Collaborative Research on the Northwest Water Polynya: Microbial Dynamics and Particle Transformations

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This proposal is part of an integrated scientific investigation to study the properties of the Arctic ocean, atmosphere, sea-ice and biology in the Northeast Water (NEW) Polynya, which occurs near northeastern Greenland, in order to gain an integrated understanding of Arctic shelf-slope processes. This element of the NEW program will evaluate the role of heterotrophic microorganisms on organic materials produced within the polynya. It will test the hypothesis that low temperatures severely restrict the degradative functions of microorganisms associated with organic particulates produced within the polynya and available for export beyond its boundaries. It will also assay for temporal shifts in microbial community size, structure and complexity.