Doctoral student Wilma Ljungberg studies how melting glaciers affect the ocean
Wilma Ljungberg is a new doctoral student at the Department of Marine Sciences. Already during her bachelor's programme in marine science, she knew that she wanted to work with polar research. Her doctoral project aims to investigate how melting glaciers affect the marine carbon cycle in the coastal ocean.
What are you going to do here?
“My project will focus on how melting glaciers affect the carbon cycle in the ocean. Many of the glaciers in the Arctic, and especially those that flow into the sea, are decreasing in area. At the same time, we know very little about the effect these glacier systems have had on the chemical cycles in the ocean and, in particular, what effect they are having now as they are changing. Most of the studies conducted in these systems have also had a focus on nutrients. This has meant that the carbonate cycle, and especially the inorganic carbon cycle, is relatively understudied and under-quantified. My goal will be to look at the marine carbonate system and how it is affected by these glacial systems. This will involve everything from the transport of carbon between land and sea, to carbon dioxide exchange with the atmosphere and ocean acidification.”
What did you do before?
“I have done both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees here at the Department of Marine Sciences. In my master thesis I investigated a glacial lagoon in Iceland. The goal was to find out how the glacier affected the biogeochemistry of the lagoon. Among other things, we looked at inorganic carbon, nutrients, and ocean acidification. Finally, we quantified how much of the different chemical parameters were transported out of the lagoon, to see if the glacier had any impact on the coastal ocean. My PhD project will be a continuation of that study. Last summer I got the chance to go back to Iceland, this time with R/V Skagerak, to make measurements off the coast where the glacier from my master's thesis is located. These data will now become part of my thesis.”
What do you do when you are not working?
“I love crafting and always have at least five knitting or sewing projects going at the same time. Actually, I find everything in the category of creating fun. Other than that, I like to run and go for walks in nature.”
Something else you would like to share?
“It feels great and fun to continue working in a research group that I already know and enjoy working with. Ever since the bachelor's programme, I have wanted to work with polar research, so I am very excited to be here now five years later.”
