Ice algae are a critical component of the Arctic ice-covered ecosystem, providing the sole source of primary production in the early spring. At the beginning of their growth season, ice algal phenology is governed by light limitation. As the season progresses and the ice algae population exponentially increases, nutrients can become limiting. Past studies have examined the entire community to identify which processes are important to algal production and when. However, the proposed project will be the first to examine the response of individual cells and colonies to light and nutrient changes during the ice algal bloom. This will be accomplished through a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrochemical imaging technique to examine the composition and temporal development of biomass of key ice algal species in relation to light and nutrient stress. Arctic samples will be collected this spring from March through the end of June.

PI: CJ Mundy

PI: K. Gough

Fieldwork summary/photo blog