Biogeochemical processes and ecosystem function in changing polar systems and their global impacts.
The global carbon cycle involves large amounts of atmospheric CO2 being absorbed by the oceans, but this cycle relies on nutrients in the water to drive the process. These nutrients often derive from the polar regions.
BIOPOLE is an interdisciplinary NERC programme examining biogeochemical processes and ecosystem function in polar ecosystems. The programme aims to improve our ability to quantify the nutrients the polar regions are exporting and investigate the impact of climate change on this process.
By using past and current satellite data CPOM can provide estimates of freshwater flux due to sea ice and ice shelf melting, and ice sheet run off.
Programme Partners:
- British Antarctic Survey (BAS)
- National Oceanography Centre (NOC)
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (EKCEH)
- British Geological Survey (BGS)
- Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling (CPOM)
In August 2023 BIOPOLE completed a 9-week Cruise to the central Arctic. to study the physics, chemistry, and biology of the sea ice.
The 10-day BIOPOLE Southern Ocean Cruise, led by BAS, took place at the end of 2023, which aimed to improve understanding how annual sea ice impacts the conditions for the spring bloom and examine how the bloom then impacts absorption of carbon.
To find out more, and to read recent news from BIOPOLE visit their programme website.
