APECS International Online Conference 2020

Session Chair: Marte Hofsteenge

Session Convener: Jan-Lukas Menzel Barraqueta

Session Coordinators: Azat Garipov, Sabiya Sheikh, Yuxuan Li (Sara)

Time: 20 May from 11:30 - 14:20 GMT

• 11:30 - 11:35 GMT: Introduction

• 11:35 - 11:50 GMT: Geographical Information Systems As A Tool For Collaboration Across Knowledge Systems: An Arctic Case Study.

  Presenter: Charlie Hewitt

  Institution: University of Leicester, United Kingdom

  Type: Oral Presentation

  Category: Collaboration

  Abstract: The fragmentation of semi-domesticated reindeers’ habitats in Norway is a consequence of political and industrial development - in 2013, for example, the Norwegian government enforced herders to cull a percentage of their herd, on the grounds of reducing the damage caused to habitats by over-grazing.

  A Geographical Information System (GIS) is a tool used to process, analyse and visualise spatial data. GIS allows for the integration of information from a range of sources which can be presented in the same geographic context, allowing for effective and uncomplicated knowledge exchanges and collaborations between a range of parties - this makes GIS a powerful tool.

  This study’s objectives were to use GIS analyses to explore reindeers’ patterns of habitat use and movement, and to effectively visualise and communicate the study’s findings to inform herders, policy makers, and researchers.

  This study consolidated reindeers’ GPS location data, and data from Indigenous herders’ observations of reindeers’ calving success. Habitat use and movement were explored using kernel density estimation analysis, animated visualisations of movement trajectories, calculations of mean daily speed and distance travelled, and behavioural change point analysis. An interactive map visualising the data in a range of contexts was used to communicate the study’s findings to involved parties.

  The GIS analysis found stark differences between the habitat use and movements of reindeer with and without a calf; reindeer with a calf had shorter, slower, more localised movements than reindeer without a calf. These findings were seen in multiple years. GIS was also found to be an effective tool in visualising and communicating the study’s findings.

  GIS is a highly effective tool in assimilating information from a range of sources, knowledge exchanges and collaborations in a multi-disciplinary context. As the adoption of GIS tools and methodologies increase, GIS’ role in collaborations across knowledge systems will expand.

• 11:50 - 12:05 GMT: Permafrost And Active Layer Temperature Regimes And Their Geographical Controls (barton Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica)

  Presenter: Joana Baptista

  Institution: CEG/IGOT, University of Lisbon, Portugal

  Type: Oral Presentation

  Category: Antarctic

  Abstract: The South Shetlands are located off the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula close to the climatic limit of permafrost in one of the most sensitive regions to permafrost degradation. The climate is cold oceanic with mean annual air temperatures of ci. -2°C at sea-level. Boreholes drilled in bedrock show permafrost temperatures of -1.8 ºC at mountain sites and the absence of permafrost close to sea-level.

  Until the Antarctic season of 2018-19, the deepest borehole in King George Island was at Bellingshausen station in Fildes Peninsula (8 m deep) with temperatures of -0.35 ºC (see Vieira et al. 2010). Data on permafrost temperatures, in boreholes deeper than 10 m was fully lacking in the Antarctic Peninsula region. Given this scenario, a new borehole integrated in the PERMANTAR network and in the GTN-P was drilled in 2019 in Barton Peninsula, King George Island. The King Sejong Station Borehole was drilled in massive andesite at 128 m asl, reaching a depth of 13.2 m. Temperature data is recorded hourly using a datalogger with 15 temperature sensors. 20 ibuttons were installed in different terrain settings to monitor the spatial variability of ground surface temperature.

  We present the analysis of the ground temperature regimes in the monitoring sites for the period 2019-20 and provide a first overview of the permafrost conditions in Barton Peninsula. Snow cover is examined using Sentinel-1 SAR imagery and ground temperature and freezing and thawing indexes are analyzed using a GIS in order to assess the controlling geographical factors.

• 12:05 - 12:10 GMT: Arctic And The Asia-Europe Meeting’s Northern Gaze

  Presenter: Zane Šime

  Institution:

  Type: Flash presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Abstract: Roughly five years ago Yeo Lay Hwee invited to mould the Asia-Europe Meeting by crafting a compelling vision of a bustling Asia-Europe Marketplace – a well-connected bazaar where trade and ideas flow both ways. In 2018, a scholarly call for more visible celebration of the annual ASEM Day was issued. The flash talk is presented after the publishing of the article “Greenness in the Anthropocene” on the ASEF culture360 platform which coincided with the APECS International Polar Week March 2020. The flash talk aims at launching broader discussions among APECS members what does the call for more activities towards building awareness about and more pronounced visibility of ASEM mean for the Arctic – an area which has been identified by the ASEM scholars as a potential subject for future ASEM consultations. What might polar scientists contribute to the ASEM reflections on the Arctic maritime transport routes? Judging from the diverse references to the polar developments captured in “Greenness in the Anthropocene”, is maritime transport the only thematic dimension of relevance to fruitful discussions among the ASEM partner states?

• 12:10 - 12:25 GMT: Collaborative Survey Development And Training To Understand Inuit Uses And Needs For Weather, Water, Ice And Climate Information

  Presenter: Natalie Carter

  Institution: University of Ottawa, Canada

  Type: Oral Presentation

  Category: Collaboration

  Abstract: Weather, water, and ice conditions in Inuit Nunangat (Inuit homelands) have become increasingly unpredictable due to the combined effects of climate change and industrial development. Rapid social and political change has also impacted the intergenerational transfer of Inuit knowledge and subsistence harvesting practices, creating challenges for Inuit to travel safely on the land (including water and ice). Our team of 35 Inuit, northern, and southern researchers connects long-term research partnerships in 9 Nunavut, 3 Nunavik, and 3 Inuvialuit communities. For years we have been hearing that weather, water, ice, and climate (WWIC) information and services are not meeting Inuit and other northerners' local needs considering the scale, accessibility, usability, language, and technological barriers that arise for remote northern communities. At the same time, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami’s 2018 National Inuit Strategy on Research (NISR) calls for the inclusion of Inuit as partners in the governance of Inuit Nunangat research, and the development of necessary skills and confidence for Inuit to conduct research on their own, on topics of interest to them or those highlighted as priorities in their community.

  Our goal in working together is to help improve the WWIC information that is available, and how it is communicated in northern communities, while creating opportunities and empowering Inuit and Northerners to be research leaders.

  To accomplish this goal, we follow the Aajiiqatigingniq research framework, outlined by the Aqqiumavvik Society working with Elders from across Nunavut. This framework guides our collaborative efforts at consensus-building and decision-making. This presentation will outline the process we have taken to date involving collaborative survey development and training Local Research Coordinators (LRC) who are being supported remotely while independently facilitating questionnaires. The process of conducting collaborative survey development and co-facilitating training events led us to reflect on our approach and methodology we engaged in while undertaking those activities. Our reflections are drawn from assessments of co-facilitated training events; a collective review of field notes; and informal discussions among co-authors and with LRCs and Network Investigators. We draw on our individual and collective experiences. We offer our reflections in order to support future efforts in this emerging capacity-enhancement-and-partnership approach to research, and to contribute to ongoing discussions surrounding capacity enhancement, partnership research, and Inuit self-determination.

• 12:25 - 12:40 GMT: Seasonal Variation In Microbial Community Compositions And Functions On Icelandic Glacier

  Presenter: Matthias Winkel

  Institution: GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Abstract: Glaciers are one of the most important freshwater reservoirs (68%) on Earth. Meltwaters from glaciers feed downstream ecosystems and are the main drinking water source on several continents. Many of these freshwater reservoirs are threatened due to climate change driven increases in temperatures, which when combined with the increased abundance of light absorbing particles (LAP) on glacier surfaces (i.e., mineral dust, soot and pigmented microorganisms) leads to albedo reduction and increased melting. Among LAP’s, microorganisms, and specifically pigmented algae have been identified as prime players, reducing albedo by up to 20%. However, many aspects of the algal life cycle are still unclear.

  To understand algal blooms and their seasonal changes between winter and summer we sampled snow and ice surfaces on 4 glaciers in Iceland and quantified nutrient loads as well as concentrations, molecular fractions and structures of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) species. Together with the variations in total organic carbon, δ13C isotopic compositions and the microbial community composition allowed us to evaluate the delivery, production and export of organic compounds and microbial processes on Icelandic snow and ice fields.

  Our data shows that the higher winter nutrient contents were not matched by the opposite patterns in DOC contents, which were 4 times higher in summer, clearly pointing to high turnover rates by microbial communities. In contrary to the bacterial communities, which showed clear seasonal and habitat (snow vs. ice) separations, the pigmented algae (Chlorophyta) were not detected in winter yet showed a clear separation by habitat in the summer samples. Similarly clear distinctions were observed in carbon and nitrogen compositions and isotopic patterns.

  These seasonal and habitat specific data sets help improve our understanding of the complex biotic drivers and their role in organic matter cycling in snow and ice on glaciers.

• 12:45 - 13:00 GMT: Sleep Pattern And Mood State During A 50-day Summer Camp In Antarctica

  Presenter: Michele Moaraes

  Institution: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais / Postdoctoral fellow at Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Antarctic

  Abstract: Antarctic expeditions include psychophysiological challenges, such as isolation, cold and extreme photoperiods (continuous exposure to natural light during summer); all of these challenges influence sleep. We assessed changes in night sleep patterns during displacement on a ship, 50-days in a camp (Nelson Island, S53.178533°/O70.899750°) and the post-field period on the ship, from Dec2019 to Feb2020. Sleep efficiency, time in bed, number of awakenings, wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep time and sleep latency were determined daily in seven participants (5M, 2W) using actimetry (ActTrust,Condor). The expedition was divided in: Pre-field (6 days on board), Field-1 (1st week of field), Field-2 (days 8 to 20), Field-3 (days 21 to 35), Field-4 (days 35 to 50) and Post-field (4 days on board). Mood state was evaluated using the Brunel Mood Scale, and daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Scale, both applied between 7 and 9am. Relative to the Pre-field measurements, Antarctic summer camp reduced sleep efficiency by 4.8%, and increased time in bed, number of awakenings and WASO by 15.7%, 42.5% and 38.3%, respectively; all changes returned to Pre-field values during the Post-field. At Field-2, 3 and 4, excessive daytime sleepiness (score above 10) was observed. 'Confusion' was increased at Field 1, and ‘vigor’ was reduced at the end of camping (Field 4). There were no differences in sleep time, sleep latency, anger, depression, tension and fatigue. The present results suggest that a 50-day summer camp in Antarctica changes the sleep pattern, thereby increasing drowsiness and inducing occasional negative changes in mood.

• 13:00 - 13:15 GMT: Exploring The Impact Of Youth Experiences In The Polar Regions On Pro-environmental Behaviour

  Presenter: Christy Hehir

  Institution: University of Surrey, United Kingdom

  Type: Oral Presentation

  Category: Collaboration

  Abstract: This empirical study assesses the effect of youth polar travel experiences on participants’ pro-environmental and conservation behaviour, in some cases, up to 18 years after their polar voyage. The research explores how adventurous education programmes can act as a stimulus to lasting pro-environmental behaviour. Participants were recruited from the 2,500+ alumni of Students on Ice (SOI), a Canadian-based charitable organization that leads educational expeditions to the Polar Regions for international high school and university students. In partnership with SOI, the survey has been co-designed and data collected via an online survey. The research seeks responses with regard to the forms of actual pro-environmental behaviour, travel and lifestyle decisions subsequently made by SOI Alumni. A mix of quantitative and qualitative analysis is used. Path analysis measures participants’ relationships between multiple variables including travel experience (e.g. onsite activities, learning, species seen), connection to nature and pro-environmental behaviours, whilst thematic analysis is used to interrogate the descriptive responses.

  Although recent studies hint that youth interactions with nature may influence their environmental attitudes in later life, few studies have gone beyond the immediate evaluation of such programs to understand the subsequent development of participant environmental values and actual behaviours in the longer term. The multi-phased study was designed in partnership with SOI where a survey was co-designed and data collected via an online survey (n=217). The research tested direct and indirect relationships between participants’ travel experience and their subsequent connections with nature and pro-environmental behaviours. Practical implications of this research will empower SOI to add independent evidence to support future funding applications and importantly generate a dataset to act as a baseline for future longitudinal studies and create a survey tool to capture future societal change.

• 13:20 - 13:35 GMT: Working Across Knowledge Systems In Arctic Research, Policy, And Education

  Presenter: Lisa Sheffield Guy

  Institution: Arctic Research Consortium of the US, United States

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Collaboration

  Abstract: The Arctic Research Consortium of the US (ARCUS; https://www.arcus.org/) is a nonprofit consortium of member institutions that serves the Arctic research community by supporting the formation and enhancement of connections across boundaries. ARCUS manages several collaborative programs that engage Arctic researchers, educators, and Alaskan Indigenous communities in Arctic research and policy. This presentation will focus on several of our programs that bridge knowledge systems in the Arctic, including network challenges and lessons learned. The Sea Ice for Walrus Outlook (https://www.arcus.org/siwo) is a resource for Alaska Native subsistence hunters, coastal communities, and others interested in sea ice and walrus, since 2009. The Arctic in the Classroom (https://www.arcus.org/tac) partners Arctic researchers with rural Alaskan teachers and community members to improve place-based education in the Alaskan Arctic. The Arctic Indigenous Scholars Program (https://www.arcus.org/indigenous-scholars), in partnership with the Inuit Circumpolar Council – Alaska, provides support for Indigenous knowledge-holders to travel to Washington DC to engage with policy-makers. Additionally, ARCUS seeks to support Arctic researchers in building respectful, collaborative relationships with Alaskan Indigenous communities by facilitating connections and providing resources, such as the Conducting Research with Northern Communities webpage (https://www.arcus.org/resources/northern-communities). Moving forward, ARCUS intends to increase the Arctic research community’s capacity to undertake productive collaborations, bridge knowledge systems, and promote a more inclusive community.

• 13:35 - 13:50 GMT: Insights On Marine Mammals And Sea Birds Ocurrence In The Ross Sea, Antarctica

  Presenter: Nohelia Farías Curtidorl

  Institution: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Antarctic

  Abstract: The Southern Ocean holds about 20% of the worlds’ seals and whales, represented by 15 species of cetaceans and six species of pinnipeds. Similarly, the area holds around 60 bird species, represented by 6 orders and 11 families. However, few studies have been focused on assessing occurrence patterns of marine fauna on board research vessels in Antarctica. In order to evaluate the occurrence of marine mammals and birds in the Ross Sea, the Marine Mammal Monitoring Program at the Colombian Antarctic Program in cooperation with Italian Antarctic Program, conducted a marine fauna monitoring survey during the transit from New Zealand to the Ross sea, and in the Ross Sea during the 2019-2020 austral summer (January-February, 2020). The survey was conducted on board the Oceanographic and research Italian vessel Laura Bassi, during 35 days, traveling approximately 9,260km, with a total of 226 hours and 11 minutes of visual effort. During this survey, there were 80 sightings, in which five cetacean species and four pinniped species were reported. Additionally, there were 146 bird sightings of 15 different species, represented by three orders and five families. Our preliminary findings suggest that minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata/bonaerensis), the crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus), and the Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) are the three most common marine mammal species in the Ross Sea. Similarly, the snow petrel (Pagodroma nivea), brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus), and the Southern giant petrel (Macroneces giganteus) are the most common bird species in this Antarctic area. However, it is necessary to implement a long-term monitoring program in order to effectively understand the distributional patterns of marine fauna along the Ross Sea.

• 13:50 - 14:20 GMT: Keynote: From Plankton to Policy – Where will your PhD take you?

  Presenter: Renuka Badhe

  Institution: European Polar Board, Netherlands

  Type: Keynote presentation

  Abstract: Academia is still often held as the most likely route that a recent PhD will or should aim for. The traditional picture paints a straightforward path from PhD to a couple of post docs to lectureship ending in tenure. This may have been an evident normality in the past, but the reality and acceptability of working with a PhD has now changed considerably. We will explore the range of opportunities available to polar early career researchers, from communication, policy, to education, for polar early career researchers.

Session Chair: Marlen Kolbe

Session Convener: Jan-Lukas Menzel Barraqueta

Session Coordinators: Andrea Bueno, Christina Bonsell, Paul Alvarez 

Time: 20 May from 14:45 - 17:15 GMT

• 14:45 - 14:50 GMT: Introduction

• 14:50 - 15:05 GMT: Weaving Together Multiple Knowledges In Research On Wolf-related Conflicts

  Presenter: Doris Friedrich

  Institution: The Arctic Institute; University of Vienna

  Type: Oral Presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Abstract: In many predator-related conflicts, natural science research on the ecological role of predators, their behavior, and the best ways to “manage” them is often fiercely contested by those opposing their presence. Social science studies on the relations and interactions between humans and predators are regularly allocated more credibility. However, as my research confirms, findings from social sciences have even less influence on political decision-making and the development of the conflict than natural science studies. There is thus a substantial gap not only between different disciplines, but also between scientific knowledge on one hand and local knowledge and attitudes on the other hand.

  My dissertation examines wolf-related conflicts and associated power relations in Norway and Austria from the perspective of social and cultural anthropology, which allows the tying in of different kinds of knowledge.

  First, the local population plays a critical role in anthropological research. In my project, I conducted interviews with locals and accompanied as many as possible on activities such as hunting and hiking trips during several months in the field.

  Second, natural sciences, as well as other social science disciplines, such as psychology and political science, are integrated into my research through the inclusion of relevant literature and the dialogue with scientists from various disciplines throughout the research.

  The third point on which I will briefly touch upon in my research is how knowledges are or can be “linked” through the communication between science and the local population.

  After an overview of my endeavors of weaving together various knowledges, a discussion with the conference attendees aims at shedding light on best practices regarding multi-disciplinary, inclusive projects that incorporate multiple kinds of knowledge and bridge the gap between natural and social sciences.

• 15:05 - 15:20 GMT: Mapping And Monitoring Thermokarst Ponds In The Sporadic And Discontinuous Permafrost Zones Using Synergistic Remote Sensing Platforms

  Presenter: Pedro Freitas

  Institution: Centre of Geographical Studies, IGOT, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal

  Type: Oral Presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Abstract: Permafrost is the largest natural carbon store on Earth, estimating to represent twice the concentrations present currently in the atmosphere. Warming of the circumpolar north is accelerating permafrost thaw, with large implications for landscapes, hydrology, ecosystems and the global carbon cycle. Rapid permafrost degradation is creating widespread thermokarst lakes and ponds, acting as hotspots for large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions, through photochemical and microbial transformations. These dynamics are affecting greenhouse gas emissions to an extent that still needs to be fully integrated in Earth System Models. Scarce attention has been given to waterbodies below 10 000 m2. Yet, these are known to be biogeochemically more active than larger lakes. Variations in the shape and spectral properties of small thermokarst lakes and ponds can provide insights into their potential for greenhouse gases emissions. UAV data acquisition using optical and multispectral sensors is being conducted in several long-term monitoring sites of Centre d'études nordiques (CEN) in Subarctic Canada, from the discontinuous (BGR) to the sporadic (SAS and KWAK) permafrost zones, with acquisitions in 2015, 2017 and 2019 and also planned for 2020. The ultra-high-resolution data, together with field observations on water properties and lake depth, enables the detailed characterization of the lakes and ponds, allowing to better understand local-scale phenomena (e.g. effects of bottom color, water vegetation, vegetation surrounding the lakes, shadows and wind) that impact on coarser spatial resolution satellite imagery like PlanetScope and Sentinel-2.

  This research is funded by the FCT under the project THAWPOND (Portuguese Polar Program), by the FCT/Centro de Estudos Geográficos under grant UID/GEO/00295/2019, and by ArcticNet (NCE), Sentinel North (CFREF) and CEN at Université Laval. P. Freitas is funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology under grant SFRH/BD/145278/2019. This presentation will be a contribution for T-MOSAiC session.

• 15:20 - 15:35 GMT: Mercury Methylation And Monomethylmercury Demethylation In Sediments From Permafrost Thaw Lakes

  Presenter: Martin Jusek

  Institution: Instituto Superior Técnico

  Type: Oral Presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Abstract: In the Arctic, mercury and monomethylmercury are being mobilized via permafrost degradation, being the formation of thaw lakes one of the most important features. Thus, the study of the mercury cycle in these systems is crucial to better understand the consequences and impacts to the arctic ecosystems. Sediments and bottom water from two permafrost thaw lakes (SAS-1A and SAS-2A) were sampled in the sub-arctic region of Nunavik (Canada) in a sporadic permafrost area. Mercury and monomethylmercury levels and Hg methylation and monomethylmercury demethylation rates were determined using Hg stable isotope techniques. Three different enrichments: iron(III) chloride, sodium molybdate and sodium 2-bromoethanesulfonate where used to increase or inhibit the activity of iron-reducing bacteria, sulphate-reducing bacteria and methanogens respectively, which are well known as Hg methylators. Results showed that the concentrations of both Hg species were higher in lake SAS-1A (SAS-1AUp 346 ng/g), than in SAS-2A (SAS-2AUp 53 ng/g). Sediment mercury methylation rates appear to be influenced by the Hg content and by organic matter content and quality. Microbial diversity plays a major role in mercury methylation, however, their influence in monomethylmercury demethylation was not clear. Concerning Hg methylation, sulfate-reducing bacteria and methanogens were shown to be largely involved in methylation processes, nevertheless our results clearly point differences between lakes. In conclusion, permafrost thaw lakes are important freshwater systems not only due to their increasing area in the arctic but also because they are a source of Hg previously retained on permafrost.

• 15:35 - 15:40 GMT: Characterization Of The Antarctic Soil Of King George Island By Gamma Spectrometry.

  Presenter: Marcos Tassano

  Institution: Laboratorio de Radioquímica, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.

  Type: Flash presentation

  Category: Antarctic

  Abstract: Ice-free areas are the most biologically active places on the Antarctic continent. Only a few plants and animals have managed to colonize and survive in ice-free regions and it is mainly limited to the few exposed rock areas, mostly around the coast and especially associated with the Fildes Peninsula, King George Island (near the Artigas Antarctic Scientific Base - Uruguay). 137Cs is an artificial radioactive isotope byproduct of nuclear tests from the 1950s-1970s, which has a global distribution and can be used as a soil tracer. To be able to measure it, the high-resolution gamma spectrometry technique (with hyperpure germanium crystals) is used, which, together with the 137Cs measurements, can determine amounts of Uranium, Thorium and Potassium of the samples tested, allowing a general radioisotopic characterization of the superficial soil. The ranges of values obtained for 238U, 232Th and 40K were similar to previous studies on King George Island. But the relatively important values (between 98.5 to 670.6 Bq / m2) of 137Cs, prompts future work in the use of this element for Antarctic soil studies.

• 15:40 - 15:55 GMT: How Multidisciplinary Early Career Researchers Contribute To Investigate Airborne Microorganisms Dispersal From Antarctica In Microairpolar Project

  Presenter: Sofía Galbán

  Institution: Biology Department, Science Faculty, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Antarctic

  Abstract: Microairpolar, a multidisciplinary project with researchers from the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) and the Spanish Meteorology Agency (AEMET), was born with the aim of understanding the dispersal and colonization capacity of airborne microorganisms in Antarctica. The main objective of this project is to understand the distribution and the biogeography of microorganisms in this polar region, where climate change is promoting deglaciation processes. These melting process lead to glacier retreats, appearing new ice-free areas that had been covered for thousands of years. For this reason, it is crucial to understand how this colonization and primary succession processes of new communities will take place in these highly susceptible areas.

  The understanding of the dispersal and colonization capacity of microorganisms is a complex task that requires the participation of different disciplines addressing technological, biological, meteorological and mathematical work. We executed all this work at three geographical scales: continental, regional at the Antarctic Peninsula and local focused on Byers Peninsula, a place with a great ecologic value.

  Five Early Career Scientist have participated in this project working on different tasks. In this talk, we will present the role that played each Early Carreer Researcher in the group and how they collaborated among them to achieve a goal only possible working from a multidisciplinary perspective. We will show some of the field and laboratory work carried out during the 2018-19 Antarctic Campaign. Evenly, we will address the collaboration with the Inuit WindSled project, using a sustainable vehicle, that allowed to obtain frequently samples of microorganisms from untouched and inhospitable regions of Antarctic Plateau for the first time.

• 15:55 - 16:10 GMT: Response Of Copepod Biogeographical Boundaries To A Rapidly Changing Arctic Marine Environment

  Presenter: Zhixuan Feng

  Institution: East China Normal University, China

  Type: Oral Presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Abstract: Dramatic changes have occurred in the Arctic Ocean over the past few decades, especially in terms of sea ice loss and ocean warming. Those environmental changes may modify the planktonic ecosystem with changes from lower to upper trophic levels. This presentation will focus on how the biogeographic distribution of an important endemic copepod species, Calanus glacialis, may respond to multiple drivers, including ocean temperature and phytoplankton prey (food). A copepod individual-based model that is coupled to an ice-ocean-biogeochemical model is utilized to simulate temperature- and food-dependent life stage development of C. glacialis annually from 1980 to 2014. The annual success rates of diapausing C. glacialis individuals in a pan-Arctic transition zone between the northern shelf/slope seas increase dramatically over the 35-year study period. The significant upward trend in C. glacialis success rates are associated with the lengthening growth season (during which food is ample) and shortening critical development time (the period from the first feeding stage N3 to the diapausing stage C4). The overall poleward range expansion of suitable C. glacialis habitats may be linked to large scale oceanic processes, particularly diminishing sea ice, upper ocean warming, and increased and prolonged primary production, which could have potential consequences to the entire Arctic shelf/slope ecosystem.

• 16:10 - 16:25 GMT: On Board With MOSAiC: Engaging The Public With Collaboratively Designed Resources

  Presenter: Jon Griffith

  Institution: University of Colorado Boulder, United States

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Collaboration

  Abstract: The MOSAiC (Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate) expedition is one of the largest Arctic expeditions in history with more than 500 scientists from 19 countries participating. At the heart of the MOSAiC expedition is the German icebreaker, Polarstern, which is attached to an ice floe and drifting as a climate observatory with transpolar currents for an entire year. The expedition goal is to better understand the changing Arctic climate system by studying ocean, atmosphere, and ice processes. This unprecedented science from the central Arctic will be used to better inform climate models for the Arctic where at present there is considerable uncertainty.

  To connect the public to the science and story of MOSAiC, the education and outreach team at the University of Colorado Boulder has developed a number of resources. We will highlight two of these resources and the collaborative process we used to develop them to show how public outreach efforts--particularly around polar science, a field unfamiliar to much of the general public--benefit from the input of a variety of perspectives and expertise. Photographers, scientists, and curriculum designers collaborated to construct immersive virtual reality Google Expeditions, which transport users to the Arctic allowing them to see and feel what it’s like to be an Arctic explorer and MOSAiC scientist. Another MOSAiC-related resource, a massive open online course (MOOC), was the product of more than 30 people with a wide variety of expertise - scientists, indigenous peoples, geography, etc. - joining forces with educators and videographers to create a free learning resource for the public on all aspects of the Arctic. We hope that by sharing these resources, and the collaborative nature in which they were developed, we can provide a model by which others can create more inclusive and complete resources connecting the public to the Arctic.

• 16:25 - 16:30 GMT: The Microbial Life Within Eroding Permafrost: Comparative Metagenomics

  Presenter: Maria Scheel

  Institution: Aarhus University, Denmark

  Type: Flash presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Abstract: In recent years, permafrost-affected soils have been thawing (IPCC, 2019), making formerly frozen soil organic carbon stocks increasingly susceptible to microbial decomposition and transformation into greenhouse gases (Schuur et al., 2015). Thermokarsts, sites of eroding and collapsing permafrost, are affecting an estimated 20% of all Arctic permafrost areas (Olefeldt et al. 2016) and are predicted to increase permafrost-related radiative forcing (Turetsky et al. 2020). In 2018, a thermokarst developed into a thermal erosion gully within the Zackenberg Valley, NE Greenland, enabling a seasonal access and description of its physical progression. With the soil microbial community involved in biochemical processes such as nitrogen fixation, methanogenesis and oxidation as well as CO2 respiration, microorganisms in eroding permafrost soils significantly impact Arctic carbon fluxes, despite clear gaps in knowledge about functional and taxonomic microbial diversity. This work is describing both a thermokarst microbiome, through the use of 16S and ITS amplicon sequencing in order to reveal microbial community distribution along several stress gradients within eroding permafrost in Zackenberg.

• 16:30 - 16:45 GMT: Brazilian Individuals Traveling To Antarctica On Board A Ship Present Changes In The Thyroid Hormones Concentration And Mood State

  Presenter: Rúbio Sabino Bruzzi

  Institution: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Antarctic

  Abstract: Displacement to Antarctica usually occurs on board ships, which represent an isolated and confined environment with artificial luminosity, particularly in the cabins and main areas of coexistence. There is evidence that days of total darkness in Antarctica (i.e., reduced exposure to natural luminosity) can induce the "polar syndrome" that is characterized by an increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) simultaneously to a reduction in thyroxine (T4).This study aimed to assess whether traveling on board a polar ship changes thyroid hormones (TSH and T4) concentration, which can lead to important metabolic and mood changes. The volunteers (n = 17, all tropical inhabitants) spent three weeks on board the Brazilian Ship Alte. Maximiano (H41) during summer. Data collection was carried out 4 and 19 days after boarding in Punta Arenas (Chile). Blood samples were collected and analyzed by fluoroimmunoassay to determine TSH and T4 concentrations, and mood state was evaluated using the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS). Student t-test was applied; α = 5%. Data are presented as means ± SD. Compared to the initial measures, T4 reduced by 6.6% at the final measure (P=0.023), whereas TSH remained unchanged (P=0.63). Also, there were increases in Anger (0.8±1.1 to 2.5±2.7; P=0.027) and Depression (0.5±0.6 to 2.1±2.6; P=0.038) and a reduction in Vigor (9.2±3.2 to 7.6±2.4; P=0.044). In the context of an Antarctic expedition, short-term ship travels reduce the concentration of T4 and provokes negative changes mood in tropical inhabitants, possibly due to reduced exposure to natural luminosity.

• 16:45 - 17:00 GMT: Cryospheric Hazards And Sustainability Strategy Metrics Of The Sea-level Rise In Hall Beach, Nunavut, Canada

  Presenter: Estee Barinov

  Institution: Circucity Institut

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Abstract: The sea-level rise and changing periglacial shoreline environment and increased development in this region have led to numerous environmental ramifications, one of the most prominent being shoreline changes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts climate change, natural mechanisms, and increased anthropogenic activity have had on the shoreline in the hamlet of Hall Beach in Nunavut from 1985 to 2020 using Sentinel/Landsat satellite imagery. Shoreline changes are quantified and given a rate and directional vector over time in order to determine the predominant trends of erosion or deposition. The results of this investigation indicate that periglacial shoreline environment is one of the leading mechanisms of shoreline change in this region. Metal exploration companies in Canadian Arctic will always have room to improve the productivity of resources and so reduce their overall environmental impact. Indeed, in trying to go beyond compliance, firms have increasingly adopted a wide spectrum of social community and environmental prerequisites into their strategies and practices.

• 17:00 - 17:15 GMT: Structural Characterization Of Dissolved Organic Matter From Thaw Lakes In Sporadic Permafrost Regions

  Presenter: Diogo Folhas

  Institution: Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Portugal

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Abstract: Thermokarst lakes result from the thawing of ice-rich permafrost and are widespread across northern landscapes. These waters are strong emitters of methane, especially in permafrost peatland regions, where they are stained black by high concentrations of dissolved organic matter (DOM). In the present study, we aimed to structurally characterize the DOM from a set of peatland thermokarst lakes that are known to be intense sites of microbial decomposition and methane emission. Samples were collected at different depths from three thermokarst lakes in the Sasapimakwananisikw River valley near the eastern Hudson Bay community of Kuujjuarapik-Whapmagoostui (Nunavik, Canada). Samples were analyzed by spectrofluorometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and CHNS elemental analysis. The results showed common features, but also significant differences among sites and depths. Overall, the DOM displayed Fluorescence Index (FI) values consistent with both microbial and terrestrial origins, although in one lake, a lower H:C atomic ratio likely resulted from its proximity to a decomposing permafrost peat mound (palsa). Fluorescence analyses indicated considerable amounts of fresh DOM in the surface waters of one of the lakes, possibly derived from seasonal macrophyte communities in the surrounding wetlands. The three lakes differed in their aliphatic versus aromatic content. These results highlight the usefulness of complementary analytical approaches to characterize the complex mixture of organic molecules that constitute the DOM pool in permafrost peatland waters and represent a first step towards greater comprehension of the organic geochemical properties of these permafrost-derived systems.

  This research was funded by FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) under PERMACHEM II from the Portuguese Polar Program (PROPOLAR) through projects UID/QUI/00100/2013, (CQE, Instituto Superior Técnico), UID/AMB/50017/2019 (CESAM, University of Aveiro), UID/QUI/00062/2019 (QOPNA, University of Aveiro), and IF/00798/2015 (Investigator FCT Contract) and the Portuguese NMR network.

Session Chair: Lauren Thompson

Session Convener: Carrie Harris

Session Coordinators: Anastasiia Ovchinnikova, Chloe Nunn, Mariel Kieval

Time: 20 May from 17:45 - 20:15 GMT

• 17:45 - 17:50 GMT: Introduction

• 17:50 - 18:05 GMT: Spatial Dynamics Of Phytoplankton In The Gerlache Strait During The Austral Summer 2018-2019

  Presenter: María José

  Institution: University of Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Colombia

  Type: Oral Presentation

  Category: Antarctic

  Abstract: During the summer of 2018-2019, in the Western Antarctic Peninsula, qualitative and quantitative samples of phytoplankton were collected at 10 stations in the southern sector and at 6 stations in the northern sector in the Gerlache Strait, in order to assess possible spatial variations in terms of composition and density. The qualitative samples were taken with a weighted frustoconical net of 20 μm, 2,2 m long and 60 cm in diameter, using trawls from 200 to 0 m deep. For quantitative purposes, Niskin bottles were used, attached to an oceanographic rosette, accessing three depths (5 m, 50 m and 100 m), except in 3 stations, where there were problems with the closure system. In addition, the measurement of physicochemical variables was performed. In qualitative terms, the assembly of both sectors was mainly made up of the Bacillariophyta phylum with Corethron pennatum, Cocconeis fasciolata, Licmophora abbreviata, Eucampia antarctica and Odontella weissfloguii, as those with the highest frequency of appearance. Regarding the quantitative analysis, the presence of five phylums were observed, with a greater contribution to the wealth of both sectors and depths of Bacillariophyta followed by Miozoa. In terms of density, Bacillariophyta continued to be the one with the highest contribution, both by sector and depth. A high contribution of Cyanobacteria in the depths of 5 m and 100 m was highlighted in the south. The species with the highest density between sectors and depths were different, obtaining for the north at 5 m and 50 m Euglenozoa 1 (87 cel / L, 160 cel / L respectively) and at 100 m Licmophora sp. 2, while in the south for the first two depths it was the centric Diatom 1 (112 cel / L, 30 cel / L) and at 100 m the cyanobacterium Chroococus sp. 1 (20 cells / L).

• 18:05 - 18:20 GMT: Implementation Of Convective Melt Parameterization In Roms

  Presenter: Mainak Mondal

  Institution: New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

  Type: Oral Presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Abstract: Recent laboratory-scale experiments and turbulence resolving numerical simulations have highlighted the importance of the convective processes on the ice-loss rate at the ice-ocean interface. Large Eddy Simulations at the ice-ocean boundary (Vreugdenhil et al., 2019) indicated that, below a threshold ambient current the ice-ocean boundary layer is convectively driven and the meltrate is independent of the ambient flow, rather controlled by the thermal driving. Direct Numerical Simulations under a sloping ice-interface have showed that under such conditions, local stratification can suppress the turbulent transport at the boundary (mondal et al; 2019) and the future evolution of the ice-shelf is sensitive to the ice-shelf morphology. These results have been implemented into ROMS-MISOMIP as a modified ice-ocean scheme where a heaviside function flips between convectively driven and shear driven melt parameterization, subjected to the ambient current. Sensitivity studies have been conducted over an idealized domain with varying thermal forcing as well as adding steps like ice-bathymetry. However, when a threshold ambient current of 0.05 m/s is used, the simulations generate unrealistic overturn-circulation inside the ice cavity and melting at the ice-interface effective controlled by the stronger shear leaving the convective melt parametrization obsolete. We speculate that an uncoupled sub-grid scale buoyancy forcing might create instabilities into the momentum field followed by a faster transition into the velocity dependent melt-regime with higher ambient velocity.

• 18:20 - 18:25 GMT: Half A Century Of Glacier Mass Balance At Cordilleras Blanca And Huaytapallana, Peruvian Andes

  Presenter: David Clark

  Institution: Unaffiliated

  Type: Flash presentation

  Category: Alpine

  Abstract: The glaciers of the tropical Andes have been observed to be losing mass for much of the last century. Changes in these glaciers are both driven by, and an indicator of global climate change. These glaciers are significant as they represent a crucial water source for downstream communities, buffering dry season discharge variations. Glacial recession also presents a hazard risk, exposing steep slopes and increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF). The research presented here aims to quantify glacial mass loss for the Cordillera Blanca (CB) and Cordillera Huaytapallana (CH) and the associated changes in meteorology and hydrology. In order to do this Landsat imagery was used to identify glaciers, alongside repeat DEMs from satellite altimetry and historic maps. These were used to measure glacier surface elevation changes from 1972-2018. Analysis of the meteorological data was used to identify the key factors forcing glacial mass balance. The results of this study show that the glaciers of CB (-0.45±0.09 myr-1 w.e) and CH (-0.48±0.20 myr-1 w.e) have undergone substantial mass loss over the past half century. Variation in this mass balance was observed on different glacier aspects and elevations as well as over the different time periods studied. Meteorological analysis identified a negative relationship between CB mass balance and temperature and precipitation with a positive relationship with humidity. For CH a negative relationship with precipitation and temperature was found. No change in downstream river discharge was identified with no changes in the contributions of glacial melt to streamflow.

• 18:35 - 18:50 GMT: Study Of The Lange Glacier King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula: The Oceanic Impact Of The Marine-terminating Glacier At The Admiralty Bay

  Presenter: Jhon Mojica

  Institution: Center for global Sea Level Chance, New York University Abu Dhabi (CSLC-NYUAD), United Arab Emirates

  Type: Oral Presentation

  Category: Antarctic

  Abstract: Coastal regions of West Antarctica and the Glaciers of the Antarctic peninsula are thinning by atmospheric and oceanic interaction, contributing to increasing its temperature with main effects on the sea level. To characterize the implications of the sea-ice interaction, we selected the bay in front of the Lange Glacier (LG) on King George Island. At this location during the Antarctic summer 2018-2019, a bathymetric survey, a digital elevation model (DEM), and 29 CTD casts were recorded to determine the frontal ice location and the water conditions. The bathymetric survey recorded a range of depths of 10 – 220 m, corresponding to the ice thickness below sea level. External intrusions of warm water were identified, destabilizing the water column through convection processes; as a result, the ocean influences the glacier front, driving the subsurface glacier retreatment and basal melt. Our findings together indicated a continuous glacier fusion that increases its dynamics due to the increase of temperature, with a contribution of freshwater to the Admiralty Bay. Systematic monitoring is required to establish the direct implications of the LG climate change and water contributions to sea-level rise.

• 18:50 - 18:55 GMT: What Is The Sea Slug Doris Kerguelenensis Feeding Upon In Deception Island (south Shetland Is., Antarctica)?

  Presenter: Paula de Castro-Fernández

  Institution: University of Barcelona & Institute of Research in Biodiversity (IRBio), Spain

  Type: Flash presentation

  Category: Antarctic

  Abstract: Doris kerguelenensis is an Antarctic heterobranch mollusc feeding on several demosponges and hexactinellid sponges. To assess the contribution of several sponge species to its diet at Deception Island we used stable isotopes of C and N, as well as fatty acids. We examined the demosponges Axinella crinita, Dendrilla antarctica, Hemigellius pilosus, Kirkpatrickia variolosa, Mycale acerata, Sphaerotylus antarcticus, and Haliclona sp. We also analyzed the macroalgae Desmarestia anceps and Himantothallus grandifolius, and phytoplankton. D. anceps was the most 13C depleted one and phytoplankton the most enriched. The δ13C values of sponges and D. kerguelenensis laid in between. The δ15N values of A. crinita, D. antarctica, M. acerata and Haliclona sp. suggested a trophic position between 2-3, and for H. pilosus and S. antarcticus between 3-4. Kirkpatrickia variolosa was in between the two groups. The δ15N values of D. kerguelenensis revealed a trophic position from 3-4. All sponges and D. kerguelenensis had high levels of 15:0 and EPA and low levels of arachidonic acid, largely differing from macroalgae. Fatty acid profiles of A. crinita, D. antarctica, K. variolosa, M. acerata, S. antarcticus, and Haliclona sp. were similar to phytoplankton, but D. kerguelenensis and H. pilosus were enriched in 17:0, 20:1n9 and 20:2. D. kerguelenensis, A. crinita, D. antarctica, K. variolosa, Haliclona sp. and S. antarcticus shared a long chain fatty acid absent in phytoplankton and macroalgae. The overall evidence suggests that A. crinita, D. antarctica, K. variolosa and Haliclona sp. are the most likely prey of D. kerguelenensis at Deception Island.

• 18:55 - 19:10 GMT: Solar Cyclic variability can modulate Winter Arctic Climate

  Presenter: Indrani Roy

  Institution: University College London, United Kingdom

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Abstract: The role of the eleven-year solar cycle was investigated on the Arctic during the period of 1979–2016. It shows in years, when the winter solar sunspot number (SSN) falls below the mean value, the warming in the Arctic extends from all the way from the upper stratosphere down to the lower troposphere. It is opposite when the SSN is above the mean. The cooling for SSN maximum years in the atmospheric column reflects an anomaly of westerly zonal wind consistent with negative anomalies of geopotential height and cold air and vice versa for the minimum years. Using three different techniques – Multiple Linear Regression, Compositing, and Correlation – we observe the same influence of the sun on the Arctic and it comes via the Arctic Oscillation. Involving the stratospheric route, it presented a schematic and discussed the mechanisms of how the Arctic climate is influenced by solar cycle variability. For Eurasian snow-cover, Compositing, however, notes a reverse solar signature, which is warming during Maximum years, while cooling in minimum. This study hypothesizes that growth of ice in Eurasia, in recent winters, while a reduction in the Arctic, may in part, be due to weaker solar cycles of current decades.

• 19:10 - 19:25 GMT: Sinking Particle Flux And Composition At Three Sites Of Different Annual Sea Ice Cover In The Amundsen Sea, Antarctica

  Presenter: Minkyoung Kim

  Institution: ETH Zurich, Switzerland

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Antarctic

  Abstract: The Amundsen Sea in the western Antarctic is experiencing rapid declining of sea ice cover and melting of ice shelves. This physical change is expected to influence the carbon cycling in the Amundsen Sea and therefore, it is important to understand the organic carbon cycling in the Amundsen Sea to project the role of the Amundsen Sea in the future. To further our understanding of organic carbon cycling on the Amundsen Shelf, a research was carried out in collaboration with KOPRI (Korea Polar Research Institute), adopting multidimensional and multidisciplinary approaches. Sediment trap is the only way to investigate year-round biological pump system in this region due to observational constraints. Sinking particle samples were collected during 4 cruises and sediment trap moorings from 2011 to 2018. Sinking particles, collected by a sediment trap deployed at three different sites (perennial sea ice zone, Amundsen Sea Polynya (ASP), and in front of the Dotson Ice Shelf). POC flux in the perennial ice-covered area where diatoms are dominant phytoplankton species can be high and comparable to that of the central polynya. Two years of sediment trap data covering three summers were obtained and examined sea ice evolution and POC export and their relationship. The summertime POC flux showed high interannual variability with the reduction in sea ice cover in early summer for sufficient insolation being critical to enhanced sinking POC flux. Large benthic invertebrates including juvenile scallops, a sea urchin, and long and slender worms were collected in sediment traps for 2 years at three locations. Organic carbon supplied by worms and plausible source region and transport mechanisms of these benthic organisms and the impacts on Antarctic biology, as a disturbance to benthic ecosystems, a dispersal mechanism for benthic invertebrates, and an energy supply to the deeper benthic ecosystems will be presented.

• 19:25 - 19:40 GMT: Understanding an ice stream in Greenland at the EastGRIP camp: An international-multidisciplinary effort and knowledge transfer among scientists.

  Presenter: Steven Franke

  Institution: Alfred-Wegener-Institut, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Germany

  Type: Oral Presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Co-authors: ¹Steven Franke, ¹Nicolas Stoll, ¹Daniela Jansen, ²Iben Koldtoft
  
  ¹ Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
  ² Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
  
  Abstract: The East Greenland Ice-core Project (EastGRIP) aims to retrieve a 2650m long ice core by drilling through the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream (NEGIS).
  Scientists from a variety of physical sciences and engineers hope to gain new knowledge on ice stream dynamics and about the past climate. The project has many partners from all around the world, who contribute to the science, logistics and economics of the project. Most of the data is processed and analysed in the field. As there is limited capacity in the field camp, scientists and technical staff are encouraged to learn different working techniques to support their project partners. The community also invites scientists, who work on theoretical aspects on the ice stream to communicate the perspective on the procedures and challenges of data collection in the field. And so it happens that earth system modellers learn how to drill an ice core or non-scientific staff helps with the preparation of the ice core samples. Also, the project partners are motivated to bring together scientists at early stages in their careers to gain fieldwork experience. Once each season the field camp also welcomes high school students and teachers as a part of a joint science and education programme.

• 19:40 - 19:55 GMT: The Relevance Of Nitrogen: Sources And Fate In Ne Greenland Streams

  Presenter: Ada Pastor

  Institution: Aarhus University, Denmark

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Abstract: The Arctic is warming at over six times the rate of the global average, causing permafrost thaw through the gradual deepening of the active layer and increasing soil mass wasting processes. These climate-driven changes will affect the hydrological and hydrochemical fluxes reaching aquatic ecosystems. However, it is unclear how nitrogen sources and the ecological consequences will change in high-latitude running waters. In this talk, we will (i) assess the biogeochemical role of high-Arctic riparian soils as sources of nitrogen, and (ii) evaluate how nitrogen is used by aquatic biofilm. We studies two riparian areas and six stream reaches subjected to a gradient of vegetation coverage, soil physical perturbation and geomorphological units in NE Greenland (74ºN).

  Our results showed that riparian soils had low nitrate concentrations in the valley, associated to negligible net nitrification rates and negative net nitrogen mineralization rates, thus indicating efficient soil microbial nitrogen uptake. Low soil NO3− content is consistent with low NO3− concentrations found in most streams. However, upstream reaches with high channel instability and erosion in the watershed had NO3- concentrations 10 times higher than downstream sites, and had the highest autotrophic biofilm growth. Overall, we showed that low soil NO3− availability could limit hydrological transport, thus influencing stream autotrophic production in high-Arctic region. Our study further suggest that terrestrial-aquatic nitrogen export and ecological effects depend on the geomorphological features, vegetation and erosion in the watershed, which are extremely vulnerable to climate changes.

• 19:55 - 20:00 GMT: China-Greenland Cooperation, A Deeper Look

  Presenter: Marco Volpe

  Institution: Italian Society for International Organization, Italy

  Type: Flash presentation

  Category: Collaboration

  Abstract: As a permanent observer within the Arctic Council, China has a relevant but limited role in the Arctic governance. The white paper China’s Arctic Policy (2018) affirms that China will develop its strategy in accordance with the current legal framework and by adopting a strong cooperative attitude. Besides the international institutionalized field, through a consistent improvement of bilateral cooperation with Arctic States, China is also engaging a new space of maneuver in order to improve its role in the Arctic governance: the win-win strategy, which consists in the improvement of bilateral relationships with Arctic States bolstering China’s involvement in Arctic matters. Within this framework, Greenland may play a relevant role for China’s strategy: extremely rich of mineral and hydrocarbon resources, it represents not only an excellent spot to improve research activities, but also an ideal arrival point for the Polar Silk Road through the Transpolar Route, the only passage in the Arctic that does not include the navigation in territorial waters. With the Self-Rule Act (2009), the Greenlandic government assumed the responsibility to administrate justice, business, labor, aviation, border control as well as the control over natural resources. However, exploitation of uranium and rare earth elements remains a very sensitive topic because it would mark a radical change about the zero-tolerance policy previously imposed by the Danish government and because extremely linked to the independence discourse. This presentation aims to shed light on how China-Greenland cooperation finds its place within China’s Arctic Strategy by exploring the main points of this relationship and the relevant social and political issues related to it.

• 20:00 - 20:15 GMT: Entering A Pristine Ecosystem - The Effects Of Human Hunting Activities In Svalbard

  Presenter: Franziska Paul & Henriette Müller-Hillebrand

  Institution: Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Germany

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Abstract: Supervised by Frigga Kruse we are working within the project “Timeless Arctic - Commercial Hunting in the Reconstruction of Human Impact in Svalbard”, a Freigeist Fellowship by the Volkswagen Stiftung. The Norwegian archipelago Svalbard lies in the polar arctic and constitutes a unique landscape, as it was remote from human influence until the 16th century. Since it was untouched before, it offers the opportunity to reconstruct populations of game animals and the ecosystem, as well as the impact humans had on its development.

  Due to the lack of indigenous knowledge, population reconstruction is based solely on historical logbooks. Attempts of reconstruction for the pre-commercial hunting era and stock development over time have been attempted by predecessors but the implementation proved to be of high difficulty. We continue this research and focus on five mammals, which were most affected by commercial hunting and are representatives of their respective habitat: The Bowhead whale, the Atlantic walrus, the Polar bear, the Polar fox and the Svalbard reindeer.

  Using modern statistical techniques supplemented by present knowledge on the species’ ecology, we validate the historical observation data in commercial hunting logbooks. In case of realisticity, the logbooks data becomes a valuable resource for filling knowledge gaps in species’ behaviour and ecology.

  Since archaeozoology offers an interdisciplinary approach, we are using different methods and techniques such as archaeological fieldwork. The remaining bone assemblages at former slaughtering sites provide the quantification needed to judge the extent of human exploitation and is also giving an indication of the population size.

  To complete our research approach and also give a direction for future research projects, we want to create a user-friendly database, to which access is open for other stakeholders and acts as an information system.

Session Chair: Greer Gilmer

Session Convener: Kara Layton

Session Coordinators: Alex Aves, Charlie Hewitt, Vicki Heinrich

Time: 20 May from 20:45 - 23:15 GMT

• 20:45 - 20:50 GMT: Introduction

• 20:50 - 21:05 GMT: Occurrence Of Marine Mammals Along The Southeastern Pacific Ocean And The Western Antarctic Peninsula, Observed On Board Of The “arc 20 De Julio” Vessel During Colombian Scientific Expeditions To Antarctica

  Presenter: Dalia Barragán-Barrera

  Institution: Centro de Investigaciones Oceanográficas e Hidrográficas del Caribe CIOH-DIMAR

  Type: Oral Presentation

  Category: Antarctic

  Abstract: The Marine Mammal Monitoring Program at the Colombian Antarctic Program has conducted marine mammal survey on board the “ARC 20 de Julio”, a Colombian Navy vessel, with the goal of assessing occurrence patterns of marine mammal species along the Southeastern Pacific Ocean (SPO) and the Southern Ocean (SO), following a transect from Panama to the western Antarctic Peninsula. A total of 1,745h (38,785km) of visual observation effort were conducted along around 92,709km of distance traveled during four expeditions (2014-2015, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019 austral summers). A total of 917 marine mammal sightings were recorded, 701 of which were identified to the species level, representing 29 species (SO=5; ESP=20; both=4). Encounter rates (ER), assessed separately for the SPO and SO, were calculated by groups observed per 100h and 1,000km. Ordered from high to low sighting frequency, the most observed five species in the SPO were the South American fur seal, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, dusky dolphin, and Peale's dolphin, while in the SO were the humpback whale, crabeater seal, killer whale, Weddell seal, and southern elephant seal. Univariate kernel analyses were conducted to explore the influence of Chlorophyll-a concentration and bathymetry over the most common marine mammal species distribution. These analyses suggested that species frequency is higher within productive areas. Regarding bathymetry, the South American fur seal, bottlenose dolphin, dusky dolphin, and killer whale seem to be more frequent in waters less than 1,000m in depth. In contrast, the common dolphin, blue whale and sperm whale appear to occur in deeper waters. Further survey and monitoring are needed to effectively assess abundance and distributional pattern, as well as the potential impacts of anthropogenic activities and climate change on marine mammals’ distribution in the SPO and the Antarctic Peninsula.

• 21:05 - 21:35 GMT: Keynote - Collaboration of Traditional Knowledge and Science - An Inuit Perspective

  Presenter: Mia Otokiak

  Institution: Early Career Scientist

  Type: Keynote Presentation

  Abstract: Mia is an Inuit, early-career scientist who was born and raised in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada. She has always had an interest and love for science, the environment and sharing her knowledge. She has a full-time job as a Junior Technical Advisor with the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB). NIRB’s mandate is to protect and promote the well-being of the environment and people of Nunavut through their Impact Assessment Process. She has been working with NIRB for almost 4 years and thoroughly enjoys being able to work with Proponents, Stakeholders, Regional Inuit Organizations, and Nunavut communities on important environmental issues and how to mitigate them.

  She was lucky enough to sail the Northwest Passage last summer as a part of the University of Rhode Island’s ‘Northwest Passage Project’. On this 18-day expedition she was able to work with scientists, researchers, and Inuit youth to collect data on the changing Arctic conditions due to Climate Change.

  She is also a Youth Mentor in a program called Ikaarvik: Barriers to Bridges, a program that wants to show Indigenous youth that they can be involved in science and research in a meaningful way. Like this year’s theme, Ikaarvik understands the importance of collaboration between early career researchers, science communicators, educators, and members of the local communities and Mia looks forward to discussing this topic in more detail!

• 21:35 - 21:50 GMT: Insights Into Ice-ocean Interactions And Their Biological Effects In East Greenland

  Presenter: Alba Filella Lopez de Lamadrid

  Institution: GEOMAR, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Abstract: Freshwater discharge around Greenland has more than doubled during the last decade, affecting regional ocean circulation, productivity and associated ecosystem services. Understanding the associated physical and biogeochemical impacts of ice melt is critical for quantifying feedbacks within the Earth system under future climate scenarios. In summer 2019 we performed several cross-shore sections to survey the multiple water masses present within the East Greenland System. Surface polar waters flowing south in the East Greenland Current were rich in dissolved organic carbon and low in nutrients such as NO3. Accordingly, integrated chlorophyll a fluorescence increased from the coast moving offshore towards warm, saltier Atlantic influenced waters. Smaller autotrophs (picoplankton and nanoplankton) also occurred in the north, Arctic-influenced coastal stations. High particulate organic matter appeared associated with high phytoplankton, bacteria and virus numbers in surface Atlantic productive waters. Thus, watermasses’ characteristics appeared to be playing a major role on influencing microbial community distributions. Of particular interest was an enhanced production of gel particles in an area extending across Denmark Strait. Significant concentrations (e.g. 80 µg X.G. eq. L-1) of these rich in carbon transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) were even found deeper than 100 m, which is highly unusual, in the entrance of the biggest fjord Scoresby Sund. We speculated TEP production in the studied region was driven by at least two different processes since relative high concentrations were found across broad watermasses. From preliminary data analysis we have learned that the East Greenland coastal system is highly dynamic reflecting various degrees of mixing between southward flowing Polar Water and warmer Atlantic water.

• 21:50 - 22:05 GMT: Characterization Of Atmospheric Aerosols In The Antarctic Region

  Presenter: César Marina Montes

  Institution: University of Zaragoza

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Antarctic

  Abstract: Quantification of suspended particulate matter (SPM) measurements together with polar contour maps and backward air mass trajectory analyses were developed to better understand the main local and remote sources of aerosol contamination in the Antarctic region. Samples were taken during the austral summer 2016-2017 at the “Gabriel de Castilla” Spanish Antarctic Research Station (Deception Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic). Aerosols were deposited in an air filter through a low-volume sampler and chemically analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Diferent elements such as Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, S, Cu, Pb, Sr, Ti, Zn, Hf, Zr, V, As, Ti, Mn, Sn and Cr were identified. The study of air masses and high enrichment factor values of several elements (Hf, Zr, As, Cu, Sn, Zn, Pb) together with their correlations (Hf/Zr, V/As, Ti/Mn and Cu/Sn) suggests a potentially significant role of three main sources in this area: remote maritime traffic, local petrol combustion (generators and/or tourist cruises), and remote/local crust. Polar contour graphical maps allowed reproducing wind maps revealing the biological local distribution of K and P (penguin colony). Overall, the present study demonstrates the existence and progression of anthropogenic pollution at this remote site from distant as well as local sources following the Antarctic circumpolar wind pattern.

• 22:05 - 22:10 GMT: Food For Thought; Subsistence Fishing In Northern Ontario And Future Needs From Environmental Monitoring Programs.

  Presenter: Gretchen Lescord

  Institution: Laurentian University, Canada

  Type: Flash presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Abstract: Fish is a lean and healthy source of protein, packed with nutritious omega-3 fatty acids. These benefits are particularly important in remote northern communities across Canada, where Indigenous Peoples rely heavily on locally-caught fish as a vital part of their diets, culture, and food security. Wild fish also contain contaminants (e.g., mercury) and balancing the health benefits of eating fish with the risks from contaminants can be challenging. While contaminants in fish are regularly monitored as part of government-led programs, academic research projects, and some industrial activities, in Ontario these approaches tend to focus on sport fishing (e.g. muscle tissue of common sport species), rather than subsistence fishing (e.g., other tissues from less commonly eaten species). This project aims to document the species and parts of fish that are commonly eaten (and how often) in a subsistence context with the goal of informing future monitoring programs. We developed a short (10-question) anonymous survey to be distributed to approximately 20 First Nation communities in sub-Arctic Ontario, Canada. The region is large (~425,000 sq. km.) and many communities are remote, lacking year-round road access, making traditional and locally-harvested foods a vital resource. The 10 questions, which were developed with input from local tribal councils, will be discussed and feedback from other researchers on our approach would be greatly appreciated. The survey will be submitted for an ethics review at Laurentian University in Sudbury Ontario this spring and we have made every effort to respect OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access and Possession) standards. We plan to share the anonymous but raw data with communities directly for use in future policy planning and community-based monitoring programs. We hope the results of this survey will inform future risk assessments and environmental monitoring and encourage the inclusion of food security in future planning, policy, and research around fisheries in sub-Arctic Ontario and beyond.

• 22:10 - 22:25 GMT: Analysis Of Smart Co-creation And Planning Initiatives Of The City Of Oulu From The Dialogue Perspective.

  Presenter: Alexandra Middleton

  Institution: Oulu Business School, Finland

  Type: Oral Presentation

  Category: Collaboration

  Abstract: Purpose – The paper intends to contribute to critical discussions on citizen-centric approach toward Smart City developments in the Arctic through understanding of how citizen participation is enacted/translated into exiting Smart city agenda (IT, neoliberalism and public sector bureaucratic ethos).

  Design/methodology/approach – This is a qualitative study of the development of Smart co-creation and planning initiatives of the city of Oulu (Finland) during 2017-2019. Data is gathered through triangulation of document search, interviews, and (video/participatory observations).

  Findings – Intentions: Based on the documentary analysis, interviews with actors involved into Oulu’s co-creation and planning initiatives and observations, the paper reveals the intricate and challenging nature of the dialogue formation within social-technical and political dynamics of Oulu as a Smart City.

  Originality/value – The paper responds to the recent calls to critical examinations of the citizen dimension in the development of Smart City concept. Along with a contribution to the critical literature on Smart City governance, the paper gives valuable propositions for practitioners and policymakers in terms of obstacles for citizens involvement and the rhetoric gap of Smart City formation for citizens.

• 22:25 - 22:40 GMT: "Glacier-ocean Interface As An Important Mechanism In The Carbon Cycle: A Case Study From In Situ Measurements And Remote Sensing In Antarctica"

  Presenter: Ximena Aguilar Vega

  Institution: University of Magallanes

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Antarctic

  Abstract: Recently glaciers and ice sheets have been recognized as hot spots for biogeochemical weathering with implications in the global carbon cycle (Bhatia et al., 2013; Hood et al., 2015; Wadham et al., 2019). Meltwater runoff contains significant amounts of dissolved and particulate organic carbon (DOC, POC) normally dominated by supraglacial melting (Stibal et al., 2012). Assessing both organic carbon (OC) reservoirs is important as they are likely to be influenced by different processes, and to have positive and negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems (Musilova et al., 2017), as in ice sheets and glaciers (Hu et al., 2018). Although satellite data has been used to address the contribution of ice mass to the ocean we still lack precise estimates of calving, melt runoff, and oceanographic properties to quantify accurately the release and impacts of DOC and POC in the marine ecosystems. Satellite and in situ data was collected in Lange glacier and Almirantazgo bay, King George Island during the summer of 2020 to quantify the glacial input of freshwater to the marine system through digital terrain modelling complemented with batimetry. Three shallow ice cores were extracted to determine the concentrations per volume, as different features of DOC and POC. Moreover, an oceanographic transect and profiles were performed to assess OC characteristics, primary productivity and bio-optical properties in terms of glacial influence. All the data collected is being analysed and results will be presented during the framework of the APECS INTERNATIONAL ONLINE CONFERENCE, 2020.

• 22:40 - 22:45 GMT: Community-based Research: Lessons From The North

  Presenter: Skylar Leili Lipman

  Institution: University of Alberta, Canada

  Type: Flash presentation

  Category: Collaboration

  Abstract: Community-based research (CBR) comes in many shapes and colours, and not all approaches are equally effective. CBR as a methodology has the potential to redress existing power structures and contribute to creating equitable solutions, combatting the history of research as a method of assimilation. CBR can also lead to better-understood, more accurate research findings by addressing questions of importance to communities and contextualizing data. I first analyze two case studies in which CBR has been applied: the Arctic Council and Archipelago Management Board. Three parameters are used to describe CBR: level of community involvement, community involvement in multiple stages of the research process, and community power to dictate the application of research findings. Three outcomes are then considered to score the efficacy of CBR: accuracy of research findings, community satisfaction with research process and results, and contributions to decolonization efforts. A number of mechanisms connecting the three parameters and outcomes are explored, such as contextualizing data, creating relevant research questions, and triangulating findings using multiple perspectives and knowledge systems. Following a discussion of each case study in turn, I synthesize these lessons as guideposts for future research.

• 22:45 - 23:00 GMT: Abrupt global warming, a slowdown thereafter and associated changes in the last few decades

  Presenter: Indrani Roy

  Institution: University College London, United Kingdom

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Arctic

  Abstract: This study addresses abrupt global warming and a slowdown thereafter that happened in recent decades. It separated the role of anthropogenic CO2 led linear trend to that from natural factors (volcano and the sun). It segregates a period 1976–1996 where two explosive volcanic eruptions occurred in active phases of strong solar cycles and also the period covers two whole solar cycles. That same period coincided with abrupt global warming. This study suggests that domination of a particular type of ENSO, the Central Pacific (CP) type ENSO and related feedback from water vapour played a crucial role. A plausible mechanism was proposed that could be triggered by explosive volcanos via a preferential North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) phase. It modulates the CP ENSO via extratropical Rossby wave and affects the Aleutian Low. From that angle, it is possible to explain the disruption of ENSO and Indian Summer Monsoon teleconnection during the abrupt warming period and how it recovered subsequently afterwards. Interestingly, individual models and also the CMIP5 model ensemble fails to agree to the observation. This study further explores important contributions due to natural drivers those are missed by models.

• 23:00 - 23:15 GMT: FIRE AND ICE

  Presenter: Louise Owen - Visual Artist

  Institution: Visual Artist and retired Teacher Arts & Media, TAFE NSW - Illawarra Institute

  Type: Oral presentation

  Category: Collaboration

  Abstract: This presentation illustrates a way that visual art can influence the debate on climate change. Science, by itself, hasn’t convinced people of the imminent danger posed by anthropogenic climate change. Appealing to rational impulses hasn’t worked. Art can be the catalyst for changing people’s perspective as its’ appeal extends to our deeper feelings. Collaboration between the two disciplines may be a more effective way of influencing public opinion on this vexed issue.

  Historically artists have had a role in visually interpreting scientific discoveries and expeditions. Many of us would have had little knowledge of Antarctica if it were not for the photographs of Frank Hurley.

  I am a visual artist from Australia concerned about the survival of our planet. I am currently working on a painting project relating to the Polar Regions and the science of climate change.

  The presentation will begin with an account of my father’s Arctic expedition in 1965 when he was a submarine Commander on a voyage under the Arctic ice sheet. I will include some of his photographs, and pages from the Logbook. Then, I will do a visual walk-through the studio and explain some of the ideas underpinning the images I am painting; looking up at the ‘slits’ and ‘skylights’ from under the ice; looking down through the ice to ‘see’ the fossils of Antarctic Beech forests exposed by the melting ice; an Arctic glacier about to explode with fire; and a subtropical stand of Antarctic Beech rainforest up in flames...

  My father is 92 years old and, COVID-19 permitting, he may also be present and could answer any questions about his Arctic experience.

Listed alphabetically:

• Kate Chenier
• Arindam Chowdhury
• Rahul Dey
• Joana Fragão
• Hugo Guímaro
• Meghan Helmberger
• Stanislav Ksenofontov
• Kara Layton
• Jan-Lukas Menzel
• Dhanendra Singh
• Shipra Nagar
• José Queirós
• Jessica Rohde
• Gabriela Roldan

Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions or comments. We are happy to help!

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