Collaborative Research: An Arctic Ocean Sea Surface pCO2 and pH Observing Network

拟议的研究的目标是建立一个北极观测网络（AON）的海洋表面分压的二氧化碳（pCO 2）和pH值在常年冰覆盖的北冰洋的一部分。碳循环在北极特别令人关切，因为不知道碳源和碳汇将如何因气候变暖和夏季海冰覆盖减少而发生变化，也不知道这些变化是否会导致大气中温室气体积累增加。此外，人类活动产生的二氧化碳渗入北冰洋导致酸化，对生物体可能造成严重后果。人们对北冰洋中部的二氧化碳分压和无机碳循环知之甚少，因为迄今为止的大多数测量项目都集中在夏季可到达的北极大陆架上。研究人员建议使用北极观测网络的现有组成部分，冰系剖面仪（ITP），作为部署原位pCO 2和pH传感器的平台。ITP是分布在北极常年冰层的自动化剖面系统，通过遥测将数据传回海岸：自2004年以来已部署了44个ITP，该项目目前计划持续到2013年。在拟议的工作中，共有6个ITP将配备CO2传感器，其中4个还将配备pH传感器。传感器将固定在冰下约2-4 m处的ITP电缆上。每个单元将包括额外的传感器，用于溶解O2，盐度和光合有效辐射（在某些情况下还有叶绿素荧光），并能够在至少一年内每天进行12次测量。这些数据可在ITP网站（www.whoi.edu/itp/）上近实时查阅，将有助于更好地了解北冰洋在调节温室气体方面的作用，以及北极生态将如何随着变暖和酸化而变化。调查人员还将参与外展计划，包括公开演讲，播客和学校访问。预算的一部分还专门用于开发将在蒙大拿大学展出的气候变化/海洋酸化展览？科学博物馆。展览将在博物馆展出三个月，然后在三年内每年访问15个以上的农村和部落社区。本科生将被招募来协助传感器测试和数据分析，获得比传统学位课程更高水平的技术知识。

The goal of the proposed study is to establish an Arctic Observing Network (AON) for sea surface partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and pH in the perennially ice-covered portion of the Arctic Ocean. The carbon cycle is of particular concern in the Arctic because it is unknown how carbon sources and sinks will change in response to warming and the reduction of summer sea ice cover, and whether these changes will lead to increased greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere. Furthermore, the penetration of anthropogenic CO2 into the Arctic Ocean is leading to acidification with potentially serious consequences for organisms. Little is known about pCO2 and the inorganic carbon cycle in the central Arctic Ocean because most measurement programs to date have focused on the Arctic shelves during the accessible summer period. The investigators propose to use an existing component of the Arctic Observing Network, the Ice-Tethered Profilers (ITP), as platforms for deployment of in situ pCO2 and pH sensors. ITPs are automated profiling systems distributed throughout the perennial Arctic ice pack that telemeter data back to shore: 44 ITPs have been deployed since 2004 and the project is currently slated to continue through 2013. In the proposed work, a total of 6 ITPs will be equipped with CO2 sensors and four of these will also have pH sensors. The sensors will be fixed on the ITP cable ~2-4 m below the ice. Each unit will include additional sensors for dissolved O2, salinity, and photosynthetically available radiation (and in some cases chlorophyll-a fluorescence) and will be capable of making 12 measurements per day for at least one year. These data, available in near real-time on the ITP web site (www.whoi.edu/itp/), will lead to a better understanding of the Arctic Ocean's role in regulating greenhouse gases and how the ecology of the Arctic will change with warming and acidification. The investigators will also engage in outreach programs including public presentations, podcasts, and school visits. A portion of the budget is also dedicated to the development of a climate-change/ocean acidification exhibit to be displayed in the University of Montana?s science museum. The exhibit will reside at the museum for three months, then visit over 15 rural and tribal communities annually over a three year period. Undergraduate students will be recruited to assist with the sensor testing and data analysis, gaining a higher level of technical knowledge than possible through a traditional degree program.