Grant to research for greenhouse gases from melting glaciers in Svalbard

"The Arctic landscape is changing rapidly, and there is a growing demand for knowledge about the shifting role of coastal ecosystems and biogeochemical dynamics in these environments under conditions of global warming," says Tobia Politi, a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Marine Sciences.

Emerging mosaic of aquatic ecosystems

Melting glaciers have created over 500 coastal lakes, 200 lagoons, and countless ponds, wetlands, and waterways on Svalbard. Although greenhouse gas emissions from these newly formed fresh- and brackish water ecosystems may have a significant impact on the Earth's atmosphere, we still lack sufficient knowledge about the processes taking place there.
 
“Glacier retreat and sea ice loss are leading to an emerging mosaic of aquatic ecosystems. The increased meltwater runoff is likely to alter organic matter mineralization and associated gas emissions, creating unknown climate feedback loops. Our hypothesis is that these newly formed systems are biogeochemical hotspots and modify Arctic greenhouse gas budgets,” Politi explains.

Measure carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide

The project will therefore conduct large-scale measurements along the land-to-sea transition zones of Svalbard's coasts to fill the knowledge gaps in emissions of the three important greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

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Arctic freshwater ecosystems often exhibit strong seasonal variations in GHG production, with winter ice leading to gas accumulation and significant emissions during the ice-free spring. The research will also identify the ecological and biogeochemical processes linked to these areas.

Identify variations in emissions

Therefore, this project will analyze emissions during two different seasons to fully capture these variations. The overall goal is to identify spatial and temporal variations in net emissions.
 
"The results are important for understanding how changes in the Arctic may affect the global climate system. They will provide a basis for improved climate models and help to develop strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change," says Politi.

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