Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

<p>The requested equipment is a new-generation, solar simulator (&ldquo;artificial Sun&rdquo;) that will be installed in an existing cold-room laboratory (temperature ranging from -40^oC to 0^oC) at the University of Manitoba. It will allow a group of Arctic researchers to carry out molecular- and microcosm-scale studies to address major knowledge gaps in optical, photochemical and biological processes under conditions resembling those of the Arctic sea ice environment. <br /> <br /> The interaction between solar radiation and the sea ice environment is of fundamental importance in understanding the rapid changes occurring in the Arctic and their implications for ecosystem health and socio-economic development. The requested solar simulator represents a major complement to our ongoing cutting-edge research in this area, enabling us to carry out hypothesis-driven research under fully controlled conditions in the following three areas: 1) structural-optical processes of sea ice; 2) photochemical degradation of methylmercury, crude oil and associated contaminants in the sea ice environment; and 3) photo-acclimation and ecotoxicology of sea-ice and melt-water algae. The results will provide critically needed data to inform and improve policies and practices concerning the changing Arctic, as we grapple as a nation with the opening of Canada&rsquo;s Third Ocean. A better understanding of photochemical degradation of oil and associated contaminants is of particular urgency, as the activities in the hydrocarbon and shipping industries are projected to increase rapidly in the Canadian Arctic.<br /> <br /> At least 35 highly qualified personnel (HQP), including technicians, postdoctoral research fellows and graduate students, will have the opportunity to train on and utilize this state-of-the-art equipment and associated techniques in the next five years. HQP with this training are in high demand, not only in academia, but also in government and industry. </p>