Importance of Arctic Melt Ponds for Primary Productivity during summer 2011


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Mar.Fernandez.Mendez [ at ] awi.de

Abstract

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



Item Type
Conference (Poster)
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Peer revision
Not peer-reviewed
Publication Status
Published
Event Details
MarMic retreat, 23 Feb 2012 - 24 Feb 2012, Etelsen.
Eprint ID
25852
Cite as
Fernández Méndez, M. , Katlein, C. , Peeken, I. , Nicolaus, M. and Boetius, A. (2012): Importance of Arctic Melt Ponds for Primary Productivity during summer 2011 , MarMic retreat, Etelsen, 23 February 2012 - 24 February 2012 .


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ARK > XXVI > 3


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