Abstract
Change and variability in the timing and magnitude of sea ice geophysical and thermodynamic state have consequences on many aspects of the arctic marine system. The changes in both the geophysical and thermodynamic state, and in particular the timing of the development of these states, have consequences throughout the marine system. In this paper we review the ‘consequences’ of change in sea ice state on primary productivity, marine mammal habitats, and sea ice as a medium for storage and transport of contaminants and carbon exchange across the ocean-sea-ice-atmosphere interface based upon results from the International Polar Year. Pertinent results include: 1) conditions along ice edges can bring deep nutrient-rich ‘pacific’ waters into nutrient-poor surface waters along the arctic coast, affecting local food webs; 2) both sea ice thermodynamic and dynamic processes ultimately affect ringed seal/polar bear habitats by controlling the timing, location and amount of surface deformation required for ringed seal and polar bear preferred habitat 3) the ice edges bordering open waters of flaw leads are areas of high biological production and are observed to be important beluga habitat. 4) exchange of climate-active gases, including CO2, is extremely active in sea ice environments, and the overall question of whether the Arctic Ocean is (or will be) a source or sink for CO2 will be dependent on the balance of competing climate-change feedbacks.
Highlights
Introduction and rationaleExtraordinary changes are currently underway in the arctic sea ice cover which will have consequences throughout marine and terrestrial systems
The research results stemming from the Canadian International Polar Year (IPY) program described the breadth and depth of the ‘consequences’ of sea ice change and coupling between the sea icescape and the biophysical and chemical processes which depend on the icescape
The results within this paper can be used in the assessment of the consequences of climate change on the integrated ecological components of the arctic marine system, directly attributable to a changing sea ice environment
Summary
Extraordinary changes are currently underway in the arctic sea ice cover which will have consequences throughout marine and terrestrial systems. Sea ice controls the exchange of heat, moisture and gas across the ocean-sea-ice-atmosphere interface due to its high surface albedo and low thermal conductivity Because of this control, sea ice plays a central role in how the marine ecosystem responds to (and affects) climate change. Sea ice plays a central role in how the marine ecosystem responds to (and affects) climate change It controls the distribution and timing of light to the euphotic zone in the upper ocean, including light to the base of the ice where early primary production occurs. Sea ice controls the exchange of heat and moisture with the atmosphere thereby linking directly to feedbacks that affect sea ice. Biologically, the circumpolar flaw lead preconditions the shelves to be productive portions of the marine ecosystem with the early availability of light and increased availability of nutrients through advection and upwelling at the shelf break. We present only those elements of biogeochemistry and marine ecosystem function that are uniquely connected to sea ice (i.e., caused by or respond to changes in sea ice)
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