Description
The Atlantic Water is the main source of heat, nutrients and plankton for the Arctic Ocean but its impact on atmosphere, ocean and ecosystem depends strongly on the pathway along which it enters the Arctic, through Fram Strait (warmer water) or through the Barents Sea (stronger cooling). The PAVE project is focused on investigating the response of the Arctic sea ice and biological environment to variability and recent warming of the Atlantic Water entering the Arctic Ocean. We seek the answer what determines a relative strength of the Atlantic inflow along two main pathways into the Arctic Ocean and how variability of the Atlantic Water properties and transport influence the climate, in particular retreating sea ice cover, and changing ecosystems in the European Arctic. For this purpose we will use historical time series, new dedicated field observations in Fram Strait and the Barents Sea, reanalysis data and state-of-the-art numerical models. The project will benefit all groups interested in the changing Arctic climate and environment. Joint work of partners with extensive experience in polar research will strengthen the project outcome and foster further collaboration.
Summary of project results
The PAVE project was needed to address complex scientific questions about transport of Atlantic water towards the Arctic Ocean along two different routes via the Barents Sea and Fram Strait, and its impact on climate and environment. Usually Atlantic water flow is studied separately in these two regions, which are significantly different in terms of bottom topography, geographical extent, sea ice cover and interactions between ocean and atmosphere. However the most important question, whether and how are theses systems linked requires joint efforts and sharing all available expertize. Two key issues were addressed in PAVE: what determines a relative strength of the Atlantic inflow along two main pathways into the Arctic Ocean and how variability of Atlantic water temperature and transport influences the retreating sea ice cover, and changing ecosystems in the European Arctic. New light was shed onto atmospheric forcing mechanisms responsible for splitting the Atlantic water flow between the Barents Sea and Fram Strait. The recent warming of the Atlantic water inflow was identified as responsible for increased melting of sea ice cover in the Barents Sea and north of Svalbard. The project results proved that observed changes in Atlantic water had a measurable effect on the variability of primary production and zooplankton in both studied regions. Considerable effects of warming on the zooplankton community transported with the Atlantic water indicate on-going 'Atlantification' of ecosystems in two main gateways to the Arctic Ocean, and it may be expected that these changes will propagate into the higher Arctic in the near future. Numerous analyses of historical observation, new observational data sets and collections of biological samples gathered during four field seasons, and outputs from numerical simulations were delivered to achieve the planned results. Several scientific papers were published in peer-reviewed journals and over 70 oral presentations and posters were presented at international conferences and workshops. Collected data were submitted to open access databases for future comparative studies, validation of models and environmental assessments. The project results contributed to one PhD thesis and one habilitation thesis, supporting carrier development for two female researches. New proposals were prepared/are under preparations to continue the fruitful, efficient and mutually beneficial collaboration with one important project already funded.
Summary of bilateral results
The cooperation established under the PAVE project between Polish and Norwegian partners was a key factor in addressing a number of difficult and complex science questions from two regions, critical for the Atlantic water inflow towards the Arctic Ocean. Complementary expertize of each partner in field measurements and numerical modeling, and long-term experience in studying the physical and biological oceanography of focus regions allowed to combine efforts, knowledge, but also logistical opportunities for field activities what would not be possible without a funded collaborative project. Exchanging knowledge on collecting and processing ocean measurements, analysis of biological samples and numerical simulations as well as joint work on interpretation of obtained results significantly enhanced the project scientific outcomes. The long-term result of the PAVE partnership can be recognized by establishing a well-tuned and efficient consortium with clear plans for further collaboration under one already funded project and a strong potential for preparing successful proposals and applications in forthcoming calls. Bilateral funds were instrumental in strengthening the relations between three scientific groups at the project level, including ad hoc exchange and collaboration in the project. A formal partnership agreement (MoU) is planned between the Polish (IOPAN) and Norwegian (NERSC) partners with possibility to extend towards the second Norwegian partner (IMR). The bilateral partnership contributed to the project by significantly extending the expertize available for partners, assuring more comprehensive approach to the complex science questions, sharing the technical know-how in terms of oceanographic in situ measurements/sampling and application of numerical models and also sharing the new ideas, hypotheses, and challenges in understanding the on-going changes in the Arctic climate, ocean and ecosystem.