Changes in plankton dynamics and ecosystem functioning during the spring-summer transition in Maxwell Bay (northern Antarctic Peninsula)

durch Prof. Juan Höfer (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile)

Dienstag 15.07.2025, 10:00 → 11:00 Europe/Berlin

14-101 - Konferenzraum ST (ehemals TLZ) / Conference Room ST (former TLZ) (GEOMAR - Standort Ostufer / GEOMAR - East Shore)

Abstract:

Coastal ecosystems in the Antarctic Peninsula undergo sharp environmental changes during the spring-summer transition as they become productive after winter. This environmental transition produces important changes in plankton dynamics mainly related to stratification of the water column. This implies that the productivity of this Antarctic coastal system is mainly controlled by light availability. However, at the same time these coastal ecosystems are experiencing very intense effects of climate change. This is reflected in marine and atmospheric heat waves, retreating glaciers, the presence of atmospheric rivers, etc. All of this is affecting the functioning of coastal ecosystems through changes in the structure of the water column and increased freshwater input from melting glaciers. These changes affect the availability of trace metals in coastal areas, plankton dynamics and also atmospheric-ocean exchanges. Therefore, unveiling how plankton dynamics and ecosystem functioning are going to respond to such changes is key to better predict the role that these ecosystems will play in the Earth's future climate system.