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Overview


Potential Response
Ocean change is an emerging topic. As such, it is vital that as much data capture, analysis and interpretation be performed so that multiple conclusions can be drawn.  .
Researcher
Ice Base Scientists
Institute
N/A

Background
Ocean acidification research is a rapidly expanding field, with the potential impacts of increasing levels of CO2 absorption by seawater only just starting to be understood.

Given that CO2 is more easily absorbed in cold waters, the Arctic Ocean is a key research area, with the findings here acting as an early-warning system for what we might expect to see across the planet. As such, it is vital that we gather as much data as possible, as soon as possible.

This will enable scientists to develop more robust models of ocean acidification, and help us deal with the potential consequences more quickly and effectively.

Traditionally, data and research has tended to be interpreted exclusively by a single scientific institution with a specific hypothesis to be tested. The aim of this year’s Catlin Arctic Survey is therefore to gather a host of important detailed data and to promote the sharing of this across the scientific community.
Planned Research
There are four indicators of CO2 absorption in seawater:

i) The pH
ii) The alkalinity
iii) The partial pressure (i.e. concentration) of CO2 in the water
iv) The dissolved inorganic carbon content of the water

Samples taken by the Ice Base team will be tested for at least two of these indicators (the minimum required for ocean acidification research). 

The resultant data will be shared amongst all participating institutions. This will enable comparisons to be made between ocean acidification levels and any additional observations made of relevance to their own specific field of research.
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IMAGE OF THE DAY
Last of the kit being shipped from Resolute Bay
Dom_explorer
posted by
Explorer Team
Tue 18 May
The Explorers Are Back Home
Following a joyous reunion at Heathrow Airport, the three explorers are now back home with their families enjoying some much-needed rest & recuperation....
more >
Dom_icebase
posted by
Ice Base Team
Sat 01 May
The Ice Base Has Been Dismantled
The Ice Base has now been dismantled and the scientists have returned to their respective institutions to continue their research into ocean acidification....
more >
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Ops Managers (Claire and Laura) talk about getting freight back from Arctic http://www.catlinarcticsurvey.com/AudioGallery.aspx
Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:52:45