Polynyas: Windows to the World (eBook)

Cover 1
Contents 6
List of Contributors 12
Foreword 14
Preface 16
Chapter 1. The Role of Sea Ice in Arctic and Antarctic Polynyas 18
1. Introduction 18
2. Polynyas, Sea Ice and Climate Variability/Change 21
3. An Inventory of Arctic and Antarctic Polynyas 24
4. Detailed Case Studies 51
5. Conclusions 59
Acknowledgements 60
References 60
Chapter 2. Physical Oceanography of Polynyas 72
1. Introduction 72
2. Polynya Formation Processes 74
3. Physical Oceanography 87
4. Biological Importance of Polynyas 90
5. Future Research in a Changing Environment 91
Acknowledgements 93
References 94
Chapter 3. Polynya Modelling 104
1. Introduction 104
2. Flux Model Approach 106
3. Parameterisations for the Collection Thickness H 109
4. Opening of a One-Dimensional Polynya 111
5. Two-Dimensional Steady-State Solutions 113
6. Two-Dimensional Steady-State Solutions with Ocean Currents 115
7. Unsteady 2-Dimensional Flux Models 115
8. Polynya Closing 119
9. A Polynya Flux Model with a Prognostic Frazil Ice Concentration 123
10. Coupled Atmosphere-Polynya Flux Model 124
11. General Circulation Modelling Approach 125
12. Ice GCM Equations 125
13. Numerical Methods in Ice GCMs 130
14. Regional Ice GCM Applications 133
15. Conclusions 138
Acknowledgements 139
References 139
Chapter 4. Meteorology and Atmosphere-Surface Coupling in and around Polynyas 144
1. Introduction 144
2. Measurements of Meteorological Variables 147
3. NWP Models 163
4. Surface Interactions 164
5. Outlook for the Future 169
6. Summary 169
Appendix A: Acronyms 170
References 171
Chapter 5. Gas Fluxes and Dynamics in Polynyas 180
1. Introduction 180
2. Gases in Cold, Salty Water 181
3. Carbon 183
4. Sulfur 195
5. Methylhalides 197
6. The Future for Air-Sea Gas Exchange in Polynyas 197
Acknowledgements 199
References 199
Chapter 6. Biogeochemistry of Polynyas and Their Role in Sequestration of Anthropogenic Constituents 210
1. Introduction 210
2. Antarctic Polynyas 212
3. Polynyas in the Arctic Ocean 226
References 232
Chapter 7. Physical Control of Primary Productivity in Arctic and Antarctic Polynyas 240
1. Introduction 240
2. Formation of the Four Major Polynyas 241
3. Role of Physicochemical Properties of Polynyas 243
4. Cloud Reduction over Polynyas with High Latent Heat Flux 248
5. Timing of Polynya Expansion 250
References 251
Chapter 8. Primary Production and Nutrient Dynamics in Polynyas 256
1. Introduction 256
2. Phytoplankton Characteristics of Individual Polynyas 260
3. Ecological Consequences of Polynya Production 273
4. Comparison of Arctic and Antarctic Polynyas 276
5. Summary and Conclusions 278
Acknowledgements 280
References 280
Chapter 9. Zooplankton Processes in Arctic and Antarctic Polynyas 288
1. Introduction 289
2. Zooplankton in Arctic Ocean Polynyas 289
3. Zooplankton of the Southern Ocean 304
4. Conclusions 327
Acknowledgements 328
References 328
Chapter 10. Pelagic Bacterial Processes in Polynyas 340
1. Introduction 340
2. Overview: Microbial Food Webs in Polar Seas 343
3. Bacterial Processes in the Ross Sea Polynya (RSP) 348
4. Bacterial Processes in Greenland Polynyas (NEW and NOW) 355
5. Other Polynyas 366
6. Summary and Prospects 366
Acknowledgements 367
References 367
Chapter 11. Benthic Processes in Polynyas 380
1. Introduction 380
2. General Polynya Patterns and Processes 384
3. Means to Assess Interpolynya Differences 391
4. Rate Processes and Their Controls 392
5. Conclusions 401
Acknowledgements 402
References 402
Chapter 12. The Impact and Importance of Production in Polynyas to Top-Trophic Predators: Three Case Histories 408
1. Introduction 408
2. Ross Sea Polynya 410
3. North Water Polynya 415
4. Northeast Water Polynya 418
5. Conclusion 420
References 420
Chapter 13. Polynyas and Climate Change: A View to the Future 428
1. Introduction 428
2. Polynyas and Climate Change: The Arctic 431
3. Polynyas and Climate Change: The Antarctic 432
4. Conclusions 434
References 434
Author Index 438
Subject Index 466