Abstract

Observations of primary productivity and associated bio-optical variability of water column constituents in the Chukchi Sea were measured in the spring and summer of 2002 and 2004 as part of the Western Arctic Shelf Basin Interactions project (WASBI). The goal of WASBI is to provide an understanding of the biogeochemical connections between the arctic shelves, slopes and deep basins that could be influenced by global change. Interesting patterns in primary production have been observed including several hot spots on the shelf that have profound impacts on the cycling of carbon to higher trophic levels as well as the export of particulate material to the basins. Climate change in the arctic is now a reality, and annual observations of summer sea ice extent show an alarming decline. The impact on heating in the water column due to light attenuation by colored dissolved organic material has been largely ignored until now and this study has revealed that it can increase energy absorption in the surface mixed layer by 40% over pure seawater. Leading to a positive net heat flux over the course of a day, preventing large scale ice formation over recently opened leads. This phenomenon is not restricted to the western arctic and climate change is expected to amplify the signal.

Light refreshments are served in the Interaction Area (4th floor of the Oceanography/Physics Building) at 4:00 p.m.

All seminars begin at 3:00 p.m. and are held in room 200 of the Oceanography/Physics building.