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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 RintoulPolynyas, 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 SymposiumEditors
International Glaciological SocietyPagination
69A778Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesPublisher
International Glaciological SocietyPlace of publication
Hobart, Tasmania, AustraliaEvent title
International Symposium on Sea Ice in a Changing EnvironmentEvent Venue
Hobart, Tasmania, AustraliaDate of Event (Start Date)
2014-03-10Date of Event (End Date)
2014-03-14Repository Status
- Restricted