Linking observations and modelling to advance our understanding of spatio-temporal variations in structure and productivity of Arctic protist plankton

• Main Author: Lampe, Vanessa
• Other Authors: Oschlies, Andreas, Engel, Anja
• Format: Doctoral or Postdoctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel 2024
• Subjects: thesis; ddc:500; Arctic Ocean; Protist Plankton; Variability; Lagrangian Modelling; Size-based Modelling; Climate change; Fram Strait
• Online Access: https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:gbv:8:3-2024-00790-9; https://macau.uni-kiel.de/receive/macau_mods_00005082; https://macau.uni-kiel.de/servlets/MCRFileNodeServlet/macau_derivate_00006423/dissertation_Lampe_2024.pdf

The Arctic Ocean, a critical player in global climate dynamics, is undergoing rapid and dramatic changes. This doctoral thesis explores the Arctic's intricate variability in physical, chemical, and biological processes, with a focus on the Fram Strait. The primary objective is to advance our understanding of the connections between the microbial pelagic ecosystem and organic matter cycling in the Arctic Ocean, while explicitly accounting for the variability seen in observational data. This thesis aims to unravel the complex dynamics driving temporal and spatial variations in protist plankton composition, identifying key regions crucial for discerning growth dynamics. Understanding the ranges and drivers of seasonal and inter-annual variability in these processes is critical for reliable projections of future climate change impacts on Arctic ecosystems. Combining in-situ observations, advanced modelling, and remote sensing, this work uncovers the dynamic responses of Arctic plankton to variable conditions. The findings provide vital insights into the spatial and temporal variability of Arctic protist plankton, offering a foundation for future research and helping to predict the impacts of climate change on this critical region.