Variability in circulation and exchange in a sub-Atlantic island fjord

The sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia lies at the northern boundary of the Scotia Sea in the path of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. The surrounding shelf is traversed by deep canyons that connect the fjords of South Georgia with the shelf edge. Many of the glaciers found on the island terminate at the head of these fjords. Satellite images show iron-rich glacial flour plumes extending onto the shelf from the fjords [1], contributing to the extensive phytoplankton blooms and associated region of strong atmospheric carbon drawdown to the north of the island. The island fjords are also important spawning areas for many fish species, including the commercially-fished Mackerel icefish.
However, the circulation of South Georgia's fjord waters, and processes impacting their exchange with the shelf and wider ocean, are poorly understood. In addition, the South Georgia region is undergoing rapid environmental change. Near-surface waters near South Georgia have seen a rise in wintertime temperatures of ~2.3degree C between 1925 and 2006 [2], and the majority of glaciers on the island are in retreat [3]. This project aims to improve our current understanding of fjord circulation and shelf-exchange at South Georgia, and consider the potential impacts of ongoing environmental change.