Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
University of Manitoba
$106,945.00
Instrumental suite for high-resolution ice-ocean interface and boundary layer process studies in the Canadian Arctic
FY 2013-14
Summary
The rapidly changing Arctic sea ice cover is having an impact on the polar marine environment. However, the extent of this impact on future changes, carbon cycling and ecosystem functioning remain highly uncertain. Lacking are high-resolution processes studies that can resolve the natural spatial and temporal variability present in the system, and allow it to be systematically studied as a function of the physical, chemical and ecological conditions. The aim of this Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 grant application is to take the next step beyond the occasional point sampling through coordinated multi-disciplinary sampling in support of ice-ocean boundary layer process studies.We propose to use a suite of new real-time analytical and acoustical instrumentation in support of ongoing and applied for research to resolve physical and biogeochemical processes operating at the ice-ocean interface and in the under-ice boundary layer. With this instrumentation suite, we will be able to address important knowledge gaps in our understanding of the air-sea-ice interactions, including: (i) atmospheric CO2 uptake by the ice-ocean system and its transport to deep-waters during ice formation and melt, (ii) sea ice melt evolution associated with climate feedbacks, (iii) the development of under-ice melt water layers that support a distinct flora, and (iv) the role of sea ice in the uptake, formation, transport and release of particulate matter that can include terrigenous sediment, phytoplankton and ice algae, atmospheric soot, and contaminants.Through our research, these instruments will be used in the training of at least 15 HQP (3 technicians and 12 graduate students) in state-of-the-art environmental sampling techniques. In situ real-time sensors are the new generation of analytical techniques with a wide range of application both in government and industry, and their application in the Arctic Ocean is an emerging field of research and technological development.
Program
Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
Recipient
Location
Manitoba, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
458508-2014
Name nom
Ehn, Jens
Department département
Environment and Geography
Organization id
19
Institution établissement
University of Manitoba
Province en
Manitoba
Province fr
Manitoba
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2013
Competition year année de concours
2014
Award amount
106945
Program id
EQPEQ
Program name en
Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
Program name fr
Outils et instruments de recherche - catégorie 1 (<150 000$)
Group en
Discovery grants programs
Group fr
Programmes de subventions à la découverte
Committee code
1506
Committee name en
Geosciences
Committee name fr
Géosciences
Area of application code
402
Area of application group en
Environment
Area of application group fr
Environnement
Area of application en
Oceans, seas and estuaries
Area of application fr
Océans, mers et estuaires
Research subject code
4600
Research subject group en
Oceanography
Research subject group fr
Océanographie
Research subject en
Oceanography
Research subject fr
Océanographie
Partie
1
Nb partie
1
Application title
Instrumental suite for high-resolution ice-ocean interface and boundary layer process studies in the Canadian Arctic
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
The rapidly changing Arctic sea ice cover is having an impact on the polar marine environment. However, the extent of this impact on future changes, carbon cycling and ecosystem functioning remain highly uncertain. Lacking are high-resolution processes studies that can resolve the natural spatial and temporal variability present in the system, and allow it to be systematically studied as a function of the physical, chemical and ecological conditions. The aim of this Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 grant application is to take the next step beyond the occasional point sampling through coordinated multi-disciplinary sampling in support of ice-ocean boundary layer process studies.We propose to use a suite of new real-time analytical and acoustical instrumentation in support of ongoing and applied for research to resolve physical and biogeochemical processes operating at the ice-ocean interface and in the under-ice boundary layer. With this instrumentation suite, we will be able to address important knowledge gaps in our understanding of the air-sea-ice interactions, including: (i) atmospheric CO2 uptake by the ice-ocean system and its transport to deep-waters during ice formation and melt, (ii) sea ice melt evolution associated with climate feedbacks, (iii) the development of under-ice melt water layers that support a distinct flora, and (iv) the role of sea ice in the uptake, formation, transport and release of particulate matter that can include terrigenous sediment, phytoplankton and ice algae, atmospheric soot, and contaminants.Through our research, these instruments will be used in the training of at least 15 HQP (3 technicians and 12 graduate students) in state-of-the-art environmental sampling techniques. In situ real-time sensors are the new generation of analytical techniques with a wide range of application both in government and industry, and their application in the Arctic Ocean is an emerging field of research and technological development.
