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Biological modification of carbonate chemistry in dense water outflows from the Mertz Polynya, East Antarctica

conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-24, 13:10 authored by Elizabeth ShadwickElizabeth Shadwick, Tilbrook, BD, Guy Williams, Stephen Rintoul
Polynyas, areas of open water with in the sea-ice pack, are often biologically productive, and are sites of enhanced air–sea exchange. The Mertz polynya is formed in East Antarctica by persistent katabatic winds and an ice barrier created by the Mertz Glacier Tongue. The region plays a significant role in the formation of dense shelf water (DSW) primarily due to salt rejection during intense sea-ice formation. Physical and biogeochemical observations indicate that primary production over the shelf in spring/summer preconditions the dense water outflows, supplying both organic material, and water depleted in CO2, to coral and sponge communities on the continental slope. The formation and export of DSW also plays a role in the transfer of anthropogenic CO2 to the deep ocean. In February 2010 a large piece of ice (~70 km long and ~35 km wide) calved from the Mertz Glacier Tongue, dramatically changing the regional fast-ice and pack-ice distributions. The physical and biogeochemical consequences of this event (based on observations pre- and post-calving) included significant surface freshening, a twofold enhancement of biological production, and an increase in the carbonate saturation state.

History

Publication title

International Symposium on Sea Ice in a Changing Environment - Proceedings of the Hobart Symposium

Editors

International Glaciological Society

Pagination

69A778

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Publisher

International Glaciological Society

Place of publication

Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Event title

International Symposium on Sea Ice in a Changing Environment

Event Venue

Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Date of Event (Start Date)

2014-03-10

Date of Event (End Date)

2014-03-14

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Measurement and assessment of estuarine water quality

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