The International North Water Polynya Study (NOW): A progress report (scientific note)
After three highly successful, multidisciplinary expeditions totaling 180 days at sea, what have we learned about the functioning, ecological importance, and future of the North Water ecosystem? The scientific program of NOW comprises 13 projects tightly integrated around a central hypothesis that l...
Summary: | After three highly successful, multidisciplinary expeditions totaling 180 days at sea, what have we learned about the functioning, ecological importance, and future of the North Water ecosystem? The scientific program of NOW comprises 13 projects tightly integrated around a central hypothesis that links spatial and temporal gradients in biological productivity and carbon export to the hydrographic/meteorological forcing of the North Water. Preliminary interpretations from observations and modeling efforts are summarized concerning (among several other topics), the relative importance of sensible and latent heat processes in maintaining the polynya; the duration, intensity and nature of biological production in the North Water; and the export of carbon to the pelagic food web and at depth. |
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