The main objective of the project is to improve our understanding of the key physical and biochemical processes controlling the magnitude and distribution of the greenhouse gases (GHG) carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) uptake/release by the Arctic marine waters including fjords. This will be done through study of the GHG gas exchange over snow and ice covered and ice-free marine waters. Using process studies, and measurement of select state variables, we will address the following questions we deem important toward a better understanding of regional GHG exchange budgets in coastal Arctic systems.

Specific questions to address:

• Do the atmosphere surface exchanges of energy and momentum affect the fluxes of CO2 and CH4 over the Arctic Ocean and adjacent coastal areas? And if so – how does the energy balance affect the GHG flux?
• How important is the chemical and biological composition of the marine surface layer to the GHG flux?

To which extent are surface fluxes of GHG’s in this coastal marine system influenced by sea spray?

Field site: Godthåbsfjorden, Nuuk

PI: Lise lotte Sørensen

Link to Isaaffik website