Advances in Polar Science

During the ARK-XXIII/3 expedition of icebreaking RV Polarstern in the high Arctic Ocean (partim north of 73°N) from 25 August to 10 October 2008, 550 transect counts lasting 30 min were devoted to seabird and marine mammal counts from the bridge. In the whole area, the three most numerous species, kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, fulmar Fulmarus glacialis and Brunnich’s guillemot Uria lomvia represented 90% of the total of 12000 individuals registered, followed by ivory gull Pagophila eburnea, black guillemot Cepphus grylle and Ross’s gull Rodostethia rosea. Four geographical zones were recognized on the basis of number of species and density. Both were especially low in the deeper areas (mean depth of 3000 m), both ice-free and heavily ice-covered: 0.3 birds per 30 min count belonging to three and four species respectively. The most numerous species was kittiwake with 0.25 per count (50 individuals) in the ice-covered area. Pinniped numbers were very low as well, the most numerous of the four species tallied being 20 harp seals Phoca groenlandica and 10 ringed seal Pusa hispida. Seven polar bears Ursus maritimus were encountered. These observations were basically confirmed during 12 helicopter flights lasting one hour each with very low numbers: 50 kittiwakes and 13 harp seals, almost none in the ice-covered deep zone. A comparison between data obtained from ship and from helicopter seems however to reflect the importance of seabird followers including for long distances. The only cetaceans were two adult belugas Delphinapterus leucas tallied from helicopter.

Claude R. Joiris

ADVANCES IN POLAR SCIENCE

Very low biodiversity of top predators—seabirds and marine mammals—in the high Arctic Ocean

高北极海洋顶级捕食者——海鸟和海洋哺乳动物——生物多样性极低

Citation: Zuur B. The importance of long-term research and monitoring in the Ross Sea. Adv Polar Sci, 2019, 30 (4): 359-361, doi: 10.13679/j.advps.2019.0025 Note: Queries and discussions on this article should be made by E-mail directly with the corresponding author.

Bob Zuur

The importance of long-term research and monitoring in the Ross Sea

罗斯海长期研究和监测的重要性

Arctic environmental change research and Antarctic studies have mutual benefits for increasing understanding of climate and environmental change in the polar regions. Two examples of bipolar environmental research questions with mutual benefit are presented here. First, climate change and climatically significant cryospheric changes are introduced, and then the roles of albedo feedback mechanism and light absorbing impurities are discussed. Second, the challenge of polar stratospheric ozone depletion is discussed in connection with the increase in the harmful ultraviolet solar irradiance reaching the Earth. Citation: Meinander O. Arctic environmental change research and Antarctic studies have mutual benefits. Adv Polar Sci, 2020, 31 (2): 89-91, doi: 10.13679/j.advps.2020.0003 Note: Queries and discussions on this article should be made by E-mail directly with the corresponding author.

Outi Meinander

Arctic environmental change research and Antarctic studies have mutual benefits

北极环境变化研究与南极研究互利共赢

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs) were investigated in the soil of the Fildes Peninsula, Antarctica. Various analytes were detected, and the concentration of OH-PAHs was 0.300–1.847 ng•g−1 dry weight, with the dominant components being danthron and 1-hydroxy-phenanthrene. The relationship between soil total organic matter (TOM), OH-PAHs, and the parent PAHs in the soil was studied. No significant correlation was detected between the spatial distribution of OH-PAHs and the occurrence of PAHs, whereas a positive correlation with TOM was found.

LI Ruijing

Gao Yunze

Gao Hui

Jin Shuaichen

Cao Shengkai

YE Jiandong

NA Guangshui

Characterization of the parent and hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the soil of the Fildes Peninsula, Antarctica

南极菲尔德斯半岛土壤中母体及羟基化多环芳烃的表征

This study assessed the effects of diesel generators on air quality in the Antarctic. These devices are the primary energy sources for Antarctic research stations and the main stationary sources of anthropogenic emissions in this region. Taking the Vecherny Oasis, Enderby Land, East Antarctica as an example, NOx, SO2 and PM10 emissions were estimated and surface concentrations of these same pollutants as well as the dry deposition of PM10 were calculated for various periods of exploration of the oasis, based on generator capacities. Estimated values were compared with air quality standards and background air concentrations. The areas associated with increased maximum hourly surface concentrations of SO2, NO2 and PM10 over the past 30 a were found to have been reduced by factors of 43–55, 9–16 and 13–27, respectively. The region affected by increased maximum monthly PM10 deposition has been reduced by a factor of 7. Emissions, surface concentrations and dry depositions in the Vecherny Oasis were calculated for diesel generators in the same power range as used at Antarctic research stations. The most powerful diesel generator currently scheduled to be installed in this region was predicted to generate maximum hourly NO2 concentrations above 50 μg•m−3, which is 13 times greater than current levels. The area over which the PM10 deposition rate will exceed 10 mg•m−2•month−1 will be increased by a factor of 40. The technique employed herein has been demonstrated to be applicable to the preliminary assessment of stationary sources of pollutant emissions in Antarctica, including retrospective assessments. Citation: Kakareka S, Salivonchyk S. An assessment of the impacts of diesel power plants on air quality in Antarctica. Adv Polar Sci, 2020, 31(1): 74-87, doi: 10.13679/j.advps.2019.0029

Sergey Kakareka

Sviatlana Salivonchyk

An assessment of the impacts of diesel power plants on air quality in Antarctica

南极洲柴油发电厂对空气质量影响的评估

Snow depth and sea ice thickness were observed applying an ice mass balance buoy (IMB) in the drifting ice station Tara during the International Polar Year in 2007. Detailed in situ observations on meteorological variables and surface fluxes were taken during May to August. For this study, the operational analyses and short-term forecasts from two numerical weather prediction (NWP) models (ECMWF and HIRLAM) were extracted for the Tara drift trajectory. We compared the IMB, meteorological and surface flux observations against the NWP products, also applying a one-dimensional thermodynamic sea ice model (HIGHTSI) to calculate the snow and ice mass balance and its sensitivity to atmospheric forcing. The modelled snow depth time series, controlled by NWP-based precipitation, was in line with the observed one. HIGHTSI reproduced well the snowmelt onset, the progress of the melt, and the first date of snow-free conditions. HIGHTSI performed well also in the late August freezing season. Challenges remain to model the “false bottom” observed during the melting season. The evolution of the vertical temperature profiles in snow and ice was better simulated when the model was forced by in situ observations instead of NWP results. During the melting period, the nonlinear ice temperature profile was successfully modelled with both forcing options. During spring and the melting season, total sea ice mass balance was most sensitive to uncertainties in NWP results for the downward longwave radiation, followed by the downward shortwave radiation, air temperature, and wind speed. Citation : Cheng B, Vihma T, Palo T, et al. Observation and modelling of snow and sea ice mass balance and its sensitivity to atmospheric forcing during spring and summer 2007 in the Central Arctic. Adv Polar Sci, 2021, 32(4): 309-323, doi: 10.13679/j.advps.2021.0047

Bin Cheng

Timo Vihma

Timo Palo

Marcel Nicolaus

Sebastian Gerland

Laura Rontu

Jari Haapala

Donald Perovich

Observation and modelling of snow and sea ice mass balance and its sensitivity to atmospheric forcing during spring and summer 2007 in the Central

2007年春季和夏季中央地区积雪和海冰质量平衡的观测与建模及其对大气强迫的敏感性

Landfast sea ice (LFSI) is a critical component of the Arctic sea ice cover, and is changing as a result of Arctic amplification of climate change. Located in coastal areas, LFSI is of great significance to the physical and ecological systems of the Arctic shelf and in local indigenous communities. We present an overview of the physics of Arctic LFSI and the associated implications on the cryosphere. LFSI is kept in place by four anchoring mechanisms. The evolution of LFSI is mostly determined by thermodynamic processes, and can therefore be used as an indicator of local climate change. We also present the dynamic processes that are active prior to the formation of LFSI, and those that are involved in LFSI freeze-up and breakup. Season length, thickness and extent of Arctic LFSI are decreasing and showing different trends in different seas, and therefore, causing environmental and climatic impacts. An improved coordination of Arctic LFSI observation is needed with a unified and systematic observation network supported by cooperation between scientists and indigenous communities, as well as a better application of remote sensing data to acquire detailed LFSI cryosphere physical parameters, hence revolving both its annual cycle and long-term changes. Integrated investigations combining in situ measurements, satellite remote sensing and numerical modeling are needed to improve our understanding of the physical mechanisms of LFSI seasonal changes and their impacts on the environment and climate. Citation : Zhai M X, Lepparanta M, Cheng B, et al. Physics of Arctic landfast sea ice and implications on the cryosphere: an overview. Adv Polar Sci, 2021, 32(4): 278-291, doi: 10.13679/j.advps.2021.0040

Zhai Mengxi

Matti Leppäranta

Lei Ruibo

Zhang Fanyi

Physics of Arctic landfast sea ice and implications on the cryosphere: an overview

北极固定冰的物理特性及其对冰冻圈的影响：概述

The effects of various precipitation types, such as snow, rain, sleet, hail and freezing rain, on regional hydrology, ecology, snow and ice surfaces differ significantly. Due to limited observations, however, few studies into precipitation types have been conducted in the Arctic. Based on the high-resolution precipitation records from an OTT Parsivel2 disdrometer in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, this study analysed variations in precipitation types in the Alaskan Arctic from 15 May to 16 October, 2019. Results show that rain and snow were the dominant precipitation types during the measurement period, accounting for 92% of the total precipitation. In addition, freezing rain, sleet, and hail were also observed (2, 4 and 11 times, respectively), accounting for the rest part of the total precipitation. The records from a neighbouring U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN) station equipped with T-200B rain gauges support the results of disdrometer. Further analysis revealed that Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite data could well characterise the observed precipitation changes in Utqiaġvik. Combined with satellite data and station observations, the spatiotemporal variations in precipitation were verified in various reanalysis datasets, and the results indicated that ECMWF Reanalysis v5 (ERA5) could better describe the observed precipitation time series in Utqiaġvik and the spatial distribution of data in the Alaskan Arctic. Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2) overestimated the amount and frequency of precipitation. Japanese 55-year Reanalysis (JRA-55) could better simulate heavy precipitation events and the spatial distribution of the precipitation phase, but it overestimated summer snowfall. Citation : Yue H D, Dou T F, Li S T, et al. An observational study of precipitation types in the Alaskan Arctic. Adv Polar Sci, 2021, 32(4): 324-337, doi: 10.13679/j.advps.2021.0027

Yue Handong

Dou Tingfeng

LI Shutong

LI Chuanjin

Ding Minghu

Xiao Cunde

An observational study of precipitation types in the Alaskan Arctic

阿拉斯加北极地区降水类型观测研究

Both planktonic and benthic foraminifera were identified in a sediment core collected from the northern Norwegian Sea to reconstruct the paleoceanographic evolution since the last glaciation. The assemblages and distribution patterns of dominant foraminiferal species with special habitat preferences indicated that three marine environments occurred in the northern Norwegian Sea since 62 ka BP: (1) an environment controlled by the circulation of the North Atlantic Current (NAC); (2) by polynya-related sinking of brines and upwelling of intermediate water surrounding the polynya; (3) by melt-water from Barents Sea Ice Sheet (BSIS). At 62–52.5 ka BP, a period with the highest summer insolation during the last glaciatial period, intensification of the NAC led to higher absolute abundances and higher diversity of foraminiferal faunas. The higher abundance of benthic species Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi indicates bottom water conditions that were well-ventilated with an adequate food supply; however, higher abundances of polar planktonic foraminiferal species Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (sin.) indicate that the near-surface temperatures were still low. During mid-late MIS 3 (52.5–29 ka BP), the marine environment of the northern Norwegian Sea alternately changed among the above mentioned three environments. At 29–17 ka BP during the last glacial maximum, the dominant benthic species Bolivina arctica from the Arctic Ocean indicates an extreme cold bottom environment. The BSIS expanded to its maximum extent during this period, and vast polynya formed at the edge of the ice sheet. The sinking of brines from the formation of sea ice in the polynyas caused upwelling, indicated by the upwelling adapted planktonic species Globigerinita glutinata. At 17–10 ka BP, the northern Norwegian Sea was controlled by melt-water. With the ablation of BSIS, massive amounts of melt water discharged into the Norwegian Sea, resulting in strong water column stratification, poor ventilation, and an oligotrophic bottom condition, which led to a drastic decline in the abundance and diversity of foraminifera. At 10–0 ka BP, the marine environment was transformed again by the control of the NAC, which continues to modern day. The abrupt decrease in relative abundance of Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (sin.) indicates a rise in near-surface temperature with the strengthening of the NAC and without the influence of the BSIS. Citation : Wang W G, Zhao M W, Yang J C, et al. The marine environmental evolution in the northern Norwegian Sea revealed by foraminifera during the last 60 ka. Adv Polar Sci, 2021, 32(3): 210-220, doi: 10.13679/j.advps.2021.0020

Wang Weiguo

Zhao Mengwei

Yang Jichao

Xiao Wenshen

Wang Haoyin

Liu Yang

The marine environmental evolution in the northern Norwegian Sea revealed by foraminifera during the last 60 ka

北挪威海过去6万年有孔虫揭示的海洋环境演变

The importance of polar ice as vital components of the global ocean–climate system is widely recognized. In this paper, we demonstrate the importance and urgency of polar research, describe the primary characteristics of sea ice and ice shelves, and outline the current status and difficulties associated with sub-ice research. We highlight the importance of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) as important tools for oceanographic research. We present recent progress in UUV deployment in sub-ice research in the Arctic and the Antarctic, and review the latest international developments in UUV structure, navigation, payload, and field operation. Moreover, Chinese polar UUVs and their deployments in the polar regions are presented in detail. Key technologies and solutions regarding polar application of UUVs (e.g., sub-ice navigation and positioning, energy supply and data transmission, and sub-ice guidance and recovery) are discussed. Given the current worldwide attention on polar science, the potential future directions of UUV-related polar research (e.g., observations under Antarctic ice shelves, long-range surveys beneath Arctic sea ice and application of intelligent technology) are discussed. Citation :Zeng J B, Li S, Liu Y. Application of unmanned underwater vehicles in polar research. Adv Polar Sci, 2021, 32(3): 173-184, doi: 10.13679/j.advps.2021.0018

Publication Information	Publisher: Editorial Office of Advances in Polar Science，Publishing cycle: ，Journal Type: journal，Open Access Journals: No
Basic data	Year of publication: 2020，Proportion of original research papers: 0.00%，Self Citation Rate:N.A.， Gold OA Rate: 0.00%

Advances in Polar Science

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