ASSW 2023 Science Symposium Poster Session

23 February 2023 | 16:00 - 18:00 (GMT+1): Open Session - IN-PERSON

23 February 2023 | 17:30 - 18:30 (GMT+1): Open Session - ONLINE Only

Room: Kleiner Festsaal

Online Posters

All online posters will be presented starting 17:30 GMT+1 in an online-only poster session. All poster presenters interested in presenting in this online poster Session, please contact the chair of the ASSW 2023 Science Committee This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Combining citizen-science with micro- and macroplastic research in Iceland

Belén García Ovide¹; Charla Basran²; Carlota Vialcho¹
¹Ocean Missions; ²Húsavík Research Centre / University of Iceland

Abstract:

Ocean Missions is a non-governmental organization that was established in 2019 in Húsavík, Northeast Iceland, which is collecting data on both microplastic pollution in sea surface waters and macroplastic pollution on beaches around the country. They offer two week-long expeditions per year where passengers participate as citizen-scientists, helping collect and analyze microplastic samples from trawls using a low-tech aquatic debris instrument (LADI) and collect data from beach cleanups using the OSPAR protocol. The organization also offers a citizen-science tour in collaboration with North Sailing whale watching in Húsavík to conduct microplastic trawls once per week during the summer, and leads a funded beach cleanup effort in Northeast Iceland. A total of 41 participants have joined the expeditions where 25 microplastic trawls (usually each consisting of three 30-minute trawls) have been conducted from the Northeast to Southwest of the country. Additionally, 33 trawls have been conducted from Húsavík in Skjálfandi Bay between 2021-2022. This effort has resulted in the first information about sea-surface microplastic in Iceland, determining that the most common microplastic types are lines and fragments, many of which are believed to have originated from fishing gear. Samples from 2019 have undergone spectroscopy analysis which confirmed polypropylene (such as that used for ropes) was the most abundant plastic type. Additionally, over 13000 kg of debris has been collected from beaches and inventoried between 2020-2022; an effort that included over 650 volunteers. 93% of debris was classified as plastic/polystyrene, with the greatest contributors being general plastic pieces (48%) and fishing nets/ropes (21%).
U.S. Arctic Observing Network progress: Value tree analysis and alignment with SAON ROADS

Hazel Shapiro¹; Sandy Starkweather^2,3; Karen Boniface⁴; Kaare Erickson⁵; Cynthia Garcia-Eidell³; William Manley²
¹US Arctic Observing Network;²University of Colorado Boulder; ³National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; ⁴Joint Research Centre; ⁵Ikaaġun Engagement

Abstract:

The 2016 review of the Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) identified the need for enhanced national capacities to support SAON’s goals. The US Arctic Observing Network (US AON) supports such national capacities. US AON, a recognized sub-body of the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee (IARPC), is a collaborative initiative that advances partnerships and systematic and equitable planning approaches to Arctic observing in support of broad societal benefits. US AON is responsive to national efforts, as well as international collaborative processes such as the biennial Arctic Observing Summit (AOS). In alignment with the SAON Roadmap for Arctic Observing and Data Systems (ROADS) initiative and the AOS 2022 recommendations*, US AON has been advancing value tree analysis (VTA). VTA illustrates how observations and data products feed into applications to support decision-making and connect them to relevant societal benefits. US AON has been refining the VTA process, as well as building a more robust online tool to support these analyses. This poster will cover current initiatives, including the establishment of a US AON Expert Committee on Methods, recent case studies, challenges, and lessons learned.

On-site posters

All on site posters will be presented starting 16:00 GMT+1 in the room Kleiner Festsaal.

Biological soil crust microalgae manipulation experiments in the High Arctic

Eva Hejdukova
Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences

Abstract:

Biological soil crusts (BSC) are communities of organisms found in the upper layer of soil in arid and semi-arid areas from all over the world. In comparison to their counterparts from the Artic tundra, soil crusts of High Arctic polar deserts are often dominated by microalgae. A field experiment in the High Arctic (Svalbard) was established in the summer 2022 and focuses on biological soil crust microalgae resistance to stresses associated with seasonal Arctic conditions and climate change. “Hardening” of algae and cyanobacteria by nutrient starvation, cold and / or desiccation was reported to increase the stress tolerance. Such microalgae appeared to be more resistant to freeze-thaw cycles, freezing and desiccation stress in comparison to those growing under more favourable conditions. The environment in the field was manipulated by watering and fertilization (summer season) and additional watering and artificial thawing to simulate rain-on-snow events and winter warm spells (the upcoming winter season). The photosynthetic and physiological activity of the microalgae was tested by measurements of photosynthetic parameters. Field observations and manipulation studies will be linked to additional laboratory experiments and analyses focused on physiological, morphological and ultrastructural observations. In the cooperation with University of Cologne metagenomic and (meta)transcriptomic profiles will be analysed since most adaptation / acclimation mechanisms are connected to metabolic changes. The combination of molecular biology and microalgal physiology methods together with field studies will allow the complex insight into survival strategies of BSC microalgae, from sub-cellular to community levels.
Impact of abiotic and biotic factors on decomposition process in Arctic tundra

Angela Augusti

Abstract:

The balance between organic carbon inputs into the soil and the decomposition of these inputs together with soil organic matter determines whether the soil is sequestering or losing carbon. Hence, the decomposition rate is one of the key determinants of carbon-climate feedback of terrestrial ecosystems. The role of the decomposition process in Arctic ecosystems for the global carbon balance is especially important due to the enormous amount of temperature-protected carbon stored in them, which is gradually becoming available for microbes with permafrost thawing. Soil temperature and water availability are the most relevant factors affecting the decomposition process. However, the relationship between microbial decomposition rate and soil abiotic drivers is restricted within the substrate availability and quality limits. The last could be modified by shifts in vegetation composition and biomass and by the release of easily available substrates with grazing. We attempted to study the decomposition process in the High Arctic tundra by incubating for one year the litter bags containing a litter of different quality (tea bag approach) and by performing seasonal measurements of soil CO2 fluxes. Measurements were performed inside and outside fences which protect the enclosed portions of the tundra from reindeer grazing. The effect of big herbivores was considered among biotic factors, which can potentially impact plant species biodiversity as well as the soil nutrient status and hence the decomposition rate.
Environmental controls of organoprofiles in permafrost soils of North-Western Siberia: insights from metagenomics and 13C-NMR spectroscopy

Ivan Alekseev; Aleksandr Shein; Antonina Chetverova,

Abstract:

Permafrost soils are the part of polar ecosystems and play a key role in accumulation, transformation, redistribution and migration of various chemical compounds and elements. Qualitative and quantitative studies of soil organic matter and soil microbial communities are crucial as the massive amount of organic carbon stored in permafrost soils might be vulnerable to priming, caused by the increasing availability of plant-derived organic compounds with rising temperatures. Our work is aimed at characterizing molecular organization soil organic matter, delineating its potential vulnerability as well as assessment of soil microbiome structure and functions in various parts of North-Western Sibeia region. We studied more than 150 samples collected from tundra and forest-tundra of Yamal and Gydan peninsula. Solid-state 13C-NMR spectrometry showed low amounts of aromatic fragments in majority of studied soils. All studied soils are characterized by predominance of aliphatic structures, and also carbohydrates, polysaccharides, ethers and amino acids. The predominance of aliphatic carbon species also reveals early stages of humification process in studied soils. This is in line with results of previous research (although occasional) on different sectors of Siberia. Soil microbiome was investigated at different locations using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing and revealed 48 bacterial and archaeal phyla, among which proteobacteria (27%) and actinobacteria (20%) were predominant. Principal component analysis showed that among the environmental factors affecting soil microbiome structure pH range and nitrogen accumulation are the most important ones.
Changes in the glaciers of Kaffiøyra region, Svalbard, the Arctic

Ireneusz Sobota¹; Kamil Czarnecki¹
¹Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun

Abstract:

The primary objective of this research is to present the essential conditions and characteristics of changes in the dynamics and spatial extent of the glaciers in Kaffiøyra region. Most of the research consisted in direct field measurements carried out in 1996–2022, and the investigated changes were mainly related to the mass balance on glaciers and remote sensing methods and field observations documented the changes in glaciers. Kaffiøyra is a coastal plain located in northwestern Spitsbergen (Oscar II Land) – the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. There are nine glaciers located in the Kaffiøyra region that terminate on the land. An analysis of the extent of valley glaciers of this area showed that since 1909 glaciers have been in a phase of greater or lesser recession. The recession of the glaciers in the Kaffiøyra area during the period of the analysis is a result of a negative trend in the mass balance and dynamics of the Svalbard glaciers. The rapid and substantial changes in mass balance of glaciers which have been occurring in recent years are also reflected in a growing rate of surface area shrinkage. From the time of the maximum advance to 2020, the glaciers in this area decreased by about 48.0% on average. The recession of these glaciers is a result of large changes in the mass balance and dynamics of Svalbard glaciers that began at the turn of the 20th century, and particularly increased in intensity during the last 15–20 years. This study was carried out as part of the project “Changes of north-western Spitsbergen glaciers as the indicator of contemporary transformations occurring in the cryosphere” (2017/25/B/ST10/00540) funded by the National Science Centre, Poland.
Change in morphometry of glacial lakes of Kaffiøyra region, Svalbard, the Arctic

Ireneusz Sobota¹; Kamil Czarnecki¹
¹Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun

Abstract:

The recession of the valley glaciers contributes to the increased outflow of meltwater, but also creates new surface forms such as frontal moraines and glacier lakes. Kaffiøyra is a coastal plain located in northwestern Spitsbergen (Oscar II Land) – the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. On the Kaffiøyra Plain, lakes occur in the marginal zones of all glaciers, as well as in the coastal zone and marine terraces. Such ephemeral bodies are numerous in the marginal zones of Waldemarbreen, Oliverbreen and Irenebreen. The largest lakes are on the foreland of Elisebreen, Andreasbreen and Eivindbreen. The marginal zone of Elisebreen has the highest number of lakes. Remote sensing methods and field observations documented the creation of new glacial lakes in the foregrounds of Kaffiøyra region glaciers. The main source of data was images of the Sentinel, Landsat, and Pleaides programs. Based on the spectral bands of the satellite and their combinations, the materials were digitized and preliminary surface calculations were carried out. In the UAV techniques currently used for research, there is a marked change in the number and areas of lakes in the forefields of glaciers. For example, the area of the biggest lake in this region decreased by about 5 ha between only 2014 and 2021. This study was carried out as part of the project “Changes of north-western Spitsbergen glaciers as the indicator of contemporary transformations occurring in the cryosphere” (2017/25/B/ST10/00540) funded by the National Science Centre, Poland. And Dinamis PGO2022-HN project.
Arctic Melt and Shrinkage of Glaciers in the Third Pole Region or Hindukush-Himalayan (HKH) Region

Suprita Suman
Xavier Educational Society

Abstract:

The warming Arctic climate is challenge for the survival of the blue planet and implications are more devastating in environmentaly subtle regions. One of the most important implications is decline in the amount of precipitation in the Third Pole or Hindukush Himalayan (HKH) Region. This presentation explains the relationship between the Arctic melt and emerging water insecurity in the HKH region. The Himalayan region receives precipitation due to western disturbance for which the air coming from the Arctic region and the amount of raifall due to the Antarctica oscillations. The Third Pole is the highest Pole where the cryosphere intaracts with the atmosphere at the greatest heights. The western disturbance originates in the Mediterranean Sea region collied with the with the cold air coming from the Arctic region. The moist and comperitively warmer air at the lower latitude creates favourable conditions for cyclogenesis and Himalayan height plays and important role in this disturbance. The cryosphere meets with atmosphere at greater height uniquely which makes the Third pole an equilibrium point where the Antractica Oscillations after crossing the Indian Ocean becomes moisture ladened and when collied with the Himalay provedes rainfall whereas the cold air from the Arctic collide with the moisture ladened air on the surface of Mediterranean Sea provides huge snowfall neccessary for the survival of glacier. The warming Arctic has been resposible in disturbing this eqilibrium and led to increasing degalciation in the HKH region posing threat to perenial source of major rivers originating from the Himalyan glaciers. This can alter the perenial features of the rivers making converting them into rainfed a threat to flora and fauna in this region.
About formation of the largest periglacial lakes in Svalbard

Kseniia Romashova; Robert Chernov

Abstract:

New glacial lakes have been formed due to climate change and glacier melt since the beginning of the 20th century in Svalbard. We found 629 glacial lakes with a maximum length of more than 100 meters for 2008-2019, 35 lakes have an area of more than 1 km2. Almost half of them are located in the northern territories, where the glacial relief is less dissected. The area of the 35 largest periglacial lakes ranges from 1.1 to 17.3 km2 and in total is 121 km2 or 70% of the area of all the periglacial Svalbard lakes, equal to 173±0.7 km2. 19 of these lakes are located at an altitude of less than 75 m. One lake is fully formed and has no ice shores. It is located on Edgeøya Island near the Kuhrbreen glacier. 34 lakes are in the process of formation. The total length of the ice shores of these lakes for 2008-2019 is 80.1 km. The temporal changes of lakes were studied on the example of 15 large lakes located in different parts of the archipelago. In 1990, the total area of 15 lakes was 40.8±2.5 km2, by 2022 it has increased to 65.5±1.0 km2. However, changes in the lakes vary considerably across Svalbard. Thus, the area of 6 lakes located on the North-East Land and Ny-Friesland decreased by 5.4 km2 or 27% in total over the period 1990-2022. This was due to the more severe climate in this part of Svalbard and the high-altitude position of the lakes of the northern territories. Their average height was 128 m against 24 m for other lakes. Lakes in other territories of the archipelago are increasing. In some cases, these changes are multiple. The area of lakes Jäderinvatnet and Vetterndammen has increased almost 5 times. The area of Gandvatnet and Trebrevatnet lakes has almost tripled, they are the largest in 2022 and have the same area 15.5±0.5 km2.
The Youth for Arctic Nature App: Developing New Tools for Encouraging Youth Connection to Nature

Cécile Chauvat¹; Jessica Aquino²
¹Northwest Iceland Nature Research Centre; ²Háskólinn á Hólum

Abstract:

There are many challenges to implementing a community-based project like Youth for Arctic Nature (YAN). These include for example the continued involvement and motivation of youth and youth leaders, standardization of data collection, dissemination and archiving of results, and effective communication about the project. To address these obstacles, a tool was built that would link all stakeholders while making it simple for users to understand methods, to access results, and to contribute to the project in a valuable way. In this presentation we will explain how the YAN app works and how it tackles common issues faced by community-based monitoring initiatives along with some preliminary results.
The Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Blue Economy in The Arctic Region: Case Study of Nunavut

Jitendra Kumar
Magadh University

Abstract:

Several factors like climate change, human lust for resources, and technology have transformed the frozen arctic into a hub of the global economy. The benefits of expanding the blue economy in the Arctic region are being harvested by the global actors despite its environmental costs. The natives in this region are somehow lagging behind their preparedness for being operational in a big commercial hub. This presentation intended to explore the role of micro, small and medium enterprises MSMEs) in the blue economy which must ensure the participation of native youths, women, and traditional artisans. The demographic pattern in this region includes the indigenous community experiencing isolation from the mainstream society comparatively less in education and usually a small amount of capital but capable of operating in several ventures like eco-tourism, fishing, entertainment, and water sports. aqua-culture, art, and crafts. These industries can protect the fragile marine environment and would be operated on the principles of sustainable development goals and can benefit the indigenous population by protecting their culture, art, and craft skill, protecting the marine environmental damage. This is crucial for economic growth and the socio-political inclusion of the indigenous population in their respective national economies. Canadian territory Nunavut represents a vibrant culture; which has been threatened by the arrival of business giants due resource potential of the territory. The development of MSMEs can be a source of mobilizing capital and manpower and generating employment for the youth and marginalized sections like women, and artisans and can shield their cultural as well as resource rights and ecology.
Extreme Citizen Science in the Arctic- Indigenous as the true community scientists

Sunniva Sorby
Hearts in the Ice

Abstract:

For 19 months the team of www.HeartsintheIce.com (Hilde Falun Strom - Norway and Sunniva Sorby- Canada) overwintered for 19 months in a most remote trappers cabin without running water or electrcity 140km from the nearest town of Longyearbyen, Svalbard at 78'north. They were extreme citizen scientists who collected data samples and observations for a total of 9 different research projects all focused on a changing Arctic. By collecting samples over such an extended period, Sunniva and Hilde contributed to a greater dataset that helps scientists deconvolve the connections between climate and ecosystems in the region and interpret large-scale changes that simply speaking will decide not only the fate of polar nature, but presumably the existence of the world as we know it. They are now pursuing a project in the Canadian Arctic -Science in the Arctic has, until recently, tended to ignore those living on the front lines of change. Learning how Inuit and other Indigenous peoples relate and respond to environmental change is crucial, as science begins to focus more on adaptation and resilience, instead of merely tracking or predicting destruction. Inuit are the original Arctic scientists. Join Sunniva as she share teh opportunities for community led science by indigenous groups across the Arctic. "Hearts in the Ice is more than a project, more than two brave women managing to stay on their own during a polar winter. It is a model how scientists, industrial partners, explorers, artists and other stakeholders can meet in a common action to focus on polar climate changes. They are following in the footsteps of other polar pioneers, but his time not hunting for fur and skins, but knowledge and wisdom."Børge Damsgaard, UNIS.
Co-development of contaminant monitoring to improve strategic decision-making

Louise Mercer¹; Paul Mann¹; Deva-Lynn Pokiak²; Michael Lim¹; Dustin Whalen³
¹Northumbria University; ²Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk; ³Natural Resources Canada

Abstract:

Climate-driven landscape change, legacy waste and ongoing infrastructural investment are leading to concerns around water quality, habitat degradation and contaminant release in Arctic communities. Sustainable development considering threats posed by accelerating environmental change requires immediate and longer-term key strategic decision-making. This has been hindered by mismatches in priorities and timelines between communities and research programs that collect baseline data feeding into decision-making processes.These challenges highlight the importance of advancing collaborative partnerships and capacity sharing to promote resilient and sustainable environmental monitoring approaches. Community-based monitoring (CBM) has become increasingly common across Arctic research, however current CBM models have specific limitations that impact program effectiveness and the translation from data collection into decision-making. Here, we highlight key elements of community-based research programs that can both enhance or limit the longevity of programs including data utility, funding structures and roles within community-based research programs. We outline an evolving community-based research program that focuses on addressing contamination threats posed by the legacy of infrastructure including industry, transportation routes and waste. We will show how different capacities and insights from diverse knowledge systems came together to guide baseline data collection that will inform the next iteration of the program towards appropriate and effective decision-making.
Citizen Science for Human–Animal–Nature Connectedness in Urban and Natural Environments (CATCH)

Mervi Heikkinen¹; Riitta-Marja Leinonen¹; Anna Rönkä¹; Antero Metso¹
¹University of Oulu

Abstract:

In our paper, we will present a planned CATCH project which aims to utilize, evaluate and explore CS as a methodology for actionable sustainability science. We will examine CS ́s affordances and challenges for producing research knowledge on health and wellbeing related issues for people and their companion animals living in an urban setting in the circumpolar North. More specifically, we will study experiences of loneliness, human-animal-nature connectedness, and related knowledge through an extended multidisciplinary One Health perspective. We will produce new empirical research knowledge of A) loneliness and its alleviation, B) multifaceted relationality between urban residents and their companion animals, and C) citizens' environmental literacy on signs of climate change, and the ways their human-animal-nature relationalities influence their health and wellbeing. D) We will evaluate how the social-environmental systems are changing the community of Oulu on the edge of the Arctic and the drivers for these changes through our three empirical studies. Overall, research will be conducted by following the “for the people” CS protocol, where data analysis, interpreting results and sharing the results are conducted in close collaboration with citizen scientists. The findings of this study may be used for sustainable and multispecies city planning. We will present the framework of our project with a systematic literature review on the human-animal-nature connectedness and “for the people” CS approach.
Sentinel-1/2 based pan-Arctic high resolution landcover classification

Aleksandra Efimova¹; Barbara Widhalm¹; Annett Bartsch¹; Gustaf Hugelius²; Clemens von Baeckmann¹; Xaver Muri¹
¹b.geos GmbH;²Stockholm University

Abstract:

Climate-change scenarios indicate that global warming will be amplified in the Arctic regions, which could lead to a large reduction in the geographic extent of permafrost. The resilience and vulnerability of permafrost to climate change depends on complex interactions between topography, water, soil and vegetation what is also reflected in landcover. Landcover does not only provide information on above ground conditions but can be also used as proxy for sub-ground conditions. High spatial resolution datasets are required in this context. An accurate and detailed land surface description reveals spatial heterogeneity of soils and can be for example used for the characterization of permafrost state through modelling. In this study, landcover has been derived based on a two-step un-supervised/supervised classification approach covering the entire Arctic. Five Sentinel-2 bands and Sentinel-1 at 10m spatial resolution are used. The initial classes have been defined based on existing schemes for description of tundra vegetation communities as well as for flux-upscaling studies. A comprehensive soil database is used to evaluate these classes for their potential as proxy for sub-ground conditions. Results show that landscape gradients are well captured.
Progress over a decade of Arctic Observing Summits

Alice Bradley¹; Hajo Eicken²; Ravi Sankar³
¹Williams College; ²University of Alaska Fairbanks;³Longwood University

Abstract:

The Arctic Observing Summit (AOS) was established in 2013 and has been held biennially since 2014. Over the course of six summits between 2013-2022, the Arctic Observing Summit has grown in participation, scope, and impact. Recommendations from the summit are directed to Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON), national agencies, and the Arctic Science Ministerial (ASM), amongst others, and carry with them the weight of the observing community. In this poster, we revisit the recommendations from each of the six previous Arctic Observing Summits to track how summit themes, activities, and follow-up have changed over time. What recommendations have been implemented? How have the AOS, SAON, the ASM, and the broader Arctic Observing community responded to the concerns and issues flagged by the summit? How effective is the increasing inclusion of Arctic Indigenous participants in the summit and how has it shaped the recommendations? How well is the summit aligned with IASC Working Group priorities?
Land use change in the Arctic regions of oil production

Vladimir Kudrjashovy

Abstract:

The intensive development of the oil-producing complex in the Arctic regions of Russia leads to a significant change in the environment. Over time, there has been a marked transformation of land-use classes. This study was carried out to assess the land use changes that have taken place and to predict their development. The work was carried out in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug in the period from the beginning of the 90s to the present within the Timano-Pechersk oil and gas field. For the study, earth remote sensing data presented on satellite images of Landsat and Sentenel were used. A significant change in land use and land cover classes over time has been obtained. An assessment and forecast of the changes that have taken place are given.
Land Cover Patterns for selected Drained Lake Basins in Yamal, Siberia

Clemens von Baeckmann¹; Barbara Widhalm¹; Annett Bartsch¹; Helena Bergstedt¹; Timo Kumpula²; Aleksandra Efimova¹; Dorothee Ehrich³; Svetlana Abdulmanova; Aleksandr Sokolov
¹b.geos GmbH; ²University of Eastern Finland; ³UiT The Archtic University of Norway

Abstract:

Thermokarst lakes and drained lake basins (DLBs) play a major role in the geomorphological, hydrological and the ecological development of Arctic landscapes on the circumpolar scale. Associated dynamics such as changes in surface water area and vegetation cover can be monitored consistently from space. Here, we focus on DLBs on the Yamal peninsula in northern Russia, Siberia. Tundra vegetation communities, thaw lakes, wetlands, river floodplains, discontinuous and continuous permafrost, underlie and cover Yamal. Existing Landsat trend products going back to 1999 have been combined with a recent lake classification based on Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2. Lakes which remained drained have been identified and visually inspected before final selection. The final, semi-manually selected DLBs were evaluated for annual landcover patterns from 2016 up to present. The landcover classes were derived from a combination of an unsupervised and supervised classification based on Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellite data, and an approach developed within the ESA DUE Globpermafrost and Permafrost_cci projects. ERA5 precipitation&temperature data as well as In-situ data provides additional information for the selected DLBs. Improving the knowledge on processes involved in drainage events in the Arctic environment associated with permafrost conditions and surrounding terrain is crucial for numerous applications (e.g., landscape models, carbon cycle processes and local infrastructure stability). This study advances the understanding of DLBs and the corresponding change of biodiversity as well as carbon cycling as is the focus of the Horizon 2020 project CHARTER and ERC Q-Arctic respectively.
The thaw lakes and drained thaw lakes in the Yamal peninsula 1961 – 2018, impacts on land cover change and reindeer herding

Timo Kumpula¹; Roza Laptander²; Annett Bartsch³; Helena Bergstedt³; Dorothee Ehrich⁴; Aleksandr Sokolov; Natalya Sokolova; Korpelainen, Pasi¹; Forbes, Bruce⁵
¹University of Eastern Finland; ²University of Hamburg; ³b.geos GmbH; ⁴UiT The Archtic University of Norway;⁵University of Lapland

Abstract:

The thaw lakes and drained thaw lake basins are a prominent feature in the Arctic and cover large areas of the landscapes in the high latitudes. Thaw lakes as well as drained thaw lake basins have major impacts on a region’s hydrology, landscape morphology and flora and fauna. Our research area is the Yamal peninsula in the Western Siberia, Russia. In Yamal petroleum industry with related infrastructure networks can be affected by changes in lake and stream hydrology. Nenets reindeer herding is the traditional land use form in the Yamal. Reindeer herding is based on natural pastures and resources, and lakes serve as important fishing resource for own use and sale. Thawing and drained lakes are part of climate change driven landscape changes in the area. Our remote sensing datasets cover a time span from 1961-2021. Corona data represents the oldest data source and mosaic was compiled from 38 original Corona images. Landsat mosaics are derived from 1980’s and 2010’s data. Field data includes observations of changes and vegetation sampling. We have also interviewed several reindeer herders to understand the implications of lake changes for reindeer husbandry. The results show that the disappearance of the lakes occurs throughout the period. In terms of reindeer husbandry, the issue is multidimensional, as lakes that are quite important for fishing have disappeared in some places. Drained Lake, on the other hand, will soon turn into a good quality pasture where nutritious grasses and forbs grow, but if drained lake is located in a winter grazing area, it is just a lost fish resource.
The effect of interpopulation genetic diversity of dwarf birches on greening variability in the Arctic

Maria Dance¹; Marc Macias Fauria¹; Pernille Bronken Eidesen²; Logan Berner³; James Borrell⁴
¹University of Oxford; ²The University Centre in Svalbard; ³Northern Arizona University; ⁴Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Abstract:

The dwarf birches (Betula nana L. and Betula glandulosa Michx.) are part of the major trend of shrub expansion over the tundra in response to recent summer warming. However, the lack of uniform greening across the Arctic suggests the possibility of temporal lags or other factors playing an important role. Past climate changes have left a strong imprint on the current genetic diversity of Arctic plants. Here we selected the ecologically important Arctic dwarf birches to investigate whether plants’ ability to respond to changes in climate is influenced by the existing population genetic diversity. We sequenced individuals from 49 locations across both Arctic and isolated southern populations. Population genetic diversity was compared with local Landsat-derived time series of vegetation greenness (NDVI and EVI2) from 1985-2021, controlling for spatial variation in climate change and other environmental variables. Our results indicate the extent to which the response of tundra vegetation to anthropogenic climate change can depend on the interplay between contemporary processes and the legacies of past climate change. Characterizing genetic variation of dwarf birch in relation to greening trends is also the first step in understanding the genetic basis of shrubification.
Forgotten biodiversity – what do we know about glacier mice and their fauna?

Olena Nahimova¹; Krzysztof Zawierucha¹; Artur Trzebny¹; Natalia Szudarek-Trepto¹; Martyna Mikołajczyk¹; Jacob Yde²; Jakub Buda¹; Maria Stachowiak¹; Mariusz Wierzgoń³
¹Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań; ²Western Norway University of Applied Sciences; ³Silesian University

Abstract:

Although glacial ecosystems are under threat, still many glacier or glacier adjacent habitats are poorly known along with their inhabitants, one of the such example are glacier mice - bryophytes growing on supraglacial (glacier surface) rocks. Glacier mice form green balls, which may roll on the ice surface and potentially contribute to the dissemination of organic matter and nutrients to supraglacial ecosystems. Until now, only Coulson; Midgley (2012) have examined invertebrate diversity in glacier mice in Iceland. They found domination of Collembola with coinhabiting nematodes in glacier mice. To deepen our knowledge about the invertebrate community structure of glacier mice, we analyzed 31 and 8 glacier mice samples from the glacier surface and moraines, respectively, at Austerdalsbreen, Norway. Glacier mice varied in size from 42.0 x 30.6 to 153 x 95.4 cm. We found representatives of arthropods (Collembola, Acari, Insecta), Rotifera and Tardigrada. The Collembola were most abundant, reaching 2965 individuals per glacier mouse. Tardigrades were represented by the order Eutardigrada, while Acari were represented by Oribatida, Astigmata, Endeostigmata, Prostigmata and Mesostigmata. Our preliminary data suggests that glacier mice host different phyla of invertebrates and could be the most species-rich habitats on glacier surfaces. Due to climate warming and glacier changes, the glacier mice colony on Austerdalsbreen is prone to extinction in the coming decade.
Biodiversity patterns and the processes regulating them in the Swedish mountains

Johannes Måsviken¹; Fredrik Dalerum²; Love Dalen¹; Karin Noren¹
¹Stockholm University; ²Spanish National Research Council

Abstract:

The topography in mountains give rise to substantial gradients in environmental conditions, which makes them suitable for studying regulation of spatial variation in biodiversity. Mountains in northern latutes are particularly relevant for for evaluating the biodiversity consequences of climate change. We quantified biodiversity patterns of vascular plants and arthropods along elevation gradients in Swedish mountain tundra, as well as evaluated potential processes underlying elevational diversity variation. The diversity of all organism groups generally declined with elevation. While there were geographic differences in these patterns for vascular plants, there were mainly taxonomic differences for arthropods. Community structuring were generally modular along elevation gradients, and for some taxonomic groups also nested. Vascular plant and spider communities were both phenotypically and phylogenetically under-dispersed, suggesting that communities were regulated by environmental filtering. However, for vascular plants the phylogenetic dispersion increased while the phenotypic dispersion was constant with elevation, whereas for spiders both phenotypic and phylogenetic dispersion decreased with elevation. Our results suggest that site-specific and scale-dependent processes partly may override the effects of elevational declines in primary productivity on biodiversity, and that biodiversity regulation along elevational gradients may vary among different taxonomic groups.
The combined effects of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and North Atlantic Oscillation on the tropical Indian Ocean heat flux during boreal winter

Yi Chen¹; Daoyi Gong¹
¹Beijing Normal University

Abstract:

In the present study, the combined effects of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on wintertime changes of surface net heat flux (Qnet) over tropical Indian Ocean are examined performing composite analysis based on the TropFlux hybrid dataset from 1979/1980 to 2017/2018. We found that Qnet changes varies with different phases of ENSO and NAO. The major feature of Qnet during EI Niño/NAO+ is the significant dipole pattern with the oceanic heat loss anomalies over the tropical western Indian Ocean and the comparable oceanic heat gain anomalies over tropical southeastern Indian Ocean. The distribution during La Niña/NAO- seems the opposite but with insignificant anomalies west of Indonesia. In contrast, when the ENSO and NAO are out-phase combinations, the same sign anomalies mostly appear over the entire basin. The EI Niño/NAO- composites lead to obvious heat gain anomalies along the west coast of Indonesia and the southern Indian Ocean, while the La Niña /NAO- composites induce dominant heat loss anomalies over the central-eastern equator. The different responses of Qnet to the combinations of the ENSO and NAO are contributed by changes in cloud-related shortwave radiation and wind-related latent heat flux. Latent heat flux is the primary contributor in the band of 10°S-10°N, while shortwave radiation dominates outside it. The atimospheric circulation analysis shows the combined ENSO and NAO induce anomalous Walker circulation and Middle East jet stream over Indian Ocean to alter strength and location of the Arabian High and Mascarene High in low level pressure.
Significant Association Between Arctic Oscillation and Winter/Spring Biomass Burning Over Indochina

Meng Meng¹; Daoyi Gong¹; Yunfei Lan¹
¹Beijing Normal University

Abstract:

Biomass burning in the Indochina significantly influences the air quality and ecological environment over the local and downstream regions. In this study, we investigated the association between the February-April biomass burning over Indochina and the simultaneous Arctic Oscillation (AO) index from 1997 to 2016. The first empirical orthogonal function (EOF) mode of the biomass burning accounts for 23.3% of the total variance with a key area locating in the northern Indochina (approximately between 15-23°N and 94-105°E). Time series of the regional mean burned area fraction over the key area was significantly correlated with the AO index at -0.39 (p<0.1). The vapor pressure deficit was the most important factor relating to the biomass burning variations. A positive AO could trigger a southeastward Rossby wave train and induce anomalous cyclone in the Indochina, which enhances the south branch tough and results in positive precipitation anomaly in the northern Indochina, the decreasing vapor pressure deficit help reduce the fire risks, and vice versa. Our results are potentially useful for strengthening the mechanisms understanding of biomass burning occurrence over the Indochina.
Arctic Sea Ice Changes: Environmental Sustainability & Consequences On The Society

Droupti Yadav

Abstract:

In the era of technology and the industrial revolution, changing pattern of weather, climate change & Arctic sea ice changes significantly represent their drastic changes over the lower latitudes. The various causes & impacts of extreme weather events like cold & heat waves, floods (urban /flash ) sea level changes impacting the coastal regions, seawater intrusion etc. also impacting the environment on all continents and societies. Now it's an urgent need for environmental sustainability for the society and disaster management measures as per the current action of climate remote sensing and GIS technology play a vital role in mapping of climatic chaos regions, availability of natural resources and societal change at various levels in different regions of lower latitude as well as various management strategies for policy planning at global, national, regional and local level would be suggested for the societal benefits. Due to Arctic sea ice changes various environmental changes occurs like shifting pattern of rainfall, an increase in disaster like situation due to weather changes becoming direct or indirect cause of other type of natural and anthropogenic hazards and disaster, loss of biodiversity (flora/fauna)desertification, deforestation, social behavior, economical, psychological changes of society. Increasing land resources in the Arctic would be a challenge and an opportunity for a sustainable society for sustainable development. For all these reasons climate resilient smart strategies would be the added advantages fo the nation which includes gender equality, empowerment & education. Global scientists, researchers, academicians and society should participate in global sustainabilty.
The YAN Handbook: Engaging discovery, play, and learning in connection with the arctic nature

Deisi Maricato¹; Jessica Aquino¹
¹Háskólinn á Hólum

Abstract:

The free online handbook creation project is a guide to activities whose main objective was to promote a greater connection between young groups with the nature of their local community and to encourage educators to integrate this local nature into their teaching practice using activities with a focus on interdisciplinary and playful.

The project reinforces the importance of including young groups with intellectual or physical disabilities in all handbook activities, promoting respect for the realities of each individual. In this way, through a language based on socio-constructivist methodology and the use of the place-based method, the Handbook presents educational activities centered on the student, favoring cultural and social identity and mainly respecting human diversity.
The Arctic Risk Platform: Merging polar disciplines to create bespoke climate risks for global leaders and decision makers

Susana Hancock
Arctic Basecamp

Abstract:

Fast, accurate and engaging dissemination of polar science is paramount for bold climate action around the world. The Arctic Risk Platform is the product of several international scientists and the wider Stichting Arctic Basecamp team that increases the efficacy of science communication and pedagogy. Through developing our own sensors and using much of our own peer-reviewed Arctic data, we bring to life how polar climate change underlines global risk, thereby shaping understanding of how changes in the Arctic are central to the world wide Anthropocene. Specifically, we curate this data to speak science to power, targeting heads of state and global CEOs for whom the Arctic is seen as independent from global environmental processes and disasters. Through making the rapid environmental changes in the Arctic both applicable and digestible for world leaders, we fill a critical link in urgent climate action. Our science team currently comprises hydrologists, data visualizers, Arctic wildfire experts, glaciologists, atmospheric specialists, polar anthropologists and economists. By approaching shared questions in polar science with this diverse team, the Arctic Risk Platform takes a transdisciplinary approach that widens the impact of our research across sectors and subjects. For example, one of our current projects is aligned with climate vulnerable regions of the world in which we show–across numerous disciplines–how exactly Arctic climate change is at the controls of topics like global food security, heat stress and disaster. Consequently, we are able to transcend divides otherwise found in conventional scientific research and publication and increase the relevance for diverse audiences around the world.
Education towards International Cooperation and Coordination in Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, and Response - Example of the Students Barents Rescue Exercise

Jana Eliokwu-Prochotska
UiT The Arctic University of Norway

Abstract:

In 2014, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change highlighted in its report that the Arctic has been warming at about twice the global pace since 1980. The study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment in August 2022 claims that in the period of 1979-2021 the Arctic has been warming nearly 4 times faster than the rest of the world. The climate change of this magnitude is expected to result into positive influences as well as challenges of existing, altered, and new character. Crises neither respect the borders of nation states nor do their impacts stay within countries where they occur. And even if they do, the possibility to involve cross-border actors to prepare for and respond to natural and manmade hazards may be of crucial importance. In recognition of the significant role of international collaboration in emergency prevention, preparedness, and response (EPPR), UiT The Arctic University of Norway together with partners from northern Norway and 3 other Arctic countries developed a student version of the civil international crisis management exercise ‘the Barents Rescue’. The aim of engaging students from different countries in a scenario-based exercise is to enhance the understanding of international cooperation mechanisms in the field of EPPR as well as to address unique traits of the Barents Euro-Arctic Region, strenuous natural conditions, remote areas, scarce resources to name but a few. The exercise represents an active learning arena facilitated by discussions among students while being assisted by pedagogues and mentors. Elements such as uncertainty, complexity, escalation, cascading effects, cultural differences are trained for to support holistic competence-building of our students.
The use of remote sensing methods and the capabilities of UAV in research of dynamics of changes in the coastline of Kaffiøyra (Svalbard)

Kamil Czarnecki¹; Ireneusz Sobota¹
¹Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń

Abstract:

In recent years, we have seen rapid and chaotic warming on the globe. This is confirmed by the increased average air temperature or precipitation in measurements. The available data clearly show that the polar regions are the most sensitive areas of climate change. The shoreline transform include research into the Kaffiøyra, which is a coastal plain located in northwestern Spitsbergen. Kaffiøyra is a closed ecosystem surrounded by tidewater glaciers and the Forlandsundet Strait. The shape of the lowland coast is dichotomous: in the north the coastal strip of the plain is low and aggradational, whereas its southern part is predominantly cliffy. Since 1975, based on the NCU Polar Station in Spitsbergen, research monitoring the scale of global warming has been carried out. The conducted research includes, e.g. changes in the mass balance of glaciers, the range of their foreheads, the outflow of meltwater. Recent work on the coast of Kaffiøyra dates back to 1983, which makes this material almost pioneering. The aim of this study is to initially compare the changes in the coastline in the northern part of Kaffiøyra, after one summer season and over the last five decades. The comparative analysis covers about 50 ha of space divided into 4 areas. The work is based on DEM models, orthophotomaps, created with the help of UAVs and geodetic equipment. Over 50 years, the zones of accumulation and erosion are clearly visible. The image allowed to define the dynamics of changes, the formation of new sandy bank or sand spit.

This study was carried out as part of the project "Changes of north-western Spitsbergen glaciers as the indicator of contemporary transformations occurring in the cryosphere" (2017/25/B/ST10/00540) funded by the National Science Centre, Poland.
Macroalgal communities in the European Arctic

Luisa Düsedau¹; Inka Bartsch¹; Amanda Savoie2; Stein Fredriksen³
¹Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research;²Canadian Museum of Nature;³University of Oslo

Abstract:

Kongsfjorden in western Spitsbergen is a high Arctic fjord with numerous glaciers in transition. As ocean warming continues, the fjord is undergoing rapid changes due to glacier retreat and strong sedimentation caused by melt water runoff. In contrast to that, Porsangerfjorden in Finnmark is a more southern Arctic fjord without glaciers and with only restricted ice coverage in winter. Macroalgal communities in both fjords form the basis of the local marine ecosystems. In a space-for-time-approach, we compare macroalgal biodiversity and biomass in the shallow subtidal and intertidal to understand how macroalgal communities in the high Arctic are likely to develop in future. Quantitative sampling was performed at the infralittoral fringe level (n=3, 0.5 x 0.5 m frames) which is the upper distribution limit of kelp species in July 2021 (Hansneset, Kongsfjorden) and July 2022 (Guodesvoulu Island, Porsangerfjorden). Biomass dominant species at zero meter depth are similar at both sites, but macroalgal species composition is more diverse in Porsangerfjorden. The difference in mean fresh biomass at zero meters between Porsangerfjorden (4.4 kg m²) and Kongsfjorden (3 kg m²) is not significant. However, preliminary data show that intertidal macroalgal communities largely differ. Porsangerfjorden is dominated by seven cold-temperate to Artic Fucales species while in Kongsfjorden this group is only represented by one species. On the other hand, high littoral green algae formed pronounced bands at several sites in Kongsfjorden while their abundance in Porsangerfjorden was scarce. We aim to highlight the shifts in macroalgal richness and changes in productivity to predict possible ecosystem changes along Arctic shores.
Heading northwards? Laminaria hyperborea in the Arctic – past, present and future

Nora Diehl¹; Sarina Niedzwiedz¹; Inka Bartsch²; Kai Bischof1; Ulf Karsten³
¹University of Bremen; ²Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research;³University of Rostock

Abstract:

Due to global rise of temperatures, recent studies predict an expansion of several species to higher latitudes. One of these is the boreal-temperate kelp Laminaria hyperborea (Phaeophyceae). It is a dominant and important European bioengineering species that is widely distributed between northern Portugal and northern Norway. The species thrives best at 10–15°C, but can generally survive temperatures between 0 and 21°C. As ‘season anticipator’, L. hyperborea grows at low temperatures and during the short days of winter and early spring. It has been shown in different single-factorial experimental set-ups to survive several months of cold temperatures and darkness. Therefore, it is striking that L. hyperborea has not yet spread throughout the high Arctic. To investigate the potential ability to invade high Arctic sites under future warming scenarios, we conducted a long-term multifactorial experiment using tissue of adult sporophytes of L. hyperborea collected from Porsangerfjorden, Norway – a site close to its northernmost distribution margin. We quantified their physiological conditions, namely survival and photosynthetic activity, as well as their biochemical status, e.g. carbohydrates, over three months under polar night, polar day and long-day conditions at 0, 5 and 10°C. In this way, we aim to unravel strategies how L. hyperborea can to acclimate to past, present and future conditions in the Arctic.
Environmental DNA approaches for monitoring (gelatinous) zooplankton communities and detecting non-indigenous species in a rapidly changing Arctic

Charlotte Havermans¹; Ayla Murray¹; Niko Steiner¹
¹Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research

Abstract:

The Arctic Ocean is changing at unprecedented pace, with warming and sea-ice melt increasingly impacting polar species and causing community changes. The phenomenon of Atlantification, involving an increased influence of Atlantic waters, brings with it the arrival of boreal and non-indigenous species into the high Arctic. Gelatinous zooplankton (GZP) comprises different groups, including cnidarians, ctenophores and pelagic tunicates. In several marine ecosystems worldwide, GZP biomass has increased over the last decades, which has had major impacts on ecosystem structure and fish stocks. GZP are often actively left out of traditional zooplankton surveys and, due to their fragility, their diversity and abundances are difficult to accurately estimate with net catches. Hence, little is known about how GZP communities are being impacted by climate-related changes. Here we present several studies using environmental DNA (eDNA), based on water and sediment samples, to provide a baseline of GZP communities in the Arctic. We present results on pelagic communities based on eDNA studies from water samples in the Fram Strait and species richness comparisons from sediment samples taken in Northern and Western Svalbard fjords. We also highlight our sampling strategies during the RV Heincke expedition RISING, where we aimed to assess small-scale variation in communities revealed with eDNA sediment and water samples. Finally, we show our progress in optimizing species-specific eDNA detection methods for a large scyphozoan species which are causing nuisance to fish stocks and salmon farming. The obtained eDNA datasets provide baselines for future monitoring of range-shifting species in the coastal and open ocean Arctic Ocean.
Marine Spatial Planning in the Arctic: Implementation of Chinese Marine Functional Zoning

Xuefeng Li
National Ocean Technology Center

Abstract:

The Arctic is one of the most primitive and vulnerable ecosystems in the world. Driven by external economic forces and the effects of climate change, the Arctic and its ecosystems are occurring and will soon be facing unprecedented changes, including the reduction of biodiversity, the increase in human development and utilization activities in the Arctic region, and the loss of Arctic ecosystem services. The continuing concern of the international community to mitigate and adapt to these changes has prompted an ongoing call for an ecosystem-based approach to managing human activities in the Arctic. In many sea areas around the world, marine spatial planning (MSP) has become an effective way to transform this concept into management practice, which could be a is a new tool for the comprehensive management of polar oceans. Marine functional zoning (MFZ), is one of the most important part of MSP, plays an essential role in controlling the use of the sea area, protect the marine ecological environment, and promote the rational development of the sea area and the sustainable development of marine economy. The Chinese government has adopted a series of laws, policies, technical standards and dynamic monitoring and management system to guide the use of sea areas and ensure the successful implementation of MFZ. The experience of implementing MFZ in China proves that it is an effective approach to carry out the ecosystem-based integrated marine resources management. National Ocean Technology Center (NOTC) hopes for the international cooperation in the field of marine functional zoning or marine spatial planning to promote the blue economy development and marine ecosystem protection in the Arctic Regions.
Stakeholder Roles and Priorities in Arctic Community Sustainability Practices

Sonja Bickford
Oregon Institute of Technology

Abstract:

Understanding that businesses, public offices, and the general public all hold responsibility as well as play a role in society, the environment, and the life of the local community is very important. During the past few decades, we have seen as well as experienced physical, economic, climate, and political changes in many Artic communities, regions, and beyond. Business practices, tourism, and community growth or decline are topics of interest along with identifying sustainability practices and which are the top priorities and best practices in the communities. This study builds on the 2013-2015 Arctic EIA study, along with the corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social license to operate (SLO) community level cooperative research (2017-current) conducted in two rural communities below the Artic and serve as comparison benchmarks for this important Arctic sustainability work.
Perspectives on sustainability: the opinion of the Arctic regions of the Yakut Arctic

Shishigina Anna

Abstract:

The results of the study are interesting from the point of view of the aspects of social inequality. UN experts rightly note that "inequalities between different regions of a single country are often greater than inequalities between countries. The report touches upon the results of a number of surveys of the local population of the Arctic regions of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) of the Russian Federation on aspects of traditional economic activity in the North: reindeer herding, fishing, as well as issues of food supply in hard-to-reach territories of the Yakut Arctic. Traditional livelihoods of Arctic residents in Yakutia are becoming increasingly vulnerable due to recent changes in climatic conditions. The disparity of economic and social development of the Arctic regions, significant differentiation of their budget provision, different remoteness from international and national industrial centers and, accordingly, incomparable opportunities and conditions for small and medium business development form in some sense unique living arrangements for the population, which are characteristic of single regions. Based on the analysis of the results of the work, a vision of promising areas for joint research is proposed.
The Measurement of Food Security amongst Indigenous Populations: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Elizabeth Parry¹; Andrea Bersamin¹; Micah Hahn²; Margaret Wills³
¹University of Alaska Fairbanks;²University of Alaska Anchorage; ³University of Wisconsin-Madison

Abstract:

Indigenous populations throughout the world experience disproportionately high rates of food insecurity, with particularly high rates estimated in populations that maintain subsistence lifestyles. Conventional food security metrics are primarily economic focused, and use indicators such as poverty, unemployment, home ownership, and the average cost of food. This limits the utility of food security measurement tools among populations that maintain subsistence lifestyles, as they don’t account for the multifaceted and interdisciplinary variables associated with subsistence lifestyles. A more holistic, mitigation-focused perspective is needed to address food insecurity amongst populations that maintain subsistence lifestyles. One Health offers an ideal perspective in which to address these issues, particularly amongst residents of the Arctic region, as it recognizes the inextricable link between the health of humans, animals, and their shared environment - a concept acutely relevant to subsistence lifestyles. In order to evaluate what is known about measuring food security amongst Indigenous populations, a comprehensive scoping review was conducted. The results of the review revealed that a growing body of academic literature is attempting to account for subsistence foods when measuring food security amongst Indigenous populations. However, a very limited number of studies have utilized holistic approaches, such as One Health, when measuring food security. The results of this scoping review will be used to develop a new tool in which to measure vulnerability to food insecurity amongst Alaska Native populations that maintain subsistence lifestyles.
Students’ Varying Attitudes toward Sexuality: Analysis of Domestic and International Students’ Aspects in Arctic

Zhanna Anshukova
University of Lapland

Abstract:

Students coming to study in the Arctic regions from abroad and domestic students have diverse backgrounds in terms of sexuality since it varies in cultures and societies around the world. In some cultures, sexuality is not studied during formal education; in others, it is studied, however, different scientific approaches can be used. Also, representatives of different cultures have different moral norms and ideas about the expression of sexuality. Studies about attitudes to sexuality are highly relevant to the Arctic, for example, Lapland as there is an increase in the number of students from other countries. Moreover, the stay rate after graduation for international students graduated in Finland is 72 per cent according to previous research. So, the demonstrated trends raise questions about cultural diversity in Arctic regions and its expression in attitudes towards sexuality. Domestic students' backgrounds and ideas about sexuality themselves are also of interest to the study. This research aimed to provide insight into the characteristics, trends and transformation of attitudes to sexuality in the Arctic among international and domestic students. They can be used by educational institutions while planning any kind of sexual education, medical or social services. Also, the results of this study can be used in the future to trace the dynamics of cultural aspects in attitudes towards sexuality in the region. To study the topic questionnaires and interviews with students are used to identify their backgrounds and ideas about sexuality. Framework analysis is used to analyze the obtained data.
Phytodetritus-inhabiting benthic foraminifera of the Arctic Ocean

Kamila Faizieva¹; Julia Wukovits¹; Petra Heinz¹; Jutta Wollenburg²
¹University of Vienna; ²Alfred Wegener Institute

Abstract:

Due to climate change, the Arctic Ocean is experiencing a variety of environmental modifications, such as atlantification, altered algae communities and earlier spring phytoplankton blooms. Sinking phytodetritus from these blooms can accumulate on the seafloor forming a phytodetrital layer that is a fundamental food source for benthic organisms. Here we present data on benthic foraminifera (BF) recorded in freshly accumulated late spring phytodetritus during the TRANSSIZ expedition in 2015 into the Arctic Ocean. Samples for BF investigations were collected from the northern Svalbard marginal shelf and slope, Yermak Plateau, and Sophia Basin at water depths ranging between 218.8 m and 2174.7 m. A one-way pipette was used to take 3 volume-defined fluff samples from the sediment surface. Additional DNA analyses on frozen samples indicated diatoms as the main source of ingested algae. Living (stained) BF were identified in fluff samples (1-2 ml) and studied in the >63 μm size fraction. We observed 84 species belonging to 61 genera. Species richness varied from 33 to 57. Fisher's alpha diversity ranged from 11.8 to 17. At each station, the fluff was dominated by various taxa, such as Alabaminella weddellensis, Cassidulina reniforme and Epistominella arctica. We observed a well-developed greenish BF cytoplasm that indicates recent uptake of fresh algae material directly from the fluff. Hereby, the species had successfully invaded the phytodetritus. The fluff was densely populated by both epifaunal species thriving at the sediment surface and infaunal ones inhabiting deeper sediment layers. In total, we can conclude that the fluff layer formation at the Arctic seafloor can form a well-colonised habitat for numerous BF species.
Effects of heavy industry on sub-arctic aerosols and clouds.

Mikko Sipilä¹, Nina Sarnela²; Kimmo Neitola²; Totti Laitinen²; Deniz Kemppainen²; Lisa Beck²; Ella-Maria Kyrö²; Salla Kuittinen²; Tuuli Lehmusjärvi¹; Veli-Matti Kerminen²; Katrianne Lehtipalo²; Pasi Aalto²; Petri Keronen²; Erkki Siivola²; Pekka Rantala²; Markku Kulmala²; Tuija; Jokinen²; Tuukka Petäjä²; Janne Lampilahti²; Douglas Worsnop³
¹University of Helsinki; ²Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research; ³Aerodyne Research Inc.

Abstract:

The metallurgical industry is an important source of anthropogenic sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter in the sub-Arctic domain. Emissions of aerosols and SO2 from Kola peninsula smelters disperse around the north Scandinavia and north-west Russia affecting the natural aerosol concentrations over relatively large areas. This anthropogenic perturbation of natural aerosol system can affect optical properties and lifetime of clouds and thereby the radiative budget and climate of the Arctic. We performed investigations on concentrations of SO2, aerosol precursor vapours and aerosolstogether with chemical composition measurements of freshly formed new aerosol clusters at the SMEAR I research station in Finnish Lapland (67.5 deg N) in vicinity of the Kola Peninsula industrial areas. We show that smelter emissions lead to high concentrations of gas phase SO2, aerosols and cloud condensation nuclei. SO2 is converted to sulfuric acid which is responsible on further production of aerosols(via nucleation and condensation) hundreds of kilometres downwind from the emission sources. Our results demonstrate the importance of regional aerosol and SO2 emissions in controllingaerosol and cloud condensation nuclei concentrations in the arctic / subarctic region. In the wintertime, these anthropogenic effects are likely larger than effects related to biogenic processes in open ocean, sea ice and terrestrial ecosystems in our area. In the summertime, the biogenic emissions, together with other natural sources primarily determine the aerosol properties. Future research targets in measuring the effects of pollution related aerosols to cloud properties and radiative transfer of both visible and infrared radiation through the clouds.
Boundary processes of the Barents Sea Polar Frontal Zone in the spring of 2022

Tanya Maximovskaya

Abstract:

The paper considers the narrow highly gradient Frontal Zone of the West Trough, located on the periphery of the eastern slope of the Spitsbergen Bank and the West Trough and expressed in both the temperature and salinity fields. Warm and saline waters of Atlantic origin and homogeneous Arctic waters interact here. Horizontal gradients are observed from the surface to the bottom. During the expedition of the R/V "Dalnie Zelentsy" from April 21 to 27, 24 stations on the polygon of four transects were carried out. The maximum horizontal gradient was observed on the northern transect in the intermediate layer. One of the most important processes in the internal dynamics of the frontal zones is the instability of the frontal partitions, leading to their meandering. For the study of submesoscale structures on the surface of the Arctic seas, satellite images provide an opportunity in detecting vortex structures, as well as the deflection of temperature and salinity isolines on the surface can mean the formation of a meander due to the asymmetry of the flow structure. For the investigated area in the spring period when detecting vortices in the visible range, the ice mechanism is the most informative, which is manifested in the presence of floating ice on the water surface. The initial ice types were observed on the sea surface during the course of the polygon studies. In the study area, the formation of meanders is observed on the satellite image along the drifting finely crushed ice. An anticyclonic vortex with a size of 10 km is observed on the southeastern side of the current. The size of the cyclonic vortex forming along the northern part of the current is 13 km, with secondary meandering observed here with a secondary vortex diameter of 4.5 km.
Subsurface climate indices in a polar region of the Pacific Ocean

Sung Yong Kim¹; Eun Ae Lee¹
¹Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Abstract:

The oceanic and atmospheric variability at global and regional scales and the oceanic and atmospheric dynamics have been explained with primary climate indices, including El-Nino and Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The primary spatial modes and corresponding time series are derived from statistical analysis, often using empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs), to capture the dominant variability in terms of variance. With the advent of satellite observations collected on a global scale, climate indices are actively derived from sea surface observations, such as sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface height (SSH). In particular, as the traditional climate indices are highly related to the air-sea interactions associated with climate dynamics and weather conditions in the upper ocean or surface ocean, they may have limitations in explaining the long-term subsurface circulation and variability to understand large-scale oceanic motions. Because long-term subsurface observations and reanalysis data have become available recently, the spatial and temporal modes and structural functions describing the subsurface variability can be useful for investigating the subsurface oceanic variability and forecasting climate change. For instance, deep water circulation and overturning circulation at the basin and global scales, and their subsurface tracking allow us to better understand subsurface ocean circulation. In this talk, we present the subsurface climate indices in a polar region of the Pacific Ocean and their relevance with the regional and basin circulations.
Seasonal variation of stable isotopes in precipitation based on the intermittent samplings from different Arctic regions

Hotaek Park¹; Kimpei Ichiyanagi²; Masahiro Tanoue³
¹JAMSTEC; ²Kumamoto University;³Meteorological Research Institute

Abstract:

Stable water isotopes are useful tracer for estimating the moisture source and transportation pathway in the atmospheric and hydrological cycle. Daily precipitation samples were intermittently collected at the two sites (i.e., Tiksi, Russia and Fairbanks, Alaska). The samplings were conducted during the periods of 1998–2018 and 2017–2021 at Tiksi and Fairbanks, respectively. At the Tiksi site, the quality-controlled isotopic compositions of δ2H, δ18O, and d-excess were ranged from -337.01 to -79.18‰, from -42.51 to -6.07‰, and from -9.90 to 34.12‰, respectively. At Tiksi, temperature effects for δ18O were 0.50 (r=0.90). From the temporal analysis in the monthly basis, increasing trend of δ18O in March and April and depleting trend of d-excess in October and November were significant. Monthly mean oxygen isotope ratios in precipitation from the Fairbank site ranged from -31.5‰ in winter and to -11.9‰ in summer. Monthly mean d-excess ranged from -10‰ in May-June and to +12‰ in Nov-Dec, indicating seasonally evident variations. At the two sites, stable isotope ratios in precipitation showed higher correlation with temperature, and monthly d-excess ratios indicated depleting trends, which might be caused by the difference in moisture source evaporated from land and open water in the Arctic Ocean. The analyzed stable isotopic ratios in precipitation revealed signals influenced by the waring temperature correlated with the climate change.
Role of atmospheric circulation in precipitation at Ny Ålesund

Athulya R¹; Nuncio Murukesh¹
¹National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research

Abstract:

The Arctic is warming at an alarming rate, and an increase in moisture supply will intensify the hydrological cycle in the Arctic. The air temperature, moisture content, topography and the synoptic-scale weather system affecting the area play a significant role in a region's precipitation. In this study, the daily accumulated precipitation in Ny Ålesund, Svalbard, is analysed using observations; the mean and extreme precipitation trends are calculated for 1993-2020. It is found that the mean and extreme precipitation is increasing, and the mean precipitation trend is significant and positive for fall (SON). The extreme precipitation is significant and positive for winter from 2000 to 2019. The correlation between mean sea level pressure and non-extreme precipitation (LPPT, less than the 90th percentile for 1993-2020) and extreme precipitation (EPPT, above the 90th percentile for 2000-2019) shows significant differences in the correlation patterns in each precipitation category and across the seasons. In winter, there is a visible shift/retrieval of significant positive correlation, centred over 20N and 60E during LPPT towards the southeast direction (45N and 80E) during EPPT. The vapour pressure at Ny Ålesund also shows a similar pattern as that during the EPPT events confirming the role of moisture flux from those regions in precipitation in Ny Ålesund.
Evaluation of surface layer scheme representation of temperature inversions over boreal forests

Jean-Christophe Raut¹; François Ravetta¹; Julia Maillard¹
¹Sorbonne University

Abstract:

The Noah Land Surface Model used in conjunction with the Mellor-Janjic-Yamada surface layer scheme (hereafter, Noah MYJ) and the Noah MultiPhysics scheme (Noah MP) from the WRF meso-scale model are evaluated with regards to their performance in reproducing positive temperature gradients over forested areas in the Arctic winter. First, simplified versions of the WRF schemes are compared with conceptual models of the surface layer in order to gain insight into the dependence of the temperature gradient on the wind speed at the top of the surface layer. It is shown that the WRF schemes place strong limits on the turbulent collapse, leading to lower surface temperature gradient at low wind speeds than in the conceptual models. We implemented modifications to the WRF schemes to correct this effect. The original and modified versions of Noah MYJ and Noah MP are then evaluated compared to long-term measurements at the Ameriflux Poker Flats Research Range, a forest site in Interior Alaska. Noah MP is found to perform better than Noah MYJ because the former is a 2-layer model which explicitly takes into account the effect of the forest canopy. Indeed a non-negligible temperature gradient is maintained below the canopy at high wind speeds, leading to overall larger gradients than in the absence of vegetation. Furthermore, the modified versions are found to perform better than the original versions of each scheme because they better reproduce strong temperature gradients at low wind speeds.
The effect of enriching the sea surface microlayer with organic matter and the occurence of phytoplancton blooms or the impact of pollutants

Violetta Drozdowska¹; Jacek Piskozub²; Joanna Ston-Egiert²; Iwona Wrobel-Niedzwiecka²; Karol Kulinski²
¹Institute of Ocanology Polish Academy of Sciences; ²IO PAN

Abstract:

The aim of the research presented here - which also relates to the SURETY project - is to understand the impact of natural marine and terrestrial organic matter (OM) in the sea on the enrichment of SML in OM, and most importantly to assess the role of SML as a barrier to gas exchange processes, CO2, between the sea and the atmosphere. The results presented here include optical surveys of the surface waters of the Nordic Seas and meteorological observations made during four spring and fall/winter research cruises of the RV Oceania in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022. Sampling of the surface microlayer (SML) and subsurface water (ULW, 1m) allowed us to calculate the enrichment factor (EF) of the SML in organic matter (OM), in phytoplankton pigments, and to determine the dominant source of MO - based on absorption and fluorescence measurements and HPLC analyses of collected samples. Meteorological observations of sea state and wind speed and direction were used to interpret the results of optical measurements of SMLs, with the condition being to take measurements at sea state not exceeding 4B.

The results of measurements (surface activity, SAS, CTD, ratio of absorption factors at 250 and 365nm, E2:E3, slope ratio (SR), absorption factors at different wavelength, l, aCDOM(l), fluorescence intensities at the peak points of the main DOM chromophoric fractions in the sea: A, C, M and T, the ratio (M+T)/(A+C), the humification index, HIX, the composition and concentration of phytoplankton pigments) allowed calculating the EF value of SML in a specific OM.

The enrichment of SML in SAS was always above 1, while the EF of other parameters of absorptive and fluorescent OM oscillated around 1, but the average values were above 1.
How Much Can Riverine Biogeochemical Fluxes Affect the Ocean Acidification in Arctic Seas

Yuanxin Zhang¹; Michiyo Yamamoto-Kawai²; Eiji Watanabe¹
¹Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology; ²Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology

Abstract:

With rapid Arctic environmental changes, riverine freshwater and biogeochemical delivery (R-BGC) has been reported to increase, which may affect Ocean Acidification (OA, indexed by pH and Ω: aragonite saturation state). However R-BGC was not included in most of the model studies. In this study, we conducted multi-decadal experiments without (CTL case) or with (CN case) riverine fluxes of nutrients, carbon and alkalinity, using a pan-Arctic sea ice–ocean model coupled to the Arctic and North Pacific Model for Lower-trophic Marine Ecosystem with Carbonate Chemistry to quantify the effects of R-BGC on OA in 7 Arctic sub-regions for 1979–2018. In the central basins, the positive anomalies (CN–CTL) in pH (~0.01) and Ω (~0.06) were mainly caused by riverine carbon fluxes, while effects of nutrient fluxes were negligible. In the coastal regions, the positive anomalies (CN–CTL) in pH (~0.03) and Ω (~0.15) are ~3 times larger than that in the central basin due to higher river water content locally. Riverine nutrient fluxes account for ~20% of positive anomalies due to an enhanced primary production and a corresponding reduction in seawater pCO2. In the Canada Basin, a part of the Eurasian Basin, the East Siberian Sea, and a part of the Greenland Sea, the positive anomalies show increasing trends. However, in the Kara Sea and coastal regions of the Laptev Sea and the Beaufort Shelf, anomalies show negative trends. This reflects the accumulation /decreasing river water content that driven by ocean current.

The ignoration of R-BGC can cause significant overestimation for OA (lower pH and Ω), especially in the coastal seas, thus we encourage model studies to consider R-BGC into simulation, and more riverine observational data is highly needed.
Water chemistry of the lower Kolyma River and its tributaries based on data for the summer of 2021

Danuta Szumińska¹; Małgorzata Szopińska²; Sergey Chalov; Vasilii Efimov; Marcin Frankowski³; Zaneta Polkowska²
¹Kazimierz Wielki University; ²Gdansk University of Technology; ³Adam Mickiewicz University

View the poster online

Abstract:

A widespread permafrost degradation is forecasted in the Northern Hemisphere throughout the 21st century, evoking an urgent need to study its impacts. We focus on the potential influence of permafrost thaw on freshwater chemistry in the lower Kolyma basin. Water samples (n = 18) were taken in July 2021 from Kolyma and its tributaries, including two small creeks draining a permafrost cliff, and a sample of permafrost ice (from yedoma). The dissolved phase concentrations of 30 elements and organic carbon (OC) were analysed, using Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and a TOC Analyzer in laboratories in Poland. We measured 9.1 mg·L-1 dissolved OC in permafrost ice, 1.9-4.8 mg·L-1 in rivers, and 106-127 mg·L-1 in yedoma-fed creeks. Heavy metals showed much higher concentrations in permafrost creeks and ice (As 1.24-4.23 µg·L-1, Cu 1.82-11.4 µg·L-1, Co 0.57-3.99 µg·L-1, Ni 3.36-16.5 µg·L-1, Zn 20.5-22.3 µg·L-1) than in Kolyma and its tributaries (As 0.22-0.81 µg·L-1, Cu 0.70-5.72 µg·L-1, Co 0.01-0.05 µg·L-1, Ni 0.2-1.87 µg·L-1, Zn 6.2-44.6 µg·L-1). The presented research indicates that permafrost may be a source of contaminants released into rivers of the Russian Arctic.

Acknowledgments: this research was funded by INTERACT, H2020-EU.1.4.1.2. (PollAct, grant No. 730938. Special thanks to the North-East Science Station for help during fieldwork.
Spatial variation of major and trace elements in water of the Reindeer Creek small permafrost catchment (Bellsund, Svalbard)

Sara Lehmann-Konera¹; Piotr Zagórski¹; Marcin Frankowski²; Zaneta Polkowska³; Krzysztof Raczyński⁴; Kamil Nowiński⁵; Łukasz Franczak¹; Mateusz Dobek¹
¹Maria Curie-Skłodowska University; ²Adam Mickiewicz University; ³Gdansk University of Technology; ⁴Mississippi State University; ⁵Gdańsk University

Abstract:

Due to observed in some parts of Svalbard higher increases in air temperature than in any other place on Earth, the archipelago can be expected to see more ice-free areas influenced by permafrost. For the comparison of elements transport in a non-glaciated Svalbard catchment was selected the Reindeer Creek catchment (NW part of the Wedel-Jarlsberg Land, approx. area 1.3 km2, snow-rain-permafrost alimentation regime). The measurements of water discharge (Q), air temperature (T), precipitation (P), water pH, SEC and surface water sampling for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), major and trace elements analysis were conducted daily in four key points of the catchment (spring-RS, main course -RMC, left tributary-RLT and mouth-RM) between June 22nd and July 23rd of 2021. Based on the results of statistical analysis it was noted that despite the small area of catchment there are significant differences between study sites in the case of all hydrochemical parameters. The results of matrix correlation analysis indicate a statistically significant negative correlation between T and Q. Significant correlation related to T and Q, DOC, As, Ba, Na, Sb, Se, V, as well as between Q and pH, SEC, B, Ca, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Si, Sr, Zn. While a statistically significant positive correlation was noted between T and pH, SEC, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sr, Zn, as well as between Q and DOC, Ag, As, Ba, Na, Sb, Se, V. Also the results of cluster and principal component analysis indicate on the complexity of hydrochemical and geochemical processes in permafrost catchment of Svalbard in face of climate change in the Arctic
.
Acknowledgements:
This research was funded by the National Science Centre of Poland, grant number 2019/32/C/ST10/00483.
Priority Organic Pollutants and Endocrine‐Disrupting Compounds in Arctic Marine Sediments (Svalbard Islands, Norway)

Luisa Patrolecco¹; Jasmin Rauseo¹; Tanita Pescatore¹
¹National Research Council of Italy - Institute of Polar Sciences

Abstract:

Arctic regions are particularly sensitive to external perturbations, such as climate change (CC) and pollution. CC is causing severe alterations (sea-ice reduction, glacier retreat, thawing permafrost, increased seawater temperatures and affecting globally atmospheric and oceanic circulations) in these polar environments, altering contaminant fate, transport, and distribution in Arctic ecosystems. These changes have also favoured the development of local contamination sources such as tourism, resource extraction and fisheries. The present study investigates the occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phenolic endocrine‐disrupting compounds (PEDCs) in marine sediment collected in Kongsfjord (Svalbard, Norway) during the summer of 2018 and 2019. The contribution of different local contamination sources as well as the risk assessment for the marine environment were also evaluated. The results indicate that local anthropic activities were the major contamination sources in the Kongsfjorden ecosystem. However, melting waters from glaciers in the summer season can play an important role as a secondary pollution source. A comparison between our data and empirical and mechanistic indices derived from sediment quality guidelines, suggests that the occurrence of PAHs and PEDCs in sediments does not currently pose a risk for this Arctic ecosystem, but further investigation on the spread of hazardous contaminants and their effects on these fragile environments is needed.
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in Arctic marine sediments (Kongsfjorden, Svalbard Islands- Norway)

Luisa Patrolecco¹; Francesca Spataro¹; Tanita Pescatore1
¹National Research Council of Italy - Institute of Polar Sciences

Abstract:

The Arctic is the northernmost polar region on the planet, characterized by a cold climate, ice and extended period of darkness, where climate change (CC) is occurring much faster than somewhere else. To date, the impacts of CC on the occurrence of less investigated contaminants such as the bioactive molecules of PPCPs need more in-deep analysis. Indeed, global warming is affecting the contaminant load in the Arctic both through glacier melting and permafrost thawing and by favouring a much greater anthropic footprint, with potentially adverse effects on these sensitive ecosystems. This study aims to evaluate for the first time the multi-annual occurrence of some PPCPs, as indicators of anthropogenic contamination in Kongsfjorden. This fjord is an inlet on the west coast of Spitsbergen, an island that is part of the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. On the southern shore of Kongsfjorden, there is the village of Ny-Ålesund hosting several scientific bases. In the present study, surface sediments, sampled on late summer 2018-2020 along a transect of this fjord, were analysed by HPLC-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry to detect some PPCPs belonging to different therapeutic classes. Higher PPCP concentrations were detected near Ny-Ålesund, confirming its impact on the release of these chemicals in the Kongsfjorden. Moreover, a risk assessment for the marine environment suggested that the occurrence of some PPCPs in sediments can pose a possible risk to this Arctic ecosystem.
Understanding infrastructure risk due to permafrost thaw to inform decision-making in Point Lay, Alaska

Jana Peirce¹; D.A. (Skip) Walker¹; Benjamin Jones¹; Mikhail Kanevskiy¹; Billy G. Connor, P.E.¹; Yuri Shur¹; Tracie Curry²; Peppi Bolz
¹University of Alaska Fairbanks; ²Northern Social-Environmental Research

Abstract:

The Native Village of Point Lay has been identified as the second most permafrost thaw-affected community in Alaska. Issues associated with thawing permafrost and terrain subsidence have dramatically increased during the last decade resulting in the failure of critical infrastructure and increasing risks to life, health and safety. In June 2022, seven researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Northern Social-Environmental Research traveled to Point Lay to observe, study, and discuss the effects of thawing permafrost on homes and othercritical infrastructure in the village. During our research, we (1) studied permafrost properties and ground-ice conditions in three main terrain units (elevated areas, slopes, and drained-lake basins), (2) mapped the community with a drone to quantify the effect of thermokarst on village infrastructure, (3) conducted visual assessments on the effects of thawing permafrost on piling foundations, and (4) interviewed residents on their observations and experiences of permafrost thaw to better understand the impact of landscape changes as well as community concerns and information needs. The assessment of ground-ice content and comparative permafrost changes in built-up areas and an undeveloped area adjacent to the townsite showed that while climate warming has contributed to the permafrost thaw in Point Lay, adverse impacts of infrastructure have been a major driver of subsidence. To ensure the relevance of our research to local and regional decision-makers, we met with engineers, planners and policymakers before and after the visit to discuss research plans, exchange data, and share findings, including seven takeaways that can inform community-based decisions.
Budget expenditures for natural disasters caused by climate change: case of Russian Arctic

Nadezhda Krasilnikova; Tuyara Gavrylieva; Anisia Moyakunova

Abstract:

In recent years, the population and economy of the Arctic regions have experienced an increase in the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters [IPCCClimate Change report 2020] and, accordingly, the accelerated rate of their socio-economic damage. The costs of disaster management are covered by the federal, regional and local budgets. The report aims to analyze regional financial systems for managing natural emergencies in the regions of the Russian Arctic. In our work we analyze the costs of emergency response in the regions of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation for the period 2010-2022, primarily at the levels of the budget system of the Russian Federation. We consider types of budget expenditures on the example of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). We raise the need to adapt regional financial systems to climate change in relation to Arctic socio-economic systems.
Short-Wave Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging Of Naturally Weathered Arctic Litter

Klemens Weisleitner^1,2; Birgit Sattler^1,2; Sophia Mützel^1,2; Seraphin Unterberger¹
¹University of Innsbruck; ²Austrian Polar Research Institute

Abstract:

Increasing plastics production linked with inappropriate disposal has global consequences: Plastics is now present in all compartments of Earth, ranging from the deepest marine trenches to the highest peaks in the Himalayas. The Arctic is no exception to this phenomenon. Once exposed in the environment, plastic litter degrades by solar radiation, physical forces and other mechanisms. These weathering processes modify polymer-specific spectral fingerprints and consequently hamper correct polymer identification or the detection at all. In this study, we quantified macro-sized litter from remote Arctic regions (Svalbard, Northwest Passage, Western Greenland) and characterized plastic polymers based on shortwave infrared hyperspectral imaging of weathered (i.e. outer surface) and non-weathered (i.e. cross sections) zones of each item. All spectral signatures were curated in a hyperspectral imaging database. Hyperspectral imaging in combination with the presented reference database serves as a powerful tool for future microplastics studies in Arctic environments. Understanding the fate of weathering-induced spectral changes further pushes the detection limits and provides more reliable identification of plastics in the Arctic.
POPs stocks distribution in coastal permafrost soil, Yukon coast and Svalbard case studies

Rachele Lodi^1,2; Victoria Sophie Martin³; Julia Wagner⁴; Niek Speetjens⁵; Gustaf Hugelius⁴; Jacopo Gabrieli⁶; Carlo Barbante^6,1
¹Ca' Foscari University of Venice; ²CNR Institute of Polar Sciences; ³University of Vienna; ⁴Stockholm University; ⁵Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; ⁶ISP CNR

Abstract:

The work from the AMAP on contaminants highlights a stark data gap regarding contaminants in Arctic soils, particularly below the permafrost table. Here we describe the work carried out on analyses and scaling of contaminants, including details of the landscape scale mapping of soils. Soils at Komakuk Beach (Yukon, CA) and at Stuphallet and Bayelva (Svalbard, NO) have been sampled and analysed for Hexachlorobenzene, 54 congeners of Polychlorinated biphenyl and 22 individual Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, in over a hundred active layer and permafrost core samples. The concentrations have been determined by using Thermo Scientific Dionex ASE 350 and Gas Chromatography - Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (Trace 1310 GC coupled with TSQ9000 TQMS, Thermo Scientific). It is interesting to notice how every class of OP is present in the deeper permafrost core portions only in High Centre Polygon (HCP) landform class, showing the role of hydrology and percolation in the contaminant distribution in permafrost soils and how these variables are enhanced in (semi-)degraded landforms. Moreover, our results show that the vertical distribution patterns of light 2–4-nuclear and heavy 5–6-nuclear PAHs are differentiated, and no significant regularity is observed in the mass fraction increase of high molecular weight PAHs down the profile. Model equations have been applied on carbon content prediction maps and discussed to export a first attempt of upscaling feasible for small costal catchment in polygonal tundra environment. The ongoing analysis over the samples form Svalbard are intended to highlight differences in outcomes as a preliminary study to develop an upscaling model.
On the sea spray as a potential dispersal pathway for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) found in fresh Arctic snowfall

Zaneta Polkowska¹; Karolina Anyżka¹; Filip Pawlak¹
¹Gdansk University of Technology

View the poster online.

Abstract:

Recently, sea surface microlayer has been recognised as a source of ice-nucleating particles in the Arctic sea spray (Ickes et al. 2020). It has also been briefly proposed as a source of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Antarctic snow (Cincinelli et al. 2005), however the idea has not been explored further. With the sea-ice retreat observed also in the spring season in the Arctic, the question of secondary dispersal of POPs from seawater into snowfall becomes increasingly important nowadays. Therefore, in this work we employ an interdisciplinary set of tools to recognise the role of sea spray in POPs dispersal onto land, in a case study located in Hornsund, southern Svalbard (Norwegian Arctic). We have collected data on organochlorine POPs concentrations in fresh snowfall, atmospheric air and seawater in the spring 2019. Our interpretations are supported with backward air mass trajectories (HySPLIT; Draxler and Rolph; Stein et al. 2015), stable isotope ratios of oxygen and hydrogen, correlations with sea spray inorganic tracers sodium and chloride, as well as theoretical physicochemical calculations.

Acknowledgements: This work was funded by the Sea-snow POPs project, funded by the National Science of Poland grant no. 2017/26/D/ST10/00630 (listed in Research in Svalbard database with an ID 11108).
Chemical characterization and speciation study of water-soluble fraction of Arctic PM10

Stefano Bertinetti¹; Matteo Marafante¹; Silvia Berto¹; Debora Fabbri¹; Davide Vione¹; Mery Malandrino¹
¹University of Turin

Abstract:

This study was focused on the analysis of the soluble fraction of arctic PM10 samples. The soluble fraction of atmospheric particulate matter can greatly affect the chemistry of the aqueous phase dispersed in the atmosphere. Therefore, the study of the composition and speciation of the soluble fraction of PM10 can reveal the dynamics that govern the reactivity and the behavior of species formed in solution. The samples used in this work were obtained from the sampling campaign carried out from April to September 2012 at the Gruvebadet Atmosphere Laboratory near Ny-Ålesund (Svalbard Islands). The water-soluble fraction was extracted from the PM10 in ultrapure water by sonic bath procedure. The analytes were chosen considering several factors, such as their environmental roles, their solubility, the expected concentrations, and their tendency to form complexes in water solution. These are: Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Al, NH4+, Cl-, SO42-, PO43-, NO2-, NO3-, oxalate, malonate, acetate, and formate. Once the concentrations were obtained, these were used to develop a speciation model. This considered all the main species that could form in a solution by the interaction of the quantified components. The thermodynamic formation constants of the different species were obtained from the literature and recalculated at zero ionic strength by the extended Debye-Huckel equation.

The model highlights the presence of the main cations in the form of aquo complexes in the whole studied pH range (3-12), while Al, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cu are mostly present in their hydrolytic forms. Finally, Al, Fe, and Cu have solid hydrolytic species that precipitate at pH slightly higher than neutrality and show interesting interactions with oxalate and sulfate ions.
Chemical characteristics of vertical profiles of the two thermokarst lakes in the Russian Arctic (the lower Kolyma basin)

Danuta Szumińska¹; Zaneta Polkowska²; Małgorzata Szopińska²; Marcin Frankowski³
¹Kazimierz Wielki University; ²Gdansk University of Technology; ³Adam Mickiewicz University

View the poster online

Abstract:

The continuing rapid climate warming leads to forecasts of permafrost degradation in the north Siberia, leading to various hydrological effects, i.a. changes in thermokarst lakes (their area, number, connection with non-frozen ground, and the chemical properties of lake water). Here, we aim to explore the vertical chemical profiles in two small arctic lakes (in the lower Kolyma basin). Water samples (n = 9) were collected in July 2021 and the dissolved phase of 30 elements and organic carbon (OC) was analysed in them. Elemental concentrations were determined with Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Dissolved OC concentration (analysed with a Total OC Analyzer TOC-VCSH/CSN) ranged 17.8-29.5 mg·L-1 in Lake 1 (max depth 9 m) and 11.6-14.2 mg·L-1 in Lake 2 (max depth 5 m). Near lake bottoms, an increased concentration of phosphorus was found. Furthermore, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn concentrations increased with depth in both lakes; as did Al, K, Sr in Lake 1, and Cu, Pb, Sb in Lake 2. High concentration of selected elements in the bottom waters (e.g., [Cu] = 1370 µg·L-1, [Zn] = 687 µg·L-1) suggests that thermokarst lakes may act as local traps for heavy metals.

Acknowledgments: this work was funded by INTERACT, H2020-EU.1.4.1.2. (PollAct, grant No. 730938) and the National Science Centre of Poland, grant no. 2021/41/B/ST10/02947. Special thanks to V. Efimov, S. Chalov and the North-East Science Station, for help with fieldwork.
Polar Educators International (PEI) - Our First Ten Years 2012-2022

Maria Pia Casarini
Polar Educators International

Abstract:

Polar Educators International (PEI) is an essential network of educators and researchers collaborating to provide a broad audience with a deeper understanding of current polar sciences and the polar regions by connecting polar education, research and the global community. Now celebrating ten years of activity since PEI was founded at IPY2012-Montreal, its journey connecting polar educators and current polar research began at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) meeting in San Francisco, December 2012. PEI has grown in visibility and importance through its educator-led activities: Six international conferences and educator workshops: Coimbra, Portugal; Hanover, Germany; Rovereto, Italy; Cambridge, UK; Höfn, Iceland; PEI Master Classes for polar educators, led by science-education partnerships, available on the PEI’s website; PEI papers delivered by active members at international polar science conferences such as AGU, ASSW, EGU and SCAR Open Science conferences; Policy level representation at COP26, Glasgow (press conference “Polar Education and Climate Change”), and the Pre-COP meeting in Milan, Italy (September 2021) with 24 hrs of polar education and science; Participation in the Arctic Science Ministerial (ASM3) in 2021 and, currently, representing polar educators as a partner of the ICARP IV process. This paper will introduce current PEI aspirations and make the case for a permanent, stable and sustainable representation for polar education as a vital impact of polar research.
Polar Educators and Early Career Scientists Improving the Future of Polar Science and Public Engagement: The Polar Resource Book II, and Beyond

Deniz Vural
Polar Educators International

Abstract:

Polar Science and Global Climate: An International Resource for Education and Outreach (or The Polar Resource Book - PRB) is a legacy project of the International Polar Year (IPY, 2007-2008). It was published in 2010 to continue informing and inspiring educators and students, as well as emerging polar researchers and polar enthusiasts with a shared commitment to education and outreach, about the importance of the polar regions. The original book focused on both polar science and an understanding of the urgency of global climate change, and how to bring these important topics into classrooms. A soft-copy can be found on the Polar Educators International (PEI) website.

Our PEI network is collaborating with APECS, SCAR, and IASC to update this important resource, engaging and including audiences interested in polar science and policy-makers who wish to shift their guidelines in a more environmentally friendly direction. An updated PRB will contain information about polar initiatives, such as research on climate variability issues from the perspectives of the Indigenous communities living in the Arctic, and large- and small-scale research projects introduced through researchers' stories and education and outreach activities. This study presents our collaborative approach towards updating Polar Science and Global Climate in an overarching resource (PRB-II) to improve climate literacy and describe sustainable action for a better future for everyone.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Glacier Facies in Svalbard: A Case Study on Midtre Lovénbreen

Sagar F. Wankhede¹; Keshava Balakrishna¹; Shridhar D. Jawak²
¹Manipal Institute of Technology;²Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS)

Abstract:

Glacier surface facies are indicators of the health of a glacier. Monitoring trends in the spatial distribution of facies across time facilitates an enhanced understanding of the evolving melt characteristics of the glacier. With the increasing necessity of distributed mass balance models for the complete assessment of the glacial system, spatiotemporal patterns of glacier facies are crucial for calibration and validation. In this context, we present spatiotemporal variations of glacier facies using open-source satellite data for the Midtre Lovénbreen (ML) glacier in Svalbard. Utilizing a combination of Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2A, we have characterized facies on ML from 2015-2021. Preliminary analysis of facies such as dry snow, wet snow, melting ice and glacier ice suggest that spectral properties are generally consistent across time and may be robustly used for characterizing facies. At this spatial resolution, streams and crevasses were not identifiable. However, based on a qualitative assessment of machine learning classification, the overall ablation facies appear to be increasing. At present, we are performing a quantitative assessment and the complete results will be presented at the conference. Spatial dimensions of facies when combined with glacier thickness and velocity data can provide a reliable analysis of mass balance. The future goal of this study is directed towards utilizing facies to enhance existing distributed mass balance models.
Combining Novel High Resolution Remote Sensing and In Situ data for Monitoring the High Arctic Tundra

Mariasilvia Giamberini¹; Francesca Avogadro di Valdengo¹; Ilaria Baneschi¹; Alice Baronetti¹; Arnon Karnieli²; Manuel Salvoldi²; Marta Magnani¹; Angelica Parisi¹; Antonio T. Monteiro³; Brunella Raco¹; Gianna Vivaldo¹; Antonello Provenzale¹
¹Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche; ²Ben Gurion University of the Negev; ³University of Lisbon

Abstract:

Satellite data are especially valuable in the High Arctic, where acquiring in situ data can be rather challenging. Observations in the VIS-NIR spectrum allow the assessment of the tundra soil-vegetation dynamics, including spatial and temporal changes in vegetation biomass and the estimate of vegetation gross primary productivity (GPP). Due to the limited number of summer cloud free days in the Arctic, the 1-day revisit time of the new VENμS experimental satellite operating in the VIS-NIR spectrum (https://venus.cnes.fr/en/VENUS/index.htm) is a significant advancement, and the 4 metres resolution of VENμS can successfully capture tundra heterogeneity. In this work, we discuss the preliminary results of the summer 2022 acquisition of VENμS images on the Brøgger peninsula in Svalbard (NO) compared with in situ GPP and climatic variables measured near Ny Ålesund. Our aim, after two year of acquisition, is to develop new specific indices (a) to assess GPP and vegetation phenology in the Arctic tundra, and (b) to exploit the four VENµS red-edge bands for calculating other specific vegetation parameters. VENμS data and derived products will be open and will comply with FAIR principles. Comparison between VENµS and Sentinel-2 estimates for vegetation coverage and biomass will be also performed to evaluate opportunities for the upscaling of results to other remote sites of the Brøegger peninsula.
An actor-issue network analysis of interlinked food security challenges in an Arctic Indigenous food system in the Bering Sea

Silja Zimmermann
Utrecht University

Abstract:

Scientific knowledge on Arctic Indigenous food systems is steadily increasing. Yet, most Indigenous communities continue to struggle with a plethora of challenges within their food systems. In fact, global trends such as accelerating climate change are now placing even more challenges on these complex socio-ecological systems. As a consequence, traditional local knowledge becomes less reliable. This development shows that there is no single way in which food system issues in the Arctic can be solved, but that increaslingly complex sustainability challenges require strategies that involve multiple knowledge sources to find and implement solutions sucessfully. Complex system studies have been put forward to be well suited to capture the dynamics of such complex challenges. Moreover, transdisciplinary strategies are attributed the potential to address complex socio-ecological sustainability issues by bridging science and society. As part of the Tipping the Iceberg project, we conducted three months of fieldwork on St. Paul Island, Alaska, USA, in which we teamed up with the Tribal Government of the Aleut Community of St. Paul and, together with a local research assistant that we hired, collected 38 actor-issue networks of individual community members to analyze current food security issues and their interdependencies. Through in-depth workshop sessions with individual stakeholders of the local food system, we uncovered which actors of the food system have an interest or stake in these issues and which actors may have the power or influence to tackle them. In the further course of our transdisciplinary, collaborative project, we aim to co-produce pathways towards a future of increased food security and sovereignty on St. Paul Island.
Reframing climate change into meaningful local experiences in the face of the Anthropocene: critical reflexivity with stories from Ittoqqortoormiit (Inuit Nunaat/Greenland)

Tanguy Sandré^1,2; Jeanne Gherardi¹; Jean-Paul Vanderlinden^1,2; Jean-Michel Huctin³
¹University of Paris-Saclay; ²University of Bergen; ³OVSQ/UVSQ

Abstract:

The presentation addresses the pressing challenge of re-grounding climate change into meaningful local experiences of the world, with an emphasis on non-Western way of being. While investigating existential risk, as a derived concept of the Anthropocene, we suggest that stories from the margins contain the seed both to express an ontological and epistemological diversity and to make sense of ongoing changes. To defy the Western-based framing of the Anthropocene, we ground the analysis with empirical insights from the Arctic town of Ittoqqortoormiit (Inuit Nunaat), where long-dwelling and repetitive fieldworks are conducted. This approach sheds lights on unheard stories, arguing that if voices, as to be raised in the Arctic, it has to be among local communities for these narratives to perform with respect to the world. Hence, the presentation both addresses the Anthropocene as a moment that directly threatens (certain) ways of being in the world, and Anthropocene as a global narrative that pursue a dynamic of invisibilisation of the margins. Deploying critical ethnography, we reflect on our research position, trying to tame a (decolonial) way of being respectfully working with/within/for marginalised communities. The narrative approach we developed challenges the exclusivity of the science framing of climate change and opens up space for new ways of knowing and facing a changing climate. Finally, telling from our experiences of collaboration on atmospheric measurements with community members in Ittoqqortoormiit, we will be in a position to discuss the potential and conditions for bridging climate science and local narratives of change.
Implementing the National Inuit Strategy on Research through the Canada-Inuit Nunangat - United Kingdom Arctic Research Programme 2021-25

Henry Burgess
NERC Arctic Office

Abstract:

The Canada - Inuit Nunangat - United Kingdom Arctic Research Programme (CINUK) 2021-25 is a multi-million pound/dollar international programme that brings together international funding partners to implement a whole new way of delivering Arctic research. The Programme's partners - UK Research and Innovation, Polar Knowledge Canada, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, National Research Council, Parks Canada and the Fonds du Recherche Quebec have worked to place the implementation of the National Inuit Strategy on Research at the heart of the Programme. From the creation of a new memorandum of understanding, through chosing the research topics, bringing Inuit communities into the evaluation, assessment and decision making for applications and in the delivery of the projects themselves, this is a whole new international approach. This session will share learning from the first phase of the Programme, give insights into the successes and challenges of the approach, and reach out to an international audience to promote this approach in future international Arctic research collaboration. The session will be delivered by Henry Burgess, who was closely involved in the development of the Programme and now runs the Programme Management for CINUK.
Synoptic Arctic Survey: Initial results of late season phytoplankton bloom progression in the Pacific Arctic

Clare Gaffey¹; Lee W. Cooper²; Jacqueline M. Grebmeier²; Karen E. Frey¹
¹Clark University; ²University of Maryland

Abstract:

In recent years, alterations in phytoplankton phenology with the Pacific Arctic Region has been observed owing to decreased sea ice cover and accompanying hydrographic changes due to Arctic warming. Specifically, satellite remote sensing and field observations have detected an increased prevalence of fall phytoplankton blooms. Chlorophyll concentrations collected during two research cruises: the Distributed Biological Observatory study onboard the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Sir Wilfrid Laurier in July 2022 and the Synoptic Arctic Survey onboard the US Coast Guard Cutter Healy in September-October 2022 provide an opportunity to examine summer and fall bloom growth within the water column. This study will offer results of bloom progression and associated processes that link satellite remote sensing and field collected phytoplankton pigments using a method originally developed for the northern Bering Sea in the Pacific Arctic Region.

ASSW 2023 Science Symposium Poster Session

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