Exchange fluxes of climate-relevant trace gases off the Western Antarctic Peninsula
durch
8A-002 - Hörsaal Ostufer / Lecture Hall East
GEOMAR - Standort Ostufer / GEOMAR - East Shore
Abstract:
Knowledge about the dynamics of climate-relevant trace gases such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in polar oceans remains limited, particularly in regions influenced by sea ice and glacial meltwater. The EWARP project investigates the distribution and dynamics of CH₄ and N₂O in the coastal waters of the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP), where meltwater from retreating tidewater glaciers significantly affects hydrodynamics and biogeochemical processes. During an extensive field campaign on King George Island, we collected water samples from the surface and water column in Maxwell Bay near a marine-terminating glacier. Additionally, we collected samples from the sea-surface microlayer (SML) to investigate the accumulation of surface-active substances (SAS) at the ocean-atmosphere interface, which can influence sea-air exchange processes. To track hydrodynamic changes, we deployed surface drifters and a buoy equipped with CTD sensors. First results indicate that glacial meltwater discharge drives high CH4 surface concentrations in the coastal waters of the WAP and highlight the need for further research in these environments.
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