Several gases in the atmosphere affect climate, and oceans play an important role in dictating their concentration. Many of these gases (CO2, CH4, N2O) contribute to climate warming, while others (e.g., DMS) have a cooling effect by promoting cloud formation. The Arctic Ocean is thought to be particularly active in exchanging these gases, but putting precise numbers on that exchange is challenging, due largely to the complicating presence of sea ice. As an additional complication, the sea ice cover is changing dramatically in response to climate change, which in turn is modifying how these gases are cycled. The overarching goal of this project is to understand the present role of the Arctic Ocean in the cycling of major climate active gases, and to identify feedbacks and linkages to climate change. The project will rely heavily on the CCGS Amundsen to make measurements that will eventually feed into state-of-the-art computer models. The project will contribute to ArcticNet’s IRIS assessments by quantifying gas exchange, improving atmospheric budgets of climate-relevant gases, and documenting the potential impacts of changes in gas exchange dynamics on ocean acidification. Results will also complement many other ArcticNet projects, including those studying sea ice, contaminant cycles, and marine food webs. 

Link to ArcticNet and Isaaffik webpages.

PI: Papakyriakou, Tim N., Else, Brent