Ocean acidification
Key words
- Ocean acidification
- Biodiversity
- Climate change
- Marine environments
Summary
Location
This expedition occurred during March 2010 and April 2010 at a Sea Ice Station 78°N and 104°W in the Canadian High Arctic.
Aims
The research aimed to investigate the impact of ocean acidification on biogeochemical cycling through sea ice, and how this affects Arctic marine communities. The research focused on certain characteristics of the Arctic Ocean, specifically the carbon chemistry, nutrient content and biological communities inhabiting the ocean.
Research techniques
Data were collected by cutting square metre holes in sea ice up to five metres thick, through which water samples were collected using oceanographic instruments. Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels were also measured over a 45 day period. Back in the lab in the UK, the water samples were analysed to measure levels of minerals and ions, organic matter, light levels, levels of chlorophyll and the numbers / DNA of microorganisms living in the water.
Outcomes
- To determine how the carbon chemistry, nutrient content and biological communities of the Arctic Ocean might change in different physical and chemical conditions
- To consider how biological communities might respond to ocean acidification. Will they survive?
- To understand how carbon dioxide transfers from the atmosphere to the ocean. This affects how ocean acidification happens in the future
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Lesson one »
Lesson two »
Lesson three »
Follow up »
The researcher
Dr Helen Findlay is the Lord Kingsland Fellow at Plymouth Marine Laboratory. Helen received the Society's Ralph Brown Expedition Award in 2010 to support her work on ocean acidification in the Arctic.
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