Pan-Arctic integration of research in the seasonal ice zone and the Nansen Legacy project Paul Wassmann UiT The Arctic University of Norway
It is ice-covered: The loss of Arctic sea ice has emerged as a leading signal of global warming
Reduced Summer Extent Carmack/Polyakov/Padman/+16_BAMS_in press
Reduced Multiyear Fraction Carmack/Polyakov/Padman/+16_BAMS_in press
Faster Drift Velocities Carmack/Polyakov/Padman/+16_BAMS_in press
Longer Melt Season Carmack/Polyakov/Padman/+16_BAMS_in press
Ice loss In the last 30 years we have lost about 75 % of ice volume in the Arctic Ocean. Ice volume
ow (2/3) Seasonal ice zone 30 years ago
Seasonal ice zone It is here climate change provides the strongest signal in the World Ocean Pan-arctic nature and presently 2/3 of the entire Arctic Ocean area The Arctic Ocean and in particular the seasonal ice zone are under pressure Few people, lots of resources
Geographical distribution of humans 66.7 N = Polar Circle North of the Polar Circle 0.05% of human population 22 % of assumed oil reserves 15% of global oil and gas production 20% of assumed minerals and metals Some of the richest fisheries
The Arctic Ocean is under pressure and is the least known ocean of the world How to pursue the indispensible pan-arctic integration with Limited knowledge Limited international cooperation And still a major emphasis upon polar research in Antarctica? Here is some of what we know and what we plan to do
Surface Currents
Halocline Waters (~ 50 200 m)
Atlantic Layer 200-800 m
Deep Waters (below ~ 2000 m)
How to get from from physics to ecology? Contiguous domains (Carmack & Wassmann) That is, physical habitats with common salient characteristics by geography, state or transport processes - that are internally linked in space, time or both
But we all work in sectors
The need for pan-arctic integration We need to move from limited understanding of sectors to address the real nature of the Arctic Ocean: circular and mediterranean nature Invitation to the oceanographers of Japan to contribute to pan-arctic integration through their work in the Pacific sector Cooperate beyond the Pacific sector of the Arctic Ocean Through new projects and initiatives
The Nansen LEGACY A research initiative for the central and northern Barents Sea -developed to facilitate and optimize research cooperation among eight governmental research institutions Scientific exploration and sustainable management beyond the ice edge Prof. Marit Reigstad (UiT), Principle Investigator Prof. Tor Eldevik (UiB), co-pi Dr. Sebastian Gerland (NPI), co-pi Prof. Paul Wassmann (UiT), Chairman of the Board
The Nansen LEGACY: Unite Norwegian marine Arctic research in ONE initiative Overcome fragmenting structures preventing holistic results A cost efficient utilisation of national investments The national initiative will link to international activities to facilitate pan-arctic synergy Invite and stimulate truly international coordination and cooperation for a unifying, joint goal
Interdisciplinary ecosystem focus on the living Barents Sea Use climatic gradients to investigate Physical-biological interactions Ecosystem characteristics, timing, productivity Contaminants, acidification Paleoproductivity- variability New technology Observations for improved prediction
The Nansen LEGACY project organisation
The Nansen LEGACY approach Intensive field investigations over 5 years, using the new ice-going vessel Kronprins Haakon Remote sensing and observatories Models og forcasts Barents Sea Symposiums and co-ordinated field and model work to secure pan-arctic integration Impact and legacy to science and society Norway
New ice-going vessel Kronprins Haakon http://www.imr.no/prosjektsiter/polarforskningsfartoy/nb-no Length: 100 meter Width: 21 meter Price: 1,4 billion NOK At sea: medio 2017 Disigned by Rolls Roys Marine Under construction in Italy Capasity: 40 scientists Performance: 1.5 m ice Moonpool and helicopter
Timeline Implementation plan 2016, and fund raising 2016/17 Project period planned 2018-2023 Total budget 800 mill NOK (11,000 mill Yen) Funding 50% in kind, 50% secured
Future.. The seasonal ice zone is expanding, changes are on-going and our knowledge gap is critical AeN will connect internationally and Japan is definitely invited The new ice-going research vessel Kronprins Haakon will be an important core facility Interested can contact Prof. Marit Reigstad or Paul Wassmann http://site.uit.no/nansenlegacy/
We hope that Norway leaves behind a lasting template on marine Arctic ecology
Thank you! Photo: A. Sveen