Importance of Arctic Melt Ponds for Primary Productivity during summer 2011


Contact
Mar.Fernandez.Mendez [ at ] awi.de

Abstract

During the Polarstern summer expedition TransArc 2011 to the Central Arctic, the biological and physical importance of melt ponds was assessed in terms of primary productivity and light transmittance. A seasonal succession could be observed: thick algal aggregates with high Net Primary Productivity (NPP) rates were found during late summer in open ponds, while low NPP were found in early autumn in refrozen closed ponds. These different NPP rates are not correlated with nutrient concentrations. Thus, light seems to be the relevant factor for NPP. Indeed according to Lee et.al. 2011 light intensity at the pond surface favours, rather than inhibits carbon uptake rates. Besides their potential for carbon sequestration, melt ponds will also impact the entire Arctic ecosystem as they allow more incoming light to reach the water column and therefore NPP rates in the water under the ice might increase.



Item Type
Conference (Poster)
Authors
Divisions
Programs
Publication Status
Published
Event Details
MarMic retreat, 23 Feb 2012 - 24 Feb 2012, Etelsen.
Eprint ID
25852
Cite as
Fernández Méndez, M. , Katlein, C. , Peeken, I. , Nicolaus, M. and Boetius, A. (2012): Importance of Arctic Melt Ponds for Primary Productivity during summer 2011 , MarMic retreat, Etelsen, 23 February 2012 - 24 February 2012 .


Download
[thumbnail of Poster_MeltPondsArctic_Etelsen2012_final.pdf]
Preview
PDF
Poster_MeltPondsArctic_Etelsen2012_final.pdf

Download (1MB) | Preview
Cite this document as:

Share
Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email

Research Platforms

Campaigns
ARK > XXVI > 3


Actions
Edit Item Edit Item