Noaa-Cessrst Ms Fellow
The changing climate is triggering significant environmental transformations in the Arctic, including Alaska's North Slope. Our nine-year study aimed to examine how these shifts impact coastal marine ecology and biogeochemical processes, focusing on the role of freshwater in influencing the optical characteristics of water, which are critical for accurate satellite observations. We integrated field data, existing records, and satellite information to analyze seasonal and year-to-year variations in biogeochemical elements.One standout discovery was the distinct composition of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in Prudhoe Bay. The organic matter here displayed lower molecular weight, possibly due to elevated primary production or reduced land-based contributions. Seasonal changes, particularly in light and nutrient availability linked to sea ice conditions, were found to affect concentrations of chlorophyll-a and, consequently, primary productivity in the ecosystem.We also compared two different chlorophyll-a measurement algorithms—MDN and Level-2—using observed data. A weighted Taylor diagram analysis revealed that Level-2 showed a stronger but less accurate correlation with observed data, whereas MDN provided more accurate estimates but demonstrated a weaker correlation. This highlighted the importance of using weighted metrics to assess the efficacy of different algorithms in various ecological settings.The study's results point to the complexities of Arctic marine ecosystems responding to environmental alterations, especially the role of sea ice and river flows in influencing primary productivity.
