/lectures, teaching material and visitor centre facilities (OEC) used to showcase science in the Arctic. Finally Arctic PRIZE will develop focused outreach videos by engaging a scientific film maker. These will help to illustrate and explain the key science messages in Arctic PRIZE to a wider audience.
Organisations
- Scottish Association For Marine Science, United Kingdom (Lead Research Organisation)
- University of Tromsoe, Norway (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Washington University in St. Louis (Project Partner)
- Akvaplan niva AS (Project Partner)
- Laval University, Canada (Project Partner)
- University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), Norway (Project Partner)
- Institute of Marine Research (Project Partner)
- Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC) (Project Partner)
- University of Hamburg, Germany (Project Partner)
- NTNU Norwegian Uni of Science & Tech, Norway (Project Partner)
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Norway (Project Partner)
- Glasgow Science Centre Ltd, United Kingdom (Project Partner)
- SINTEF, Norway (Project Partner)
- University of Rhode Island, United States (Project Partner)
Publications


Henley S
(2020)
Nitrate supply and uptake in the Atlantic Arctic sea ice zone: seasonal cycle, mechanisms and drivers
in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences

Hobbs L
(2020)
Eat or Sleep: Availability of Winter Prey Explains Mid-Winter and Spring Activity in an Arctic Calanus Population
in Frontiers in Marine Science

Hobbs L
(2018)
Pan-Arctic diel vertical migration during the polar night
in Marine Ecology Progress Series

Hüppe L
(2020)
Evidence for oscillating circadian clock genes in the copepod Calanus finmarchicus during the summer solstice in the high Arctic
in Biology Letters

Johnsen G
(2018)
The advective origin of an under-ice spring bloom in the Arctic Ocean using multiple observational platforms.
in Polar biology

Kostakis I
(2020)
Development of a bio-optical model for the Barents Sea to quantitatively link glider and satellite observations
in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences

Lefering I
(2018)
Measurement uncertainties in PSICAM and reflective tube absorption meters.
in Optics express

Porter M
(2020)
A Polar Surface Eddy Obscured by Thermal Stratification
in Geophysical Research Letters

Sloughter T
(2019)
Seasonal variation in light response of polar phytoplankton
in Journal of Marine Systems
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
NE/P006302/1 | 01/02/2017 | 28/02/2021 | |||
1971604 | Studentship | NE/P006302/1 | 01/08/2017 | 31/01/2021 | Martin Foley |
1971813 | Studentship | NE/P006302/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/03/2021 | Judith Braun |
2269779 | Studentship | NE/P006302/1 | 01/10/2019 | 31/03/2023 | Ivan Cautain |
Description | Arctic knowledge gained by researchers within Arctic PRIZE have been used to advise on and develop the Arctic Policy Framework for the Scottish Government |
First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
Sector | Government, Democracy and Justice |
Impact Types | Policy & public services |
Description | Environmental Audit Committee - Changing Arctic |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Gave evidence to a government review |
Description | Scottish Government - Arctic Policy Framework |
Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a advisory committee |
Description | Chronobiology of changing Arctic Sea Ecosystems (CHASE) |
Amount | £272,053 (GBP) |
Funding ID | NE/R012733/1 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 07/2018 |
End | 06/2021 |
Description | UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso |
Organisation | University of Tromso |
Country | Norway |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Joint research cruises in the Arctic as part of NERC's Changing Arctic Ocean Program. Access to ship, data, etc |
Collaborator Contribution | Shared use of ship time, access to storage and equipment. |
Impact | Joint cruise data |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Arctic Circle Assembly |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | A talk was presented at the Arctic Circle Forum in Reykjavik, Iceland. This was a large international gathering encompassing a broad range of backgrounds from politiicans, to industry to policy makers, the general public as well as students and other researchers. Discussion followed on the impacts of microplastics in the Arctic, what products are being produced to replace plastic etc. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | http://www.arcticcircle.org/assemblies/2018 |
Description | Arctic Frontiers - Special Session by UK FCO |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Presentaiton and Panel participant at "Practical International Cooperation for Marine Research: UK-Norway-Russia" Organised by The Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.arcticfrontiers.com/ |
Description | BBC Scotland: The Scots scientists on a nightshift Arctic expedition |
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 | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Radio interview and presence on BBC Scotland website |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-42567300 |
Description | Documentary Film "Into the Dark" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | 28 minute film about light in the polar night. Currently on the circuit of international film festivals. Directed and Produced by "Interdependent Pictures". Premier at Tromso international film festival |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://vimeo.com/365831168 |
Description | Presentation to Scottish International Marine Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Presented at a workshop titled "International Ocean Governance " within the Scottish International Marine COnference . Title of my contribution was "Scotland's contribution to the international Arctic research community: why should we care and what can we achieve?" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.marineconference2019.scot/ |
Description | Public presentation - GSC Science Late Shows |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Kim Last invited as part of the GSC Science Lates shows: Presented NERC/BMBF (CHASE/PRIZE) science with a TED talk entitled: Polar Night - Where the Werewolves are. 300 public. 29/11/19. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/sites/default/files/Science%20Lates/Winter%20Wonderland%20-%20W... |
Description | School visit (Taynuilt) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | I visited Taynuilt Primary School to highlight the research that was undertaken during the Arctic PRIZE programme. About 25 pupils were present (8-10 year olds). The children asked a multitude of questions ranging from general polar biology through to more specifics about the impact of a changing climate. The children wanted to know what they could do to try and make a change. The children also wanted to know what it was like living on board ship, how scientists dealt with the cold, why we did not have general communication back home. There has been a noticeable increase in the number of children expressing an interest in STEM related subjects, and the school is raising the profile of science. Furthermore closer links have been established with the school to support them in other topics, and I have been asked to be the STEM ambassador for the school |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Talk at the Scottish International Marine Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | An overview on the impact of microplastics in the Marine Environment and the potential impact/contribution Scotland is having/making towards microplastics reaching the Arctic. Discussion afterwards was on how to reduce microplastics, talked with industry about the impact of clothing and the weave/dyeing etc of the fabrics. Other discussions on what individuals can do to reduce their impact. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.marineconference2019.scot/ |
Description | VOX Media |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Working with video journalists to create short engagement films resulting in a series of three films which were published on VOX media and currently have a combined audience in excess of 1.1 million |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msD4agiRTxM |