World Oceans Day: The Arctic Ocean remains highly undersampled
Today, 8th June, we celebrate our oceans, our planet’s “lungs”. While all oceans are very susceptible to climate change, among of the most affected ones is the Arctic Ocean.
To mark World Oceans Day 2023, we turn to the four early career scientists onboard the icebreaker Oden focusing on physical oceanography for ARTofMELT2023. The program is led by Julia Muchowsky, former PhD student at the Department of Geology, Stockholm University. For the past four weeks, the young scientists have been learning the ropes of field work in oceanography including collecting seawater samples, working on the ice, mapping the seabed and much more.
”Magnus Asmussen and I are working with an instrument that is lowered down to the sea floor (3 200 meter deep) to sample sea water and measure hydrographic properties along the water column. This gives us precious information on the position and mixing of the different water masses, and the relatively warm Atlantic water, in particular, that could accelerate sea ice melting.”
Anais Magali Bretones, University of Bergen
“I’m studying the exchange of greenhouse gases between the Arctic Ocean and the atmosphere. This helps us to understand the importance of the Arctic Ocean for our future in a changing climate. During ARTofMELT2023, I’m sampling water from the thin surface layer on top of the Arctic Ocean.”
Lina Aleke Holthusen, University of Oldenburg
“Due to the presence of sea ice and harsh weather conditions, the Arctic Ocean remains highly undersampled! On World Oceans Day, I am collecting samples N79° with the help of four early career scientists.”
Julia Muchowski, Stockholm University
Photo: Julia Muchowski
”By evaluating heat transfer from the ocean to the sea ice, I want to understand the role of the ocean in the sea-ice retreat in models. At our ice camp, I can walk out of the ship to measure mixing in the top 500m below a 1.6m thick layer of sea ice!”
Noémie Planat, McGill University, Canada
Read more on the Artic expedition ARTofMELT2023
Last updated: June 9, 2023
Source: Communications Office