Proceedings: Students in Polar and Alpine Research Conference 2020
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Students in Polar and Alpine Research Conference 2020 - preface Dear colleagues from within the polar and alpine research community,
Today we are once again honoured to host the international Students in Polar and Alpine Research Conference, already in its sixth year. The conference has been held despite the ongoing unfavourable circumstances of the global CoViD-19 pandemic, which has forced us to move largely to online streaming. Nonetheless, we were able to meet also in person, albeit in smaller numbers than the previous years, on the premises of the Department of Geography, Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia. The topics covered include the fields of both geosciences and biosciences, as well as interdisciplinary studies. We believe this conference has given us a glimpse of hope that we will soon be able to return to our researches and field works in those unforgiving, yet beautiful environments of the polar and alpine regions.
A total of 40 contributions were presented during the two days of the conference, including 4 keynote lectures, 30 oral presentations and 10 posters. We would like to thank all the participants, including the young scientists who have presented their interesting research topics and the keynote speakers for sharing their knowledge and experience with us. We are happy to welcome old friends as well as colleagues participating for the first time, yet who will hopefully come again in next years.
There is a website dedicated to Students in Polar and Alpine Research Conference, which you can find on https://sparc-brno.webnode.cz. We sincerely hope that we will meet again in Brno in the near future.
Brno, 22 September 2020
Jan Kavan, Matěj Roman
Proceedings Students in Polar and Alpine Research Conference 2020 Place Date Brno (Czech Republic) 21–22 September 2020 Editors: Jan Kavan, Matěj Roman, Filip Hrbáček
Acknowledgements: The organizing committee of Students in Polar and Alpine Research Conference 2020 gratefully thanks the Department of Geography, Masaryk University for providing us with the conference room and related equipment. The conference is organized with financial support from EEA grants via the project „Cool Science – training course in polar research“. The funding support for the conference was provided by the project MUNI/A/1356/2019, the projectS LM2015078 and CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_013/0001708 funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic. and the Permafrost Young Researcher Network (PYRN). We acknowledge the keynote speakers who had the will to contribute to the conference. © 2020 Masarykova univerzita
ISBN 978-80-210-9660-8 Published by Masaryk University, Žerotínovo náměstí, 617/9, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic, 1st edition.
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Contents:
Keynote section Atmospheric dust in polar environments Pavla Dagsson-Waldhauserova, O. Arnalds, O. Meinander, J.-B. Renard, B. Moroni, J. Kavan 4
Changes in snowpack and snowmelt contribution to seasonal runoff in mountain catchments Michal Jeníček 5
The effects of changing environment on human activities in the Arctic: Drivers and challenges Barbora Padrtová 7
Primary succession of vegetation and initial soil development in the Arctic and Alpine ecosystems Paulina Wietrzyk-Pełka 8
Participant section Peculiarities of medical care in Antarctic crews with a special respect to dentistry Julie Bartáková 9
Seasonal changes of spectral reflectance indices in different types of Antarctic vegetation Michaela Bednaříková, Miloš Barták 11 Assessment of the recession rate of Gangotri and its tributary glacier, Garhwal Himalaya (India) through kinematic GPS survey and satellite data Harish Bisht, Bahadur Singh Kotlia, Kireet Kumar, Saurabh Kumar Sah, Manmohan Kukreti 12
Diurnal dynamics of the CO2 fluxes from the soil surface of typical ecosystems in north taiga and south tundra of Western Siberia Anna Bobrik 13
Issues on diversity of soil diatoms in the Antarctic Realm Tereza Cahová, Barbora Chattová 14
Estimating the volume of glaciers in the Russian Altai region using different methods Wai Yin Cheung, Dmitry Ganyushkin 16
Spectral ultraviolet radiation measurements at Marambio Base, Antarctic Peninsula Klára Čížková, Kamil Láska, Ladislav Metelka, Martin Staněk 17
Deglaciation of the central sector of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet in northern British Columbia Helen E. Dulfer, Martin Margold 19 Preliminary palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the sedimentary infill of a tectonic valley: the Jinačovice exposure (Brno-venkov district) case study Jakub Holuša 20 EUNIS habitats at the territory of the East European tundra (in the example of key area on the right bank of the Kuya River) Kseniia Ivanova 22
The registration of lichen monitoring patch photograps into time series Snæbjörn Helgi Arnarsson Jack 24
Preliminary Results of Modelling on James Ross Island (Antarctica) Klára Jeklová, Kamil Láska, Michael Matějka, Joachim Reuder 25
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How can rain-on-snow events contribute to the stream runoff Roman Juras, Johanna R. Blöcher, Michal Jenicek, Yannis Markonis, Ondrej Ledvinka 26
High Latitude Dust transport altitude pattern revealed from deposition on snow, Svalbard Jan Kavan, Kamil Láska, Adam Nawrot, Tomasz Wawrzyniak 28
Visual exploration of data acquired at the Mendel Polar Station in Antarctica Matěj Lang, Sergej Stoppel, Jan Byška, Bára Kozlíková 29
Modelling of surface energy balance of James Ross Island glaciers, Antarctic Peninsula region Michael Matějka, Kamil Láska 30
Arctic Justice Daria Mishina 31 Resistance of Antarctic moss Sanionia uncinata to photoinhibition: analysis oflimitationof photosynthetic processes Alla Orekhova, Miloš Barták, Josef Hájek 32
The underestimated informative value of archaeozoological remains in Svalbard Franziska Paul 34
Variability of the Arctic active layer Claudia Pérez Ramos 35
Water column properties of Kongressvatn, Kapp Linné, SW Svalbard Nil Rodes, Michael Retelle, Alan Werner, Steven Roof 37
Dating the sedimentary record from Monolith Lake, James Ross Island, Antarctic Peninsula Matěj Roman, David Sanderson, Alan Creswell, Daniel Nývlt 38
Comparative features of ice fluctuations in the area of the Svalbard and Franz Josef Land archipelagos B.S. Shapkin, A.V. Rubchenia, B.V. Ivanov, A.D. Revina, V.M. Smolyanitskiy 39
Arctic permafrost is a promising ecosystem for rhodopsin-like proteins gene search Artemiy Y. Sukhanov, Natalya I. Eromasova, Elena V. Spirina, Elizaveta M. Rivkina 41
The current state of the glaciers in the Caucasus Mountains Levan Tielidze 42
The Ahuriri Glacier during the Last Glacial Maximum, Southern Alps, New Zealand Levan Tielidze, Shaun Eaves, Kevin Norton, Andrew Mackintosh 43
High latitude dust in Iceland Alexandr Vítek, Pavla Dagsson-Waldhauserová, Olafur Arnalds, Brian Barr, Nathalie Burdová 44
High Arctic small catchments on Wedel Jarlsberg Land (SW Spitsbergen) ─ connections and differences Aleksandra Wołoszyn 45
Featured remote sensing methods of investigation in polar landscape evolution — solution for lockdown? Aleksandra Wołoszyn, Iwo Wieczorek 46
Pollen inferred Holocene vegetation and climate variability on sub-Antarctic South Georgia Maaike Zwier, Anne E. Bjune, Willem G. M. van der Bilt 47
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Atmospheric dust in polar environments Pavla Dagsson-Waldhauserova1,2*, Olafur Arnalds1, Outi Meinander3, Jean-Baptiste Renard4, Bea Moroni5, Jan Kavan6
1Faculty of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Agricultural University of Iceland, Hvanneyri, Borgarnes, IS 311, Iceland. 2Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, 165 21 Czech Republic. 3Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland. 4LPC2E-CNRS / Université d’Orléans, Orléans, France 5Università di Perugia, Italy 6Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic * [email protected]
The Arctic and Antarctic regions include large These areas used to be, however, vegetated while areas of High Latitude Dust (HLD) sources, from forests covered at least 25% of the country about where dust is transported long distances. The first 800 years ago. Woodlands were reduced due to estimates are that all high latitude dust sources medieval agricultural methods to almost total cover > 500,000 km2 and contribute to at least 5 % elimination about 100 years ago. Cold climate and of global dust budget. Iceland is the largest Arctic massive erosion caused a collapse turning as well as European desert with high dust event vegetated ecosystem into desert. Today Iceland frequency (~135 dust days annually). Icelandic experiences >130 dust event days annually (based volcanic dust can be transported distances > 1700 on the weather report analyses 1949-2011) km towards the Arctic and deposited on snow, ice affecting the area of > 500,000 km2. and sea ice. Atmospheric-cryospheric interaction Dust measurements in the Antarctic Peninsula of dust will be introduced. It is estimated that about showed that the air is polluted by local dust 7% of Icelandic dust can reach the high Arctic sources, as well as due to long-range transport from (N>80°). Vertical profiles of Icelandic dust storms Patagonia. The PM10 concentrations in Antarctica showed the presence of dust in altitudes of several were higher than those in natural areas of the kilometres. Icelandic dust is also transported Northern Europe. Newly identified HLD sources as towards the Europe with volcanic dust fingerprints well as the first evidence that Icelandic volcanic found in Balkan Peninsula (Belgrade). dust reaching the High Arctic, Svalbard Islands, The main HLD sources are introduced with focus will be presented. HLD contributes to Arctic and on Iceland and Antarctica. Iceland is the largest Antarctic air pollution and has the potential to Arctic as well as European desert with 44,000 km2 influence ice nucleation in mixed-phase clouds and of desert areas. This represents that > 40% of Arctic amplification. Iceland is poorly vegetated and with high erosion rates, not including the 11% extent of the glaciers.
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Changes in snowpack and snowmelt contribution to seasonal runoff in mountain catchments Michal Jeníček
Department of Physical Geography and Geoecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia [email protected]
The streamflow seasonality in mountain spring and summer runoff, 2) the importance of catchments is largely influenced by snow. snowmelt in generating runoff compared to However, a shift from snowfall to rain is expected rainfall, and 3) how the changes in snow storages in the future. Consequently, a decrease in snow will affect streamflow seasonality and extremes in storage and earlier snowmelt is predicted, which the future. The snow storage, groundwater recharge will cause changes in spring and summer runoff and streamflow were simulated for 59 mountain and thus water availability. Therefore, the catchments in Czechia and 14 catchments in objectives of our research is to quantify 1) how Switzerland for the past 35 years using a bucket- inter-annual variations in snow storages affect type catchment model. The model performance
Figure 1. (top left) Mean SWEmax, (top right) mean snowfall fraction, (bottom left) DOY of SWEmax, and (bottom right) DOY of melt-out at different elevations for the reference period and three future periods. Lines express real values, bars express relative differences from the reference period. From Jenicek et al. (2018).
5 was evaluated against observed daily runoff and storages for Swiss catchments showed the largest snow water equivalent. The impact of future relative decrease in annual maximum SWE for climate changes on streamflow in Czech elevations below 2200 m a.s.l. (60-75% for the catchments was assessed using dynamically period 2070-2099) and the snowmelt season shift downscaled climate simulations from several by up to four weeks earlier. Similar decrease was general circulation models (GCMs) in combination simulated also for Czech catchments, although at with several regional climate models (RCMs). The generally lower elevations. Additionally, large analysis was based on three Representative decrease in snowfall fraction (a ratio of snowfall Concentration Pathways (RCP 2.6, 4.5 and 8.5). water equivalent to total annual precipitation) was For Swiss catchments, downscaled scenarios were simulated. The above future changes in snow available as daily estimates of changes in air storages will affect future runoff. For Swiss temperature and precipitation relative to the catchments, the relative decrease in spring and reference period 1980-2009 for three future periods summer minimum runoff that was caused by the until 2100 and the A1B emission scenario. relative decrease in maximum SWE (i.e., elasticity), reached 40-90% in most of catchments The results from Czech catchments showed that for the reference period and decreased for the 17-42% (26% on average) of the total runoff in last future periods. This decreasing elasticity indicated 35 years originates as snowmelt, despite the fact that the effect of snow on summer low flows is that only 12-37% (20% on average) of the reduced in the future. Simulations of future runoff precipitation falls as snow. This means that snow is suggested that the fraction of snowmelt runoff in more effective in generating catchment runoff summer will decrease by more than 50% at the compared to liquid precipitation. This was highest elevations in the future and almost documented by modelling experiments which disappear at the lowest elevations. The results showed that total annual runoff and groundwater achieved at both study domains might have large recharge decreases in the case of a precipitation implications on water availability as well as river shift from snow to rain. For most of the Czech ecology during summer period. catchments, the lowest summer baseflow was reached in years with both relatively low summer References: precipitation and snow storage. This showed that Jenicek, M., Seibert, J., Staudinger, M. (2018). summer low flows are not only a function of low Modeling of Future Changes in Seasonal Snowpack and Impacts on Summer Low Flows in precipitation and high evapotranspiration, but they Alpine Catchments. Water Resources Research 54, are significantly affected by previous winter 538–556. https://doi.org/10.1002/2017WR021648 snowpack. The simulations of the future snow
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The effects of changing environment on human activities in the Arctic: Drivers and challenges Barbora Padrtová
Department of International Relations and European Studies, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Joštova 10, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic [email protected]
Climate change brings several layers of challenges legal and security developments in the Arctic to the Arctic. On the one hand, we can observe region. Based on the gained findings, the team will increased human activities that create potential for develop risks analysis and recommendations for economic development – especially in mining, oil mitigating the impact of environmental changes on and gas industry, shipping, fisheries and tourism. the natural environment and population in the On the other hand, these economic benefits pose a specific Arctic territories. The research directly risk to the environment, local populations and contributes to encouraging interdisciplinary traditional livelihood of the Indigenous peoples. innovative approach with high added value and The aim of the presentation is to briefly introduce international impact. Innovative aspects of the the new interdisciplinary project (2020-2022), that project lie in the interdisciplinary character of the investigates the impact of climate change and Arctic research across different specializations – human activities on the natural environment in the natural science, social science and law, which has Arctic. The team is composed of eight scientists not been combined and investigated yet. with different specialization from three faculties of Additionally, the project is unique due to its the Masaryk University – Faculty of Social Studies, specific science communication and dissemination Faculty of Science, and Faculty of Law. The of research findings, which aims at four levels of research focuses on both the challenges and risk audiences – (i) academic community, (ii) assessment in terrestrial ecosystems. The team policymakers, (iii) general public, and (iv) investigates the relation of natural environment students. In addition, the research project supports changes to the human-to-environment interaction, the inclusion of female scientists. as well as the consequences for the geopolitical,
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Primary succession of vegetation and initial soil development in the Arctic and Alpine ecosystems
Paulina Wietrzyk-Pełka
Professor Z. Czeppe Department of Polar Research and Documentation, Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
In contrast to secondary succession, primary of glacier forelands by cryptogamic species as well succession occurs only on newly exposed lands. as about their impact on initial soil formation. Thus, there are not many places across the world Research showed the high diversity of cryptogams where the colonisation of barren areas might be in the forelands as well as the important role of observed and studied. However, such conditions biological soil crusts in the process of soil are fulfilled in the glacier forelands. The on-going development. Both primary succession and soil rapid melting of glaciers gives a unique development turned out to be not linear in their opportunity to investigate primary succession of character. In addition, they depended on various vegetation as well as the process of soil biotic and abiotic factors. Moreover, many development which is inseparably linked to species additional sources of life were recently identified colonisation. In Arctic and alpine regions, plant including endogenous glacier habitats and communities are dominated by cryptogamic atmospheric deposition. Previously, the forelands species. These are typically pioneering spore- were often considered as ecosystems characterised bearing organisms, such as algae, bacteria, by relatively simple relations between their biotic cyanobacteria, microfungi, lichens, and and abiotic elements. However, current studies bryophytes. On the soil surface, they often form show complex network of interactions between complex extracellular matrix together with soil species invisible to the naked eye as well as their particles. These structures are called biological soil important roles in the processes shaping initial crusts. They are especially common in the foreland ecosystems of glacier forelands. areas where harsh habitat conditions limit the Acknowledgements: The field research leading to occurrence of vascular plants. However, still little these results has received funding from the is known about colonisation of the barren substrate European Union’s Horizon 2020 project INTERACT, grant No. 730938. The laboratory analyses were financed by National Science Centre in Poland within Preludium project, grant No. 2017/27/N/ST10/00862. The work of Paulina Wietrzyk-Pełka was supported by Etiuda project of the National Science Centre in Poland, grant No. 2019/32/T/ST10/00182.
Figure 1. A view on Rabots Glacier (N Sweden) and its foreland.
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Peculiarities of medical care in Antarctic crews with a special respect to dentistry Julie Bartáková1,2
1Stomatological Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno, Pekařská 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic 2Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Molecular Metabolism and Chronic Diseases Group, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
To carry out medical care, research and Number of crew members taking part in the Czech investigations is essential in Antarctica, both in Antarctic expeditions to James Ross Island varied overwintering and short-term (austral summer) between 12 to 22 in particular austral summer crews. This study aims to evaluate disease and seasons. In the period of 2007-2018, the following injury trends among the members of Czech cases are reported. expeditions (1/2-month-long) with a special Description: The first case was fracture of the respect to dental problems. Long-term medical data upper central right incisor distaly. Temporary filing (Ikeda et al. 2019, 50 y) showed that majority of as a first aid did not hold, because there was not diseases belongs to 1) surgery and orthopedics, 2) enough retentiton. First aid was brushing the sharp internal problems, and 3) dentistry. In the study, end with an abrasive strip. The second case was dental problems were the third most frequent, loosing of permanent filling from the first lower reaching 12% cases. Therefore, comprehensive right mollar. Pacient felt a pain. After closing the information and data base on dental care in cavity with temporary filling, the tooths was Antarctica is needed so that proper dental care without any pain, and other clinical symptoms. The could be provided during expeditions. Risks of third case were two man reporting nonspecific dental problems in Antarctica are similar to those pain. The first man felt a pain in the upper jaw on in high mountains (Küpper et al. 2014), however the right side. The second man felt a pain in lower long-term stays of crews in Antarctica bring higher jaw on the left side. The dentist made a percussion probability and frequency of dental problem. test, which was negative. After one day, the pain Classification of dental problems is sometimes went away. The fourth case was loosing of upper problematic in Antarctica because of missing central left incisor abutment and crown from dental information due to unsufficient examination implant. There was no first aid, because the protocol. However, Zaitsu et Kawaguchi (2017) instruments for fixing abutments to the implant has identified six major dental problems, such as were not a part of first aid equipment available at 1) Abscess, 2) Avulsion/Tooth Loss, 3) Caries, the station. 4) Crown Replacement, 5) Exposed Pulp/Pulpitis, In Antarcic crews, similarly to medical care in and 6) Filling Replacement. For the Czech expeditions and stay in extreme environments Antarctic Program, available data from the period (Mellor et al. 2015), the following aspects must be of 2007-2018 were gathered and dental cases pointed out: It is recommended to provide guidance description done. Since the number of crew people and expedition medics to ensure the best possible was rather low, the incidence of the dental cases dental care. Additionally, system of medical was not calculated. However, treatment is reported planning is suggested to enable expedition for major cases. leaders/doctors to identify the potential medical
9 risks and their mitigation. Last but not least, References specific topics in dental research are encouraged Bushan, B. et al. (2019). Journal of Oral for Antarctic crews recently, such as e.g. Microbiology 11, 1581513. biodiversity of human oral microbiota (Bushan et Ikeda, A. et al. (2019). International Journal of al., 2019). Circumpolar Health 78, 1611327. Küpper, T. et al. (2014). Hight Altitude Medicine Information on medical care, frequency of diseases and Biology 15, 39-45. and applied treatment are indispensable to the Mellor, A. et al. (2015). Extreme Physiology and advancement of medical system and research in Medicine 4, 1-10. Antarctica. For dentistry, a pre-expedition dental Zaitsu, T., Kawaguchi, Y. (2017). The training program for the attending doctor is International Journal of Oral Health 13, 13-16. suggested.
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Seasonal changes of spectral reflectance indices in different types of Antarctic vegetation Michaela Bednaříková*, Miloš Barták
Department of Experimental Biology of Plants, Institute of Experimental Biology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic *[email protected]
It is very difficult for any photosynthesizing Johann Gregor Mendel (the James Ross Island, organism to survive and grow successfully in the Antarctica). The measurements were done Antarctic terrestrial environments. Even during the repeatedly in 3-4 days interval in 2018 and 2019. summer period these organisms are exposed to low Afterwards, we compared seasonal changes in temperature, strong wind, high irradiance and other NDVI and PRI for particular vegetation types. In stressors. Among them, limited liquid water 2018, spectral reflectance curves (380-800 nm) availability plays important role, so that Antarctic were also measured, and other reflectance indices vegetation pass through several dehydration and were analysed. The most sensitive indices to rehydration events during austral summer season. hydration/dehydration were SR (simple ratio All the above-specified environmental stressors index), OSAVI (optimized soil-adjusted vegetation may influence the photosynthetic performance as index), G (greenness index), TCARI (transformed well as spectral reflectance properties of chlorophyll absorption in reflectance index), and photosynthesizing organisms. Spectral reflectance SIPI (structure intensive pigment index). Apparent is, therefore, a very useful method for analysis of differences were found between Bryum, Nostoc different types of vegetation both by ground and and bare soil measured data. The highest values remote sensing approach. The most used spectral were measured in Bryum, the lowest values in bare reflectance indices are the normalized differential soil. We also found hydration-dependent changes vegetation index (NDVI), associated with the in the parameters within the season (Jan – Feb) and chlorophyll content and dehydration in lichens, and related them to actual water availability for photochemical reflectance index (PRI), related to particular vegetation type. the xanthophyll cycle conversion and changes in Acknowledgement: PSII functioning. The authors are grateful to CzechPolar-2 In our study, we repeatedly (in two consecutive infrastructure (LM2015078) that enabled sample austral summers) measured NDVI and PRI index collection and handling. Experimental part of work and spectral reflectance curves in three types of has been done in the EEL laboratory (CzechPolar Antarctic vegetation: (1) moss Bryum sp., (2) project infrastructure) and supported by the cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. and (3) bare soil. The ECOPOLARIS project (CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_ studied vegetation types were on the long-term 013/0001708). research plot close to the Czech Antarctic Station
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Assessment of the recession rate of Gangotri and its tributary glacier, Garhwal Himalaya (India) through kinematic GPS survey and satellite data
Harish Bisht1*, Bahadur Singh Kotlia1, Kireet Kumar2, Saurabh Kumar Sah2, Manmohan Kukreti1
1Centre of Advanced Study, Department of Geology, Kumaun University Nainital, 263002, India. 2G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, 263643, Uttarakhand, India.
In order to reconstruct past retreating rates, total ablation season (May to September) in years 2005 area loss, volume change and shift in snout position and 2015 reveals that the retreating rate has been were measured through multi-temporal satellite comparatively more declined than that shown by data from 1989 to 2016 and kinematic GPS survey the earlier studies. The GPS dataset show that the from 2015 to 2016. The results obtained from average recession rate is 10.26±0.05 m/year. In satellite data indicate that in the last 27 years order to determine the possible causes of decreased Chaturangi glacier snout has retreated 1172.57 retreating rate, a relationship between debris ±38.3 m (average 45.07 ± 4.31 m/year) with a total thickness and melt rate was also established by area and volume loss of 0.626 ± 0.001 sq. km and using ablation stakes. The present study concludes 0.139 km3 respectively. The field measurements that remote sensing method is suitable for large through differential global positioning system area and long term study, while kinematic GPS is survey revealed that the annual retreating rate was more appropriate for the annual monitoring of 22.84 ±0.05 m/ year. The large variations in results retreating rate of glacier snout. The present study derived from both the methods are probably also emphasizes on mapping of all the tributary because of higher difference in their accuracy. glaciers in order to assess the overall changes in the Snout monitoring of the Gangotri glacier during the main glacier system and its health.
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Diurnal dynamics of the CO2 fluxes from the soil surface of typical ecosystems in north taiga and south tundra of Western Siberia Anna Bobrik
Department of Soil Science, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskie Gory, 119991, Moscow, Russia [email protected]
Understanding of CO2 fluxes from soils is critical recorded. Generally, the lowest daily CO2 flux to estimating future atmospheric CO2 occurred just before sunrise, as did the minimum concentrations and global temperatures in Arctic soil temperature at 10 cm depth. The average region, because global warming may trigger values of CO2 fluxes from the soil of the peatland positive feedback between the atmosphere and and forest ecosystem do not differ significantly in terrestrial ecosystems. The aim of our study was to the daytime from 10 am to 6 pm and correspond to assess the diurnal dynamics of the CO2 fluxes from the average daily value. Therefore, a wide range of the soil surface of the typical ecosystems in north daytime is optimal for gas fluxes measurements. taiga and south tundra of Arctic Western Siberia The south tundra research site (Urengoy) is located (Russia). in continuous permafrost zone (N 67°48; E
The north taiga research site (Nadym) is located in 76°69’). Soil CO2 fluxes were measured discontinuous permafrost zone (N65º18', E72º52'). continuously from 20 to 24 August, 2017 as well as
Soil CO2 fluxes were measured continuously from soil temperature and moisture on the different 13 to 17 August, 2017 as well as soil temperature depths. The typical tundra ecosystems are and moisture on the different depths. The flat- characterized by a pronounced daily dynamics of topped peatland and forest ecosystems are CO2 fluxes with the lowest values at night and the statistically significantly different in CO2 fluxes. highest in the daytime. Although soil temperature
The daily average soil CO2 flux rate ranged from is often used as the principal driving variable of soil 2 93 ± 27 mgСО2/m hr (peatland) to 373 ± 39 CO2 fluxes in carbon cycle models, the lack of 2 mgСО2/m hr (forest). CO2 fluxes from forest correlation between soil temperature and ecosystem soils are in 3-6 times higher than the associated gas fluxes in our study can be explained values of this indicator for peat soils in the daytime by the narrow time frame of the measurements as and 4-5 times higher at night. But all studied well as the increase in wind speed and increased ecosystems are characterized by the similar diurnal gas blowing from the soil surface. The results dynamics of soil CO2 fluxes. Soil CO2 flux rates provide detailed information that can be used to usually peaked well after midday but before the parameterize ecosystem models. maximum temperature at 10 cm depth was
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Issues on diversity of soil diatoms in the Antarctic Realm Tereza Cahová*, Barbora Chattová
Department of Botany & Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic *[email protected]
Diatoms, unicellular microscopic algae with the species composition (Cahová, unpublished unique siliceous shells, are well-known organisms results), was found. In total, 15 % of observed distributed all over the world. Since the beginning species appears to be endemic to Île Amsterdam of 18th century and their first observation, many and 14 % species have sub-Antarctic distribution. works dealing with their morphology, biology and Research conducted on neighbouring Île Saint-Paul biogeography have been published. During past showed similar results. There are no permanent decades, diatom assemblages in the Antarctic waterbodies on Île Saint-Paul, nevertheless soil Realm have gained attention. Studies of diatom diatom communities showed higher species communities on the sub-Antarctic islands and richness (53 species) against moss-inhabiting islands of the Maritime Antarctic Region brought diatom communities (41 species; Chattová, information on biogeographical patterns and unpublished results). descriptions of new species and genera with Moreover, the study of James Ross Island different levels of endemism, however most of (Maritime-Antarctic Region) is another case of these studies were performed on samples of surprisingly rich soil diatom communities. The freshwater and moss-inhabiting communities. research showed that the species richness of soil Research of soil diatom assemblages was so far samples exceeded the species richness of seepages, conducted on Île de la Possession (Îles Crozet; Van streams and lichens (Chattová, unpublished de Vijver et al. 2002, Moravcová et al. 2010) and results). And there are samples from other islands Deception Island (South Shetland Islands; Fermani of the Maritime-Antarctic Region (Horseshoe et al. 2007). Island, Ardley Island, Galindez Island, Lagotellerie Our story of soil diatoms begins with Island) among currently analyzed data. Preliminary diatomological research of two remote volcanic results gained from these samples show quite high islands of South Indian Ocean – Île Amsterdam and species richness and variability of soil diatom Île Saint-Paul, in the sub-Antarctic Region of the communities. However, further research is needed. Antarctic Realm. First research of these islands was In the past, these researches led to the description conducted in 1999 and revealed diversified diatom of number of new species and several other species flora. Two more sampling campaigns followed. are still waiting for formal scientific description. In Study of freshwater diatom assemblages (Chattová all those studies, including unpublished soil et al. 2014) revealed 99 species and 123 species studies, biogeography of observed species was was found in mosses (Chattová, unpublished partially revealed, showing species endemic to results). The third part of the study, research on soil each island, species endemic to a region or species samples from various habitats from all over the currently marked as cosmopolitan, but further island, brought surprising results when 139 species, research on these species is necessary. And also, divided into 5 clearly different groups according to 14 according to mentioned studies, there could be a Chattová, B., Lebouvier, M. & Van de Vijver, B. trend of highly species-rich soil diatom (2014). Freshwater diatom communities from Ile communities all over the Antarctic Realm, Amsterdam (TAAF, Southern Indian Ocean). supported with our data. Nevertheless, there is still Fottea 14: 101–119. a lack of information on soil diatom communities https://doi.org/10.5507/fot.2014.008 from all regions of the Antarctic Realm, especially Moravcová, A., Beyens, L. & Van de Vijver, B. from the Continental Antarctic Region. (2010). Diatom communities in soils influenced by References: the wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans). Polar Fermani, P., Mataloni, G. & Van de Vijver, B. Biology 33: 241–255. (2007). Soil microalgal communities on an https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-009-0700-8 antarctic active volcano (Deception Island, South Van de Vijver, B., Ledeganck, P. & Beyens, L. Shetlands). Polar Biology 30: 1381-1393. (2002). Soil diatom communities from Ile de la https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-007-0299-6 Possession (Crozet, Subantarctica). Polar Biology 25: 721–729.
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Estimating the volume of glaciers in the Russian Altai region using different methods
Wai Yin Cheung*, Dmitry Ganyushkin
Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia *[email protected]
Only a few studies on glacier mapping exist for scale climatic changes. This study will apply Russian Altai mountains, and systematic mapping regional glacier modeling data - Glaptop2, and has begun recently. Consequently, there are limited Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) field data in data regarding the current state of the glaciers, the Gora Mungun-Tayga glacier to estimate the physical landscape, the climate, and the responses volume of glaciers and its correlations. The product of glaciers to climate change in this region. The of ice thickness and subglacial topography Altai region is situated at the climatic boundary obtained will facilitate future studies of ice between the west Atlantic influence and the Pacific dynamics and glacier isostatic adjustment in the influence from the east. It is also a transition zone region. Besides, the results can offer valuable between deserts and steppe to the south and information for projecting water resources and boreal/taiga forest to the north. It can thus be glacier hazards as well as a better understanding of considered a region particularly sensitive to small- arid glaciers on Earth or Mars.
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Spectral ultraviolet radiation measurements at Marambio Base, Antarctic Peninsula
Klára Čížková1,2*, Kamil Láska2, Ladislav Metelka1, Martin Staněk1
1Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, Solar and Ozone Department, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic 2Polar-Geo-Lab, Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation plays an important and the effects of solar zenith angle, total ozone role in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, for column, and cloudiness have been studied. example by affecting the rate of photosynthesis or The median radiation intensities increased rapidly the phytoplankton productivity. In higher to about 330 nm, in longer wavelengths the organisms like humans, UV radiation triggers the increase was slower. The highest median radiation vitamin D production, but excess exposure can intensities occurred in the entire studied spectrum cause DNA damage potentially resulting in skin between October and January. The strongest cancer or eye diseases (Harm, 1980; Yu and Lee, correlation, reaching up to -0.8 at approximately 2017). The harmful UV radiation effects are 310 nm, was observed between radiation intensities significantly reduced by stratospheric ozone, which and solar zenith angle. The value remained similar forms a natural protective layer. However, in for longer wavelengths, but shorter wavelengths Antarctica, each spring the ecosystems are exposed exhibited weaker correlation with solar zenith to a dramatic UV radiation intensity increase angle. Total ozone column affected mostly the caused by the development of ozone hole. short wavelengths, with correlations reaching up to Although the ozonosphere seems to be recovering -0.4 at about 295 nm. With increasing wavelength, (e.g., Solomon et al., 2016), UV radiation the correlation with total ozone column became monitoring continues to be an important research weaker, reaching -0.1 at approximately 313 nm. task. The effect of cloudiness was studied using the This study aims to assess spectral UV radiation cloud modification factor, which uses theoretical intensity in Antarctic Peninsula using the data radiation intensities modeled for clear sky. The collected by the B199 Brewer spectrophotometer. correlation between radiation intensity and cloud This instrument was installed at Marambio Base (S modification factor increased to about 330 nm, 64.233°, W 56.623°) in February 2010 and it was where it reached 0.5. in operation till January 2020, which provided a Acknowledgments: This study was performed time series of high-quality ozone and UV radiation under the financial support of the Project of the measurements from the Antarctic Peninsula region Czech Hydrometeorological Institute No. (Čížková et al., 2019). The spectral UV radiation 03461022 ‘Monitoring of the ozone layer and UV measurements are available each year from August radiation in Antarctica’, funded by the State to April and the wavelength interval between 290 Environmental Fund of the Czech Republic and the and 363 nm is separated into 147 bands, each 0.5 projects LM2015078 and nm wide. From the 44 535 individual CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_013/0001708 funded by the measurements, a climatology has been assembled, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the
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Czech Republic. Data courtesy of the Czech Harm, W. (1980). Biological effects of UV Hydrometeorological Institute. radiation. Cambridge University Press, 216 p. ISBN: 0521221218. References: Čížková, K., Láska, K., Metelka, L., Staněk, M. Solomon, S., Ivy, D. J., Kinnison, D., Mills, M. J., (2019). Intercomparison of Ground- and Satellite- Neely, R. R., Schmidt, A. (2016). Emergence of Based Total Ozone Data Products at Marambio healing in the Antarctic ozone layer. Science Base, Antarctic Peninsula Region. Atmosphere 10, 10.1126, 1–12. 1–26. Yu, S.-L., Lee, S.-K. (2017). Ultraviolet radiation: DNA damage, repair, and human disorders. Mollecular and Cellular Toxicology 13, 21–28.
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Deglaciation of the central sector of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet in northern British Columbia
Helen E. Dulfer*, Martin Margold
Department of Physical Geography and Geoecology, Charles University, Prague.
The Cordilleran Ice Sheet (CIS) repeatedly covered that regrew on mountain peaks above the CIS. western Canada during the Pleistocene and attained Numerical dating indicates that this readvance a volume and area similar to that of the present-day occurred during the late glacial period, likely Greenland Ice Sheet. Although the CIS only made during the Younger Dryas (Menounos et al., 2017). up a small component of the total North American Additionally, at some locations cross-cutting Ice Sheet Complex, recent numerical modelling relationships preserve the interaction of the local studies indicate that the CIS’s response to the readvance glaciers with the trunk glaciers of the climate fluctuations of the late Pleistocene directly CIS, allowing the extent of the central sector of the impacted climate dynamics and the timing of CIS during the late glacial period to be meltwater discharge into the Pacific and Arctic reconstructed for the first time. oceans (e.g. Peltier et al., 2015; Lambeck et al., 2017; and Menounos et al., 2017). However, the Acknowledgements: This research is supported by CIS is one of the least understood ephemeral the Charles University Grant Agency (GAUK Pleistocene ice sheets. The mountainous subglacial 432119). terrain makes it challenging to reconstruct the References: deglacial dynamics, thus far impeding the Lambeck, K., Purcell, A., and Zhao, S., 2017. The reconstruction of ice sheet scale retreat patterns. North American Late Wisconsin ice sheet and Consequently, the empirical evidence required to mantle viscosity from glacial rebound analyses. understand how the CIS responded to these Quaternary Science Reviews, 158, 172-210. climatic fluctuations is lacking. Menounos, B., Goehring, B.M., Osborn, G., Here we use the glacial landform record to Margold, M., Ward, B., Bond, J., Clarke, G.K.C., reconstruct the deglaciation dynamics of the central Clague, J.J., Lakeman, T., Koch, J., Caffee, M.W., sector of the CIS in northern British Columbia. Gosse, J., Stroeven, A.P., Seguinot, J., and Numerous high elevation meltwater notches Heyman, J., 2017. Cordilleran Ice Sheet mass loss suggest the early emergence of mountain peaks preceded climate reversals near the Pleistocene above the ice sheet and the configuration of ice Termination. Science, 358, 781-784. marginal landforms, particularly lateral meltwater channels, eskers, kame terraces and ice-contact Peltier, W.R. Argus, D.F., and Drummond, R., deltas, allows the westward retreat of the ice 2015. Space geodesy constrains ice age terminal margin to be traced towards ice dispersal centres in deglaciation: The global ICE-6G_C (VM5a) the Skeena and Coast mountains. Hundreds of model. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid arcuate, sharp-crested terminal moraines delineate Earth, 120, 450-487. the extent of alpine glaciers, ice caps and ice fields
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Preliminary palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the sedimentary infill of a tectonic valley: the Jinačovice exposure (Brno-venkov district) case study Jakub Holuša
Polar-Geo-Lab, Department of Geography, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, Brno, 602 00, Czechia
A new exposure in Jinačovice (Brno-venkov mineral analysis, the fraction of fine sand (125–250 district) records sedimentation driven by μm) was used. Pleistocene climatic cyclicity. This section was The section and the origin of its constituents could found during the verification of the Pecka’s (2012) be divided into three parts: (1) the bedrock outcrop list of abandoned brickyards and significant loess composed of diorite and metadiorite together with sections in Brno and closest neighbourhood. The the in situ weathered material of these rocks; (2) the studied section is located in a valley connected with sedimentary body composed of the solifluction the presence of the local fault (see Fig. 1) lobes and distinctive red-coloured sediments, most significantly affecting the geological setting. probably resulting from pedogenetic processes; (3) The combination of macro- and microanalyses was the loess or loess-like sedimentary body with chosen for the study of this section, which will irregular lenticular and coarser (in comparison to allow the reconstruction of the loess) lenses most probably deposited by slope processes. Loess or loess-like sediments fill the palaeoenvironmental conditions that occurred during the formation of this sedimentary deep depression associated with activity on the succession. Seven samples of individual fault. Their thickness grows to the east with the sedimentary units were taken for granulometric maximum about 5 m as revealed in the gully located analysis, quartz exoscopy and heavy mineral approximately 30 m away (see Fig. 2) from the analysis and two monolithic blocks of the sediments studied section. for thin sections. For the quartz exoscopy, the Partial results revealed no signs of aeolian transport quartz grains of the 500–1000 μm fraction were on the surface of the grains of the loess sediments. subsampled and analysed both under the optical and This may be the result of a very short (in time and scanning electron microscope. For the heavy distance) transport – the signs of the aeolian
Figure 1. The studied section outcrop with the local fault visible. 20 transport will occur on the grain surface, which was Mycielska-Dowgiałło, E., Woronko, B. (1998). transported for at least a few hundred years Analiza obtoczenia i zmatowienia powierzchni (Mycielska-Dowgiałło & Woronko, 1998). ziarn kwarcowych frakcji piaszczystej i jej wartość Presence of the solifluction lobes and lenses could interpretacyjna. Przegląd Geologiczny 46, 1275– be probably associated with the presence of the 1281. active layer (Matsuoka, 2006). Pecka, T. (2012). Zaniklé cihelny a významné References: sprašové odkryvy na listu Brno-sever. Geologické výzkumy na Moravě a ve Slezsku 19, 42–47. Matsuoka, N. (2006). Monitoring periglacial processes: Towards construction of a global network. Geomorphology 80, 20–31.
Figure 2. View into a gully with the Jinačovice exposure
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EUNIS habitats at the territory of the East European tundra (in the example of key area on the right bank of the Kuya River)
Kseniia Ivanova
Komarov Botanical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Uchitelskay str., 18/1, 1357, Saint-Petersburg, Russia [email protected]
In this paper, the mapping of EUNIS habitat units compiled, including habitats according to the is investigated for East European tundras. All EUNIS typology. habitat types in EUNIS are organized in a Studies were conducted in the wooded tundra hierarchical system. Each habitat has an alpha- subzone in July-August 2017 and 2019 on the right numeric index reflecting its exact position in the bank of the Kuya River (Nenets Autonomous hierarchy and the level of detail inheriting in it at Okrug). The area is about 20 km2. A large-scale this stage. The EUNIs classification is practically map has been compiled for each EUNIS level. The not developed for the tundra. A small-scale map aim of this work is to compare the already well- (www.eea.europa.eu) is presented for terrestrial studied key areas in the territory of the East ecosystems by the European Environment Agency. European tundra with the existing categories of There are not many large-scale maps. For example, habitats EUNIS; to assess the representativeness of ecological maps of the biosphere reserve “Western the results. Using a large-scale map you can Polesie” (Shatsky National Park, Ukraine) were
Figure 1. EUNIS habitat types in the Kuya River region.
22 evaluate how much the modern EUNIS hierarchy gravel, sand and silt in the channel of rivers and in reflects the vegetation cover of key areas. lakes. Grass moss swamps are assigned to D1.1 (Raised bogs). Large and flat-bumpy bog The habitats are assigned to 6 categories at the first complexes are related to type D3 (Aapa, palsa and level of the studied site: C - Inland surface waters, polygon mires). Ridge-hollow complex and high- D - Mires, bogs and fens, J - Constructed, industrial mound palsa mires within D3.1 (Palsa mires) do and other artificial habitats, S - Heathland, scrub not separated. According to the keys all areas with and tundra, T - Forest and other wooded land , X - permafrost are classified as tundra S1, which is Habitat complexes. The map of level 2 and 3 of practically undeveloped. It contains only 2 EUNIS reflect the reality in the clearest way. elements of the 3rd level: S1-1 - Shrub tundra and Complex habitats of river valleys are not correlated S1-2 - Moss and lichen tundra. There were only with the categories of levels below 1. The area of boreo-alpine and arctic heaths (S2-24) in sandy the undefined area is 3.8%. This type of habitat habitats and krummholz (birch forest not on includes lakes C1 (Surface standing waters), Kuya marshy terrain) identified at level 4. The area of the river C2.3 (Permanent non-tidal, smooth-flowing unspecified area is 87.4%. At level 5 – 98.8%. In watercourses). The habitat type C3 (Littoral zone conclusion, we can say that for the most complete of inland surface waterbodies) has been identified. reflection of habitats and vegetation on large-scale These are reed beds and other fringing vegetation maps it is worth using EUNIS habitats of levels 2 along the banks of lakes, rivers and a stream; and 3. bottoms of dried rivers and lakes; exposed stones,
Table 1. Habitat types and associated vegetation at various EUNIS levels. EUNIS levels Habitat Vegetation 1 2 3 4 5 Steep hillsides (with birch T1- асс. Empetro-Betuletum pubescentis T T1 T1-C T1-C1 krummholz) C14 асс. Empetro–Betuletum nanae , Psammophytic habitats асс. Loiseleurio-Diapensietum subass. salicetosum S S2 S2.2 S2.24 nummulariae Flat slightly drained terraces with асс. Aconito septentrionales–Salicetum viminalis S S1 S1-1 shrubby plant communities асс. Rubo chamaemori–Dicranetum elongati , асс. Ridge-hollow complex mires, high- Carici rariflorae–Sphagnetum lindbergii , асс. D D3 D3.1 mound palsa mire Carici rariflorae–Sphagnetum baltici асс. Carici rariflorae–Sphagnetum baltici, Fens D D1 D1.1 D1.11 асс. Carici rariflorae–Sphagnetum lindbergii асс. Carici stantis–Warnstorfietum exannulatae асс. Caricetum aquatilis → асс. Caricetum Lacustrine low, drained lake C C3 C3.2 aquatilis вар. Equisetum fluviatile → асс. Carici stantis–Salicetum phylicifoliae
The valleys of intermittent streams асс. Carici stantis–Salicetum phylicifoliae C C3 C3.1
River floodplain X
C C1 C1.1 Lakes
C C2 C2.3 River Kuya
J J4 J4.2 Road 23
The registration of lichen monitoring patch photograps into time series Snæbjörn Helgi Arnarsson Jack
Agricultural University of Iceland, Icelandic Institute of Natural History, Sólavallagata 7a, Reykjavík, 101, Iceland [email protected]
Lichens are a mutualistic relationship between a with some adding only a few millimeters of radius fungal mycobiont and a photobiont such as an algae to their thalli over decades, these time series give and/or cyanobacteria. In Iceland there are at least us a unique glimpse into 40 years of life histories, 800 species of lichen forming fungi that have been interactions, and ecology of these arctic flora and documented. Lichens are poikilohydric and lack funga. Further analysis of this data may have much the ability to shed their parts which makes many of more to reveal, with work being done now to apply them excellent bioindicators for air quality. machine learning for faster segmentation and measurements. Since 1977 a monitoring program of lichens growing around the iron-blending factory and My hopes are that with more research I will be able aluminum processing facility in Hvalfjörður in to contribute more and more to the Cool Science western Iceland has accumulated interesting project. results. Every two to three years monitoring Acknowledgements: Starri Heiðmarsson for being patches are assessed and photographed. Using a great teacher and advisor on this project. modern computer vision feature extraction and Hafsteinn Einarsson for the positivity, patience, registration algorithms, those these photographs support and help with the programing aspect. have been arranged into time series. Since the RANNÍS for financially supporting this project. species involved are infamously slow growing,
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Preliminary Results of Modelling on James Ross Island (Antarctica)
Klára Jeklová1*, Kamil Láska1, Michael Matějka1, Joachim Reuder2
1Polar-Geo-Lab, Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic 2Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen, and Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, Bergen, Norway
Obtaining spatially and temporarily detailed data boundary layer scheme showed a warm bias of on boundary layer processes is complicated in 4.3°C for Mendel, while for YSU and MYJ the bias remote areas, such as Antarctica. Regional was much lower (-0.6 and 0.4°C, respectively). We Atmospheric models, e.g., Weather and Research compared the mean bias for Mendel and Bibby in a Forecasting Model (WRF), have become popular simulation using the YSU scheme. Unlike the well- for exploring mesoscale boundary layer features. simulated air temperature at Mendel, the mean bias During the last ten years, several tendencies have for Bibby was -5.1°C and no air temperature been observed in modelling with WRF in polar inversion was simulated. regions. Firstly, most commonly used dataset for Multiple improvements were suggested in order to boundary layer conditions were ERA–Interim or get a better representation of air temperature ERA5 data. Secondly, planetary boundary layer inversion in the simulation, for example improving was usually parametrized using Mellor–Yamada– the horizontal spatial resolution of the inner Janjic (MYJ) turbulent kinetic energy scheme, domain to 0.7 km or using the Reference Elevation Mellor–Yamada–Nakanishi–Niino (MYNN) Model of Antarctica. The final simulation yielded turbulent kinetic energy scheme or Yonsei better results for near-surface air temperature time University (YSU) boundary layer scheme. Finally, series; however, the most important lesson from the the spatial horizontal resolution of domains does simulations was that the very complex topography not improve. of the Antarctic Peninsula Region at 0.7 km Near-surface air temperature inversions on James horizontal resolution caused instabilities in certain Ross Island (eastern Antarctic Peninsula) can occur grid points in the model. almost 60 % of the time during winter months. Acknowledgements: The research was financially Consequently, 2-m air temperature variation from supported by the project of Czech Science two automatic weather stations (AWS) at 10 m Foundation (GA20-20240S) and the projects a.s.l. (“Mendel”) and 375 m a.s.l. (Bibby) was LM2015078 and simulated during an air temperature inversion CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_013/0001708 funded by the episode 21-25 August 2013. The model was forced Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the by ERA–Interim data and three boundary layer Czech Republic. schemes were used for comparison. The MYNN
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How can rain-on-snow events contribute to the stream runoff
Roman Juras1*, Johanna R. Blöcher1, Michal Jenicek2, Yannis Markonis1, Ondrej Ledvinka3
1Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21, Prague, Czechia 2Department of Physical Geography and Geoecology, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 43 Prague, Czechia 3Hydrology Database and Water Budget Department, Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, Na Sabatce 2050/17, Prague 412, Czechia
Rain-on-snow (ROS) events are natural circumstances of runoff production during ROS phenomena, which can significantly influence the events within 15 catchments in Czechia. These hydrological regime of regions with seasonal snow catchments are located in two mountain ranges cover. ROS events have been in focus of (The Krkonoše, The Jeseníky) in altitude ranging hydrologist for last decades, because they are often between 400 m and 1600 m and area varying from related to severe natural disasters such as floods or 2.6 to 181 km2. We identified 494 ROS events in avalanching. Prediction and modelling of both mountain ranges within the study period from hydrological response caused by such events are 2004 to 2014 (Fig. 1A). The identified ROS events still challenging, because the rainwater behaviour were further categorised into four groups according in a snowpack is not fully understood yet. The to the magnitude of the event runoff (Fig. 1B) and snowpack often has an ambiguous effect during related hydrometeorological drivers were analysed. ROS on the runoff generation, as it can either store Although the two mountain ranges are only a significant fraction of the rain or amplify runoff situated about 200 km from each other, they by additional snowmelt. The main objective of this showed different patterns in ROS occurrence and study is therefore to better understand the in hydrometeorological parameters that control
Figure 1. Total number of ROS events over the study period from November to May A) in the Krkonoše and in the Jeseníky and B) for four runoff types. Group 1 – No event runoff, Group 2 – Low event runoff, Group 3 – Considerable event runoff, Group 4 – High event runoff. 26 runoff magnitude and timing. Most of the events protective role of the snowpack becomes even (69%) did not cause any significant increase in more important with the decline of the snowfall runoff and only 30 events (6%) exceeded the one- fraction and subsequent changes in snow storage. year return period. The fraction of the snow- covered area together with snow water equivalent Acknowledgments: We would like to thank the were identified as important factors in the runoff Internal Grant Agency of the Faculty of generation. Particularly, when positive, yet Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life relatively low air temperatures did not cause Sciences, Prague (project no. 20184236), and the significant snowmelt and the snowpack was Czech Science Foundation (project no. 18- sufficiently deep and extended, a large amount of 06217Y) for the financial support of this research. the rainwater was stored. The results of this study We are also grateful to the Czech showed the importance of the snowpack, which can Hydrometeorological Institute that provided often prevent extreme runoff even when a large hydrological and climatic data. amount of rainfall occurs. Understanding the
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High Latitude Dust transport altitude pattern revealed from deposition on snow, Svalbard Jan Kavan1*, Kamil Láska1,2, Adam Nawrot3, Tomasz Wawrzyniak3
1Polar-Geo-Lab, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37, Brno, Czechia 2Centre for Polar Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Na Zlaté Stoce 3, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic 3Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 64 Księcia Janusza Str., 01-452 Warsaw, Poland *[email protected]
High Latitude Dust (HLD) deposition in the sampling sites (above 300 m a.s.l.). This implies surface snow layer in two distant locations in predominantly long-range transport in high altitude Svalbard (Hornsund and Billefjorden) were areas. The importance of local sources in the lower collected during June/July 2019 field campaign and altitude corresponds well with the generally higher examined in the laboratory. Despite differences in concentrations of HLD in the Billefjorden area. their climate and topography, both locations are This region has more dry, continental climate and characterised by very similar spatial patterns of the more deglaciated bare land surfaces, that allow deposition. On one hand, strong linear negative more sediment to be uplifted in comparison with relationship between altitude and HLD the more maritime climate of Hornsund area in the concentration was found in low altitude (below 300 southern part of Svalbard. The spatial division m a.s.l.) suggesting a strong influence of local HLD between the local and long-range transport is sources. On the other hand, almost constant supported by the proportion of certain lithophile concentrations were found at higher elevated elements in the altitude gradient.
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Visual exploration of data acquired at the Mendel Polar Station in Antarctica
Matěj Lang1*, Sergej Stoppel2, Jan Byška1, Bára Kozlíková1
1Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, Botanická 68a, 602 00 Brno, Czechia 2University of Bergen and Rainfall AS, Norway
In this talk, we present novel interactive Our solution overcomes this problem by proposing visualization techniques for exploring diverse and a semi-automatic approach for snow level heterogeneous data captured by the researchers extraction. It is based on image recognition of the from the Department of Geography at the Faculty length of the markers. The difference between the of Science, Masaryk University, in the vicinity of measured and reference length in every image the Mendel Polar Station at James Ross Island. The gives us the snow height at that time. Significant data consists of measurements (wind speed and outliers in the snow height suggest potentially direction, air temperature, and ground temperature erroneous behavior of the algorithm, and they must at various depths) and images taken by trail be treated manually. For this, we offer a novel cameras, aiming to capture snow level evolution interface where the user can explore the derived throughout the year. dataset and then manually adjust the snow height.
The snow level must be first extracted from these After this preprocessing stage, we integrate all raw images that capture a set of marking sticks in measurements and available datasets into our the field (Fig. 1). The snow's height is read out from newly designed PINGU platform, serving the markers, and currently, there are no options for interactive data exploration and hypothesis automated extraction from the images. Therefore, generation. PINGU consists of several linked the researchers are currently dependent on the views providing useful insights in data correlations manual approach when selecting a small subset of and data progression over time. exemplary images and deriving the snow height. Figure 1. Extraction of acquired data.
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Modelling of surface energy balance of James Ross Island glaciers, Antarctic Peninsula region Michael Matějka*, Kamil Láska
Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic *[email protected]
The Antarctic Peninsula region, including James (-7.3 W·m-2) formed the energy loss. The Ross Island, is known for its large climate HRLDAS output also confirmed that snowmelt variability. Due to a mean summer air temperature intensity strongly increased during foehn events. close to 0 °C, local glaciers are very sensitive to Three foehn events, lasting in total 14 days, were temperature changes. To get a better insight into further investigated. These events generated 45 % processes driving melt of James Ross Island of annual snowmelt which implies their importance glaciers, the Weather Research and Forecasting for glacier mass balance. Principle features of (WRF) model was utilized. Firstly, the WRF model energy balance fluxes on Davies Dome were was adapted to the research area using detailed discussed with other studies from the Antarctic elevation and land-cover data. The model was Peninsula region. It has been suggested that initialized and forced by the new ERA5 reanalysis. sublimation has a greater importance in surface The validation of the WRF model with observation energy balance on Davies Dome compared to the data was carried out for Davies Dome glacier in the South Shetland Islands region. northern part of James Ross Island. The model was Acknowledgements: The research was financially able to simulate Davies Dome air temperature and supported by the project of Czech Science its variation very well. Wind speed and global solar Foundation (GA20-20240S) and the projects radiation showed a good correlation with in situ LM2015078 and measurements but were overestimated in many CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_013/0001708 funded by the cases. The WRF output was further used as an Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the atmospheric forcing for the High Resolution Land Czech Republic. Access to the CERIT-SC Data Assimilation System (HRLDAS), a land computing and storage facilities provided by the surface model. Based on the HRLDAS results, net CERIT-SC Center, under the programme "Projects shortwave solar radiation (45.7 W·m-2) and of Large Research, Development, and Innovations sensible heat flux (22.0 W·m-2) were the main Infrastructures" (CERIT Scientific Cloud energy sources on Davies Dome in the 2015/16 LM2015085), is greatly appreciated. period. Net longwave radiation (-51.3 W·m-2), latent heat flux (-11.6 W·m-2) and snowmelt
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Arctic Justice
Daria Mishina
University of Lapland [email protected]
The purpose of this project is to propose a new operators and tourists by 1% of the tour’s price for Arctic tourism-approach: Arctic tourist taxation. In the further development of the Arctic regions. This contrast to other studies, I consider whether approach will build a “checkpoint” in front of the business (especially expensive Arctic tourism) can gate to the North. The project can be implemented be connected to the direct Arctic development by not only for indigenous and non-indigenous people governmental taxation and/or charity. Specifically, in the Northern regions, but also for supporting I focus on the needed changes in the understanding Arctic ecology: animals’ protection, national of the Arctic tourism in general. (Under the "Arctic parks’ building and development. tourism" I analyze high-, low- and sub-Arctic I assume, that “Arctic tourist taxation” will not territories). decrease the number of tourists and even attract Principles and goals of the “Arctic Justice” are more tourists, experts and scientists from many oriented on help, initiation and promotion of the different countries, and more people around the needed Arctic development by combining business world will know more about the Arctic regions. and pleasure. Using qualitative method of analysis, Every Arctic tourist is able to take part in the I found the evidence of possibility to manage a further Arctic development personally. The Arctic “Arctic tourist taxation” as a new program of the regions have a bright future, but the way it will be Arctic Council or “Arctic Justice” as an managed depends on our behavior and independent NGO. I propose to charge tour responsibilities.
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Resistance of Antarctic moss Sanionia uncinata to photoinhibition: analysis of limitation of photosynthetic processes
Alla Orekhova*, Miloš Barták, Josef Hájek
Department of Experimental Biology, Division of Plant Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske is one of the The shape and time course of slow Kautsky dominant moss species in both the Arctic and kinetics as well as ChlF parameters showed that Antarctic regions. The aim of the series of they were sensitive indicators of the changes laboratory experiments was to compare the occurring in the structure and function of PSII in negative effects of short-term photoinhibition on S. the course of the exposure to photoinhibition uncinata from two sites of Antarctica that differed radiation and consequent recovery. In S. uncinata in their microclimate, light regime in particular. from the KGI, the values of FV/FM and ΦPSII showed photoinhibition-induced decrease and fast Samples of Sanionia uncinata were collected from recovery (see Fig. 1). The recovery was completed the James Ross Island (JRI, Solorina Valley) and 90 min after the photoinhibitory treatment. For the the King Ross Island (KGI, Collins Bay). samples from JRI, however, F /F and Φ did Photosynthetic processes were investigated in V M PSII show such response which may indicate higher response to controlled photoinhibition (1 h resistance to photoinhibition than in KGI samples. exposition to 2000 µmol m-2s-1 of However, F /F and Φ , values before photosynthetically active radiation – PAR). For V M PSII photoinhibition were higher in S. uncinata from this purpose, we used a LED light source (LED KGI than S. uncinata from JRI. It might be Lights SL 3500, Photon Systems Instruments, concluded that S. uncinata is highly resistant to Czech Republic). Responses of primary photoinhibition in fully hydrated state. photosynthetic processes to photoinhibitory treatment were evaluated by the measurements of The OJIP shape can be used for the detection of chlorophyll fluorescence (HFC-010 Fluorocam stress effects in photosystem II. It flattens with (Photon Systems Instruments, Czech Republic) on photoinhibition as reported for lichens (Marečková wet samples (48 h hydration). Kautsky slow et Barták 2017). Photoinhibitory treatment led to kinetics was measured followed by subsequent the decrease of many ChlF parameters derived calculation of the maximum (FV/FM) and effective from OJIPs such as e.g. Performance index (PIAbs),
(ΦPSII) quantum yield of PSII and other chlorophyll ET0/RC – photosynthetic electron transport per fluorescence (ChlF) parameters. The reaction center (RC). Negative changes resulted in measurements were taken before/after an increase in Di0/RC – thermal dissipation per RC, photoinhibition/during recovery. Additionally, PhiD0 – effectivity of thermal dissipation, ABS/RC rapid induction kinetics of chlorophyll – absorption per reaction center (RC), and TR/RC fluorescence (OJIP) were measured by a FL1-100 – trapping rate per RC. All parameters showed
Fluoropen (Photon Systems Instruments, Drásov, partial recovery, however PIAbs and ET0/RC Czech Republic). remained inhibited even after 150 min recovery. 32
The study showed that S. uncinata from both (CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_013/0001708) and islands had high capacity of photoprotective CzechPolar-I, II (LM2010009 and LM2015078) mechanisms to cope well with short-term high light for providing facilities and the infrastructure used stress. The results indicate that KGI samples were in the research reported in this study. slightly more resistant then those from JRI. This References: might be of particular importance for evaluation of Marečková, M., Barták, M. (2017). Short-term physiological adjustment of primary responses of primary processes in PS II to low photosynthesis in the field (KGI, JRI), where high temperature are sensitively indicated by fast light stress may happen on fully sunny days in wet chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics in Antarctic thalli. lichen Dermatocarpon polyphyllizum. Czech Polar Acknowledgements: The authors thank the Reports 7, 74‒82. projects ECOPOLARIS project
Figure 1. Response of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters to photoinhibitory treatment (2000 µmol m-2s-1 PAR for 1 h). Decline and recovery of potential (FV/FM) and effective quantum yield (FPSII) – upper panel, shape of fast chlorophyll fluorescence transients (OJIPs) – central panel, and OJIP-derived parameters – lower panel. 33
The underestimated informative value of archaeozoological remains in Svalbard Franziska Paul
Institude for Ecosystem Research, University of Kiel, Olshasenstraße 75, 24118 Kiel, Germany
Barents’ discovery of the Arctic Archipelago in disclosure of the distribution of death assemblages 1596 shifted Svalbard from an undiscovered region is based on single observations and various towards the economic-political sphere of various unspecific descriptions. Hence, the written sources parties. Over the following 420 years, the marine are often fragmentary, and their validity is and terrestrial ecosystems and their natural inconclusive. resources were heavily exploited by numerous Additional osteological material is considered by countries. Whaling, hunting and trapping, as well including databases from selected museum as mining and tourism left their traces. Changes in collections. However, due to restrictions, it is population sizes, dynamics and distributions are currently only possible to a limited extent. Hence, presumed to be far-reaching. Today we can find there is a considerable lack of important data. human remains and their cultural relicts in Additional materials and information from Svalbard’s landscapes as reminders of excessive databases like Askeladden and Research in exploitation phases. However, we also find faunal Svalbard, but also from further literature complete remains within the hunting areas that offer the the desk-based assessment. possibility of unravelling questions about the animal populations themselves. It has a high importance for conservation biology to process past anthropogenic activities that had a Delineating the status and highlighting the great impact on diverse animal populations. potential of bone material in Svalbard constitute Therefore outlining the status of archaeozoological the main approach and are based on expedition research in Svalbard constitutes the groundwork reports, museum collections and the study of for understanding future changes in populations. further literature. Archaeological survey reports, Due to the huge gaps in the existing data, provided by Svalbard’s governor, clearly display reconstruction of past populations is bound to be the lack of archaeozoological information. Animal limited, but it definitely strengthens the importance remains were merely marginally identified and in of archaeozoological work in Polar Regions. large parts left unrecognized in the fields. The
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Variability of the Arctic active layer Claudia Pérez Ramos
Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
Permafrost stabilizes temperatures through oceanic glacial and periglacial and the marine-coastal and atmospheric circulation, regulates gas flows types. Regional differences may be due to climate and biogeochemical cycles, consolidates water factors related to atmospheric and ocean circulation bodies and soil, and immobilizes pollutants present as well as local factors, such as nival coverage, air in the soil (van Huissteden, 2020). Social concern humidity, exposure or those studied in this work. about global warming and arctic permafrost loss is Studying the arctic active layer thickness is a reflected in an increase in the publication of news complex task due to the convention of different in all media. For decades, the CALM network has biogeographical characteristics that can directly or been monitoring the active layer worldwide as it is indirectly influence (Jorgenson et al., 2010; an indicator of the thermal status of permafrost. Abramov et al., 2019). This study shows a trend Due to the ecological, economic and social that, contrasted with other work and reports, importance of permafrost, this study aims to know reveals a progressive increase in the active layer the variability of the arctic active layer between over the next 5 decades, which will generate 1994-2017 of 58 CALM stations and relate it to numerous impacts associated with permafrost variations in air temperatures as well as thawing (Meredith et al., 2019), such as: increase biogeographical factors (such as altitude, of GHG emissions and carbon cycle disruption; vegetation or geomorphological environment). increase of occurrence and magnitude of abrupt physical disturbances, and soil sinking and erosion The results show year-on-year variations in active as a result of thermokarst thaw, causing a layer thicknesses between -3.4 and 3.6 cm, with the deterioration of the landscape; changes in mean rate of change being 1.71 cm/year. There is a freshwater systems due to the decrease of positive relationship between the mean annual air freshwater ice and modification of flows in runoff temperatures and the thickness of the active layer and surface water; changes in nival and plant in 63.8% of the stations, with ρ<0.25. Variability coverage that, together with the albedo variation, has not been equal in all regions, highlighting will contribute to feedback atmospheric warming; Eurasia as the area with the greatest variations and effects to biodiversity and ecological succession, rate of change in active layer thicknesses. In with alterations in migration and an increase particular, southern Kara Sea region (northeast of pathogens; threat to food security and access to safe Russia) had a rate of change of more than 3 drinking water, by the decline of fauna likely to be cm/year. It was observed that at higher altitude caught by indigenous peoples (such as Inuit) and there is greater variation of the thickness of active chemical and biological water pollution; economic layer.The vegetations associated with greater and socio-cultural impacts on arctic populations, variations have been tundra and tundra shrub types with health and social welfare conditions and the geomorphological environments with the greatest fluctuations of active layer have been
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Acknowledgements: This work has been made Shmelev, D. (2019). Two decades of active layer possible by the entire scientific community that, thickness monitoring in northeastern Asia. Polar through numerous projects and research, has Geography, 1-17. acquired and shared its non-profit results through Jorgenson, M. T., Romanovsky, V., Harden, J., the global terrestrial network database for Shur, Y., O’Donnell, J., Schuur, E. A., ... & Permafrost (GTN-P). Thank you to the entire GTN- Marchenko, S. (2010). Resilience and vulnerability P team for having established a platform for of permafrost to climate change. Canadian Journal scientific cooperation with free access to such data, of Forest Research, 40(7), 1219-1236. allowing the free and open exchange of scientific information for the whole public. Also thank the Meredith, M., M. Sommerkorn, S. Cassotta, C. NASA Langley Research Center's POWER Derksen, A. Ekaykin, A. Hollowed, G. Kofinas, A. Project, funded through NASA's Earth Mackintosh, J. Melbourne-Thomas, M.M.C. Science/Applied Science Program, for enabling Muelbert, G. Ottersen, H. Pritchard, and E.A.G. freely accessible data collection. Specially thank Schuur (2019). Polar Regions. In: IPCC Special Dr. Miguel Angel de Pablo for his detailed Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing revisions, the valuable time spent transmitting his Climate [H.-O. Pörtner, D.C. Roberts, V. Masson- knowledge and the invaluable support that has Delmotte, P. Zhai, M. Tignor, E. Poloczanska, K. made possible the execution of this work. Mintenbeck, A. Alegría, M. Nicolai, A. Okem, J. Petzold, B. Rama, N.M. Weyer (eds.)]. In press. References van Huissteden, J. (2020). Thawing Permafrost. Abramov, A., Davydov, S., Ivashchenko, A., Springer International Publishing Karelin, D., Kholodov, A., Kraev, G., ... &
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Water column properties of Kongressvatn, Kapp Linné, SW Svalbard Nil Rodes1,2,4*, Michael Retelle3,4, Alan Werner4,5, Steven Roof4,6
1Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation 2Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany 3Bates College, Lewiston, Maine, USA 4The University Centre in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Norway 5Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts, USA 6Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
Small perturbations in the ocean and the Kongressvatn is a meromictic lake with three main atmosphere due to climate change have the water masses. The upper layer, which extends to 10 potential to trigger amplified climatic responses m depth, has a temperature of 8.25 degrees Celsius over the Arctic. High Arctic lakes are among the and a conductivity of 0.54 mS/cm. Below 10 m most sensitive systems, and climate change depth, the temperature decreases below 3 degrees strongly affects their physical properties, especially Celsius and the conductivity rises to 0.91 mS/cm. water temperature, and mixing processes. To This sharp pycnocline indicates that there is a anticipate future climate changes, a better limited mixing of the water column during the understanding of the magnitude and causes of these period when the lake surface is ice-free. Around changes are necessary. 30-40 m depth, there is a well-developed chemocline. The pH varies from 7.5 in the upper Kongressvatn is a relatively deep lake (55 m) water to 6.87 in the deep water. The dissolved located at 78°1’N and 13°59’E near the mouth of oxygen diminishes from 11.5 mg/L to 0.53 mg/L, Isfjorden, Western Spitsbergen, Svalbard and the turbidity rises abruptly from 0.8 NTU in the Archipelago. It is a remote and isolated Arctic lake upper water to 1.3 NTU in the deepest part of the with limited anthropogenic impact making it ideal lake. Sulfate-rich springs entering the lake along for this study. the northwestern shoreline are likely responsible This study describes the physical and chemical for maintaining sulfate-rich anoxic bottom water. properties of the water column of Kongressvatn Acknowledgments: This work is part of a course during the 2019 summer when the lake surface is project done in AG-220 Environmental Change in ice-free. Conductivity, Temperature and Depth the High Arctic Landscape of Svalbard, at The (CTD), pH, dissolved oxygen and turbidity University Centre in Svalbard. The author measurements were made on August 1st, 2019, acknowledges the other students of the course for during the fieldwork days of the AG-220 course at the help, The University Centre in Svalbard and all The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS). This the staff of Isfjord Radio Hotel for making the study brings up-to-date insights into the properties fieldwork days comfortable. of the water column of Kongressvatn.
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Dating the sedimentary record from Monolith Lake, James Ross Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Matěj Roman1*, David Sanderson2, Alan Creswell2, Daniel Nývlt1
1Polar-Geo-Lab, Department of Geography, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, 602 00, Brno, Czechia 2Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, East Kilbride, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Lake sediments are natural archives of past of the core. The lowermost samples below 25 cm environmental and climatic conditions. In order to are significantly younger and form a progression of reveal these changes, Lake Monolith sediment older aged material at greater depth. This suggests (James Ross Island, north-eastern Antarctic that within the last 1000 years there has been a Peninsula) was sampled and analysed for multiple significant change in the sediment influx to proxy lines of evidence, including magnetic Monolith Lake. The age profile for Monolith Lake, susceptibility, grain size and XRF element in particular the younger ages for material below composition. It is crucial, however, to determine 25 cm, suggests that the sediments below 5 cm the age of the sediment with absolute dating carried a residual dose when they were deposited in methods to place the inferred palaeoenvironmental the lake, with the deepest sediments in the core changes within a dependable chronostratigraphic carrying a smaller residual, or even having been framework. Previous study on the Monolith Lake reset and thus giving a true age for these layers. sediment by Björck et al. (1996) utilized Recently, new preliminary cosmogenic nuclide conventional 14C dating of bulk material, the ages from hyaloclastite boulders in the vicinity of reliability of which, nonetheless, especially for the Monolith Lake (Jennings et al., in prep.) provided Antarctic, has recently been questioned by Píšková an additional clue on the timing of deglaciation in et al. (2019), who implemented several this part of the James Ross Island. independent dating methods simultaneously, i.e. laminae counting, 14C and optically stimulated References: luminescence (OSL) dating of sediments from Björck, S., Olsson, S., Ellis-Evans, C., Håkansson, nearby Lake Esmeralda, Vega Island. The inferred H., Humlum, O., Lirio, J. M. (1996). Late Holocene Late Holocene age of Monolith Lake sediments palaeoclimatic records from lake sediments on should thus be revisited using novel dating James Ross Island, Antarctica. Palaeogeography, approaches. Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 121, 195–220.
OSL profiling and single-aliquot regenerative Píšková, A., Roman, M., Bulínová, M., Pokorný, (SAR) OSL dating was performed at SUERC (East M., Sanderson, D., Cresswell, A., Lirio, J. M., Kilbride, UK) and revealed a complicated Coria, S. H., Nedbalová, L., Lami, A., Musazzi, S., sedimentation history with at least one Van de Vijver, B., Nývlt, D., Kopalová, K. (2019). discontinuity between the facies. The uppermost Late-Holocene palaeoenvironmental changes at section of the core covers approximately the last Lake Esmeralda (Vega Island, Antarctic Peninsula) 0.5 ka (= thousand years). Below 5 cm there is a based on a multi-proxy analysis of laminated lake significant increase in apparent age, to 2.5-3.0 ka, sediment. The Holocene 29, 1155–1175. which is roughly constant within ~0.5 ka for most 38
Comparative features of ice fluctuations in the area of the Svalbard and Franz Josef Land archipelagos B.S. Shapkin1*, A.V. Rubchenia1, B.V. Ivanov1,2,3, A.D. Revina2,3, V.M. Smolyanitskiy2,3
1St. Petersburg State University, Botanicheskaya 66/3, 608, St. Petersburg, Russia 2RF State Science Center Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia 3Institute of Atmospheric Physic, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
The features of the distribution of sea ice cover in attempt has been made to divide the water area the area of the Franz Josef Land (FJL) and Svalbard around the FJL into three homogeneous regions. In are associated with their geographic location, sea the article (Tislenko et al., 2016), the waters are and atmospheric circulations. Seasonal changes in around the Svalbard was divided into 6 areas with the distribution of sea ice cover in both regions are the following general geographic specific. Also, in generally similar to the ice regime of the Arctic this article identified two seasons – the winter seas of the Siberian shelf. One of the main features season (November – April) and the summer season is the formation of shore fast ice in the straits (May-October). between the islands and along the coast, as well as In all areas in the water area of the FJL, as well as the availability of flaw polynyas (Tislenko et al., in areas 1 and 2 in the water area of the Svalbard 2016; Zhichkin, 2014). since 2006, the amplitudes of interannual The greatest long-term variability of ice extent is fluctuations in ice extent, in the winter season, observed in the period from May to October. The significantly increase. This feature may indicate a maximum fluctuations in the distribution of ice change in the ice regime in these regions; the extent are observed in August-September. It is also reason may be the warming of Atlantic waters. In important to note that in recent years, the situation the article (Walczowski et al., 2012) notes, that this of complete absence of ice of the FJL region in could be one of the reasons that caused the August-September has been increasingly observed. corresponding climate changes in the area of the In the article (Tislenko et.al., 2016) was found that Svalbard in 2006. the maximum variability of ice conditions is A negative trend was revealed in the change in ice observed from November to April in the waters extent in the studies areas during the period of surrounding the Svalbard, while in the FJL region, satellite observations (1979-2019), which according to our data, the situation is reversed. corresponds to the observed global trend of climate However, the temporal structure of long-term warming. variability is very similar, which may indicate a common external cause of the observed changes. Cyclical fluctuations in ice extent with a period of the order of 5-6 years, observed in different seasons The analysis of the features of the interannual and in the Franz Josef Land archipelago, as well as in seasonal variability of the main elements of the ice areas to east and north of the Svalbard archipelago, regime was carried out on the basis of calculated have been identified, which, in our opinion, are information obtained in the World Sea Ice Data caused by short-term changes in the structure North Center of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Atlantic Current. Institute (Smolanitsky, 2019). In this article, an
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References: Walczowski W., Piechura, J., Goszczko, I., Smolyanitskiy V.M. (2019). AARI World Data Wieczorek, P. (2012). Changes in Atlantic water Center for Sea Ice. http://wdc.aari.ru/datas ets/ssmi properties: an important factor in the European Arctic marine climate. ICES Journal of Marine Tislenko D.I., Ivanov B.V., Smolyanitskiy V.M., Science 69/5, 864–869. Svyashchennikov P.N., Isaksen K., Herdis M. (2016). Seasonal and long-term changes of sea ice Zhichkin A.P. (2014). Ice conditions in the Franz extent in the Svalbard archipelago area during Josef Land region. Proceedings of Kola Science 1979–2015. Problems of Arctic and Antarctic Center RAS 4, 82–89. 3/109, 50–59.
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Arctic permafrost is a promising ecosystem for rhodopsin-like proteins gene search
Artemiy Y. Sukhanov1,2*, Natalya I. Eromasova1, Elena V. Spirina1, Elizaveta M. Rivkina1
1Institute of Physicochemical and Biological Problems in Soil Science, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskay 2, Pushchino, 142290, Russia 2Faculty of Biotechnology, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia *[email protected]
In Arctic permafrost deposits not only viable specific and degenerate primers for genes encoding microorganisms are preserved, but also the synthesis of the retinal ESR protein, ActR, BR, and products of their metabolism. Among permafrost PR was carried out using published sources. We microorganisms were detected cyanobacteria and selected 39 primers. However, using metagenomes green algae, which retained their photosynthetic does not show a positive result. This fact gives a apparatus in darkness for thousands of years. It is reason to assume, that designing the new primers known that the composition and ratio of pigments based on the newest rhodopsin proteins sequences in photosynthetic bacteria and algae are specific for can be more effective, and we synthesized 25 different groups and depend on the environment. primers. The tested primer combinations did not They include chlorophylls and pygments, and in reveal the genes of rhodopsin proteins. This gave some cases rhodopsin-like proteins. us reason to believe that this strategy of searching for rhodopsin genes in permafrost using primers Rhodopsin-likes proteins are a group of light- based on modern genes of modern organisms does sensitive proton pump. The most widespread not work. groups of microbial rhodopsins are: proteo- (PR), actino- (ActR) and bacteriorhodopsin (BR). Most Also, we used a pair of primers for the complete of bacterial rhodopsins were believed to be ESR gene. Using these primers, we were able to associated only with marine ecosystems. However, detect the ESR gene in a sample of lacustrine- BR gene of psychrophilic microorganisms alluvial sediments aged 32 thousand years. We Exiguobacterium sibiricum (ESR) was amplified assume, that in the million years that have passed from metagenomic DNA isolated from permafrost since the last glaciation that formed the current deposits. This discovery gave rise to detecting permafrost and stopped the process of adaptation of work of new types of opsin-like proteins. The aim bacteria, rhodopsins of marine and freshwater of this study was to search for genes encoding forms have changed so much that the primers even different types of rhodopsins in Arctic permafrost to their conservative sites are not complementary of marine, lacustrine, and alluvial genesis. to the sequence of rhodopsins in the metagenomes of permafrost samples. For this purpose, total genomic DNA from permafrost samples was isolated. The search for
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The current state of the glaciers in the Caucasus Mountains Levan Tielidze1,2
1Antarctic Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand 2School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
The Greater Caucasus is one of the major mountain and the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission systems in Eurasia, stretching ~1,300 km from the and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). The 30 m Black Sea in the west to the Caspian Sea in the east resolution ASTER Global DEM (GDEM, with glaciers covering about 1200 km2. As the 17/11/2011) was used to determine the aspect, Greater Caucasus Range is located on the boundary slope and height distribution of glaciers (Tielidze between temperate and subtropical climatic zones, and Wheate, 2018). The semi-automated methods the orientation and height of the range determines for mapping the clean ice with manual digitization the contrasts between the northern and southern of debris-covered glacier parts was also used for macroslopes, with generally larger glaciers in the assessing the supra-glacial debris-covered area (as north than in the south. the residual between these two maps) (Tielidze et al., 2020). In the first part of this work I briefly present the history of the glacier research in the Caucasus Mountains. The second part of this presentation is References: about the percentage and quantitative changes in Tielidze, L. G., Bolch, T., Wheate, R. D., Kutuzov, the number and area of Caucasus glaciers. Some S. S., Lavrentiev, I. I., and Zemp, M. (2020). Supra- results of the supra-glacial debris cover assessment glacial debris cover changes in the Greater will be also provided. Caucasus from 1986 to 2014. The Cryosphere 14, Changes in glacier extent between 1960 and 2014 585–598, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-585-2020. were determined through analysis of large-scale Tielidze, L. G. and Wheate, R. D. (2018). The topographic maps (1:50 000 scale) with a contour Greater Caucasus Glacier Inventory (Russia, interval of 20 m from several hundred aerial Georgia and Azerbaijan), The Cryosphere 12, 81– photographs taken between 1950-1960 and images 94, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-81-2018. from Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI),
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The Ahuriri Glacier during the Last Glacial Maximum, Southern Alps, New Zealand Levan Tielidze1,2*, Shaun Eaves1,2, Kevin Norton2, Andrew Mackintosh3
1Antarctic Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand 2School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand 3School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University, Australia
Mountain glaciers are sensitive to variations in particular), as well as providing additional temperature and precipitation – thus records of information about the past climate. their past changes yield important data concerning Some valleys in South Island, New Zealand already the timing and magnitude of past climate change. have a number of well-dated glacier records. After the peak of the last glaciation (about 20,000 However, understanding of the precise timing of years ago), mountain glaciers began to retreat old glacial events in many valleys still remains significantly with slight advancement phases from poor. time to time. On the scale of several millennia, we have only very indirect observations of glacier We used field observation and geomorphological retreat and advance based on the positions of mapping to investigate the extent and drivers of glacial moraines. Well preserved moraines provide glaciation in the Ahuriri River valley, Southern a good opportunity to develop an improved Alps, New Zealand. Cosmogenic 10Be surface understanding of ice ages and glacial-interglacial exposure dating technique was also used to transitions. Dating of the moraines using constrain the timing and extent of late Quaternary cosmogenic exposure techniques such as 10Be is glaciation in this valley. Numerical glacier providing exciting and important information on modelling will be used later in order to Investigate the duration, timing, and scale of the Late palaeo climatic implications for the study area. Quaternary glaciation (Last Glacial Maximum in
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High latitude dust in Iceland
Alexandr Vítek1*, Pavla Dagsson-Waldhauserová1,2, Olafur Arnalds2, Brian Barr2, Nathalie Burdová3
1Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, 165 21, Czech Republic 2Faculty of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Agricultural University of Iceland, Hvanneyri, Borgarnes, IS 311, Iceland 3Faculty of Science, Technology and Media, Mittuniversitetet, Campus Östersund, 831 25 Östersund, Sweeden
High latitude dust (HLD) is a critical risk to the We have installed four different cameras in climate and biodiversity in the Arctic regions and Hagavatn, Mýrdalssandur, Dyngjusandur and Antarctica. HLD sources cover more than 500,000 Seljaland. The dust storm frequency will be shown km2 and contribute to over 5% of total global dust based on the camera network observation as well budget and affects the atmosphere both directly and as measurements done with DustTrak and LOAC indirectly. at the Icelandic deserts mentioned above.
HDL causes damages to health, affects the economy by disrupting transportation, and disturbs References: vulnerable ecosystems such as the one of Iceland. Arnalds, O., Dagsson-Waldhauserova, P., Iceland is located in high-latitude cold region with Olafsson, H. (2016). The Icelandic volcanic volcanic and glacial activity present in most of the aeolian environment: Processes and impacts — A land. New mapping of the land surfaces show that review. Aeolian Research 20, 176‒195. total Icelandic desert areas cover over 44,000 km2, thus showing that Iceland is the largest Arctic as well as European desert (Arnalds et al., 2016).
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High Arctic small catchments on Wedel Jarlsberg Land (SW Spitsbergen) ─ connections and differences Aleksandra Wołoszyn
Institute of Geography and Regional Development, University of Wrocław, pl. Uniwersytecki 1, 50-137 Wrocław, Poland [email protected]
High Arctic small catchments are not a common changes in this area. As Wedel Jarlsberg Land is topic in Spitsbergen scientific research although located in western part of the island its climate is they are numerous and their response for climate less sharp than in its eastern part what can be change is quick and visible. Strzelecki (2009) observed on satellite images with area covered by explains that small, glaciated catchments through ice and snow. Due to milder climate we can theirs high fragility for climate warming, relative observe different ice coverage of the valleys, on the ease for field work, quantity and occurrence in Wedel Jarlsberg Land than for instance on Torell different locations and capability for modeling Land in the East, therefore different stages of cause that small catchments in Arctic become an deglaciation. The aim of this research is to show important aspect for glaciological, hydrological differences between catchments with unlike ice and geomorphological research. What is more, area by using remote sensing methods. Strzelecki (2009) says that not many investigations have been done in small High Arctic region what results in lack of information about fluvial material References: transport in glaciated catchments. Buttle (1998) Buttle, J.M. (1998). Fundamentals of small defined small catchments as areas ranging from catchment hydrology. Isotope Tracers in 0,01 km2 to 100 km2, while Moldan and Černý Catchment Hydrology, in: McDonnell I., Kendall (1994) defined them as areas up to 5 km2. In C. (eds), Amsterdam: Elsevier, 1–49. mentioned and other publications, we can see absence of united spatial extent for small Moldan, B., Černý, J. (1994). Small Catchment catchments. For my own research need, the spatial Research, in: Moldan, B., Černý, J. (eds.), definition of small catchment will be up to 10 km2. Biogeochemistry of Small Catchments: A Tool for Wedel Jarlsberg Land, is located on Western Environmental Research. Chichester: John Wiley Spitsbergen (Svalbard Archipelago), stretching & Sons Ltd, 1–29. from Bellsund fiord (in the North) to Hornsund Strzelecki, M. (2009). Suspended and solute fiord (in the South), and bordering from the East transport in a small glaciated catchment, Bertram with Torell Land. It is worth paying attention to the river, Central Spitsbergen, in 2005─2006, Norsk fact that numerous catchments, especially the small Geografisk Tidsskrift – Norwegian Journal of ones, can be observed both glaciated and Geography 63:2, 98–106. deglaciated, might stand as role models for climatic
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Featured remote sensing methods of investigation in polar landscape evolution
— solution for lockdown? Aleksandra Wołoszyn*, Iwo Wieczorek
Institute of Geography and Regional Development, University of Wrocław, pl. Uniwersytecki 1, 50-137 Wrocław, Poland
Polar regions are reacting rapidly for environments. The aim of the poster is to show the methods and their application with examples in a environmental changes especially warming. Those changes are easily visible — disappearing glaciers, clear and comprehensive way. To start with old permafrost thawing and vegetation growth. The cartographic materials (maps), traveller’s notes, changes can be well observed in small catchments old photographs and sketches thanks to which there (< 10 km2), where reaction for changes is faster. is a wide range of written sources. Development of Consequently, such valleys may serve as examples technology let scientists use satellites, airborne of ongoing climate changes. The development of radar, unnamed aerial vehicles (UAV), LIDAR and remote sensing and photogrammetry allows us to last but not least terrestrial photography. Variety of make research on distant places without visiting materials which we can provide from those them, what is very useful when founding is limited methods, allows us to get a good vision of terrain or the area of research is not accessible or in case that we would like to reconstruct. Current of lockdown – what we could observe this year. worldwide situation related to COVID-19 did not The variety of methods is still in progress and facilitate in-situ works in polar regions. In that case ranges more and more facilities and disciplines. adepts of polar research have to use home office Owing to that, knowledge about polar landscape work. One the one hand it can be regarded as a new and its past is more accessible and allows scientists difficulty in providing polar research but on the for deeper analysis which can be useful in other other it can be also an opportunity to develop mentioned research methods.
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Pollen inferred Holocene vegetation and climate variability on sub-Antarctic South Georgia Maaike Zwier1,2*, Anne E. Bjune1,2, Willem G. M. van der Bilt2,3
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Norway 2Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, Bergen, Norway 3Department of Earth Science, University of Bergen, Norway
The Southern Hemisphere Westerly Winds play a atmospheric and oceanic circulation systems. We major role in the global climate system. By driving use a pollen record from Lake Diamond to provide circulation in the Southern Ocean and its detailed reconstructions of vegetation and climate subsequent effect on upwelling of carbon-rich deep on South Georgia for the last ~9900 years. The water, the Westerlies affect global ocean behavior of the Westerlies acts as a first-order circulation and the oceans ability to take up control on local vegetation change by impacting atmospheric CO2. Uncovering long term natural temperature conditions and moisture availability. climatic variability in the sub-Antarctic is therefore Changes in relative pollen abundance of native taxa crucial to understand how the global system might occupying either upland (cold) or lowland (warm) react under future climate changes. Due to the environments are used to infer local climatic limited amount of land mass on the Southern variation, supported by additional Hemisphere, sub-Antarctic islands are invaluable sedimentological proxies. In addition, Westerly for studying climate variability in this region. They Wind strength and position governs the influx of provide valuable insights into both local and long-distance transported pollen from South regional surface climate conditions. South Georgia America, Africa and New Zealand. On South is positioned in the core belt of the Southern Georgia we find that the non-native pollen from Hemisphere Westerly Winds and located at the several taxa, mainly Nothofagus, Ephedra and boundary of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and Asteraceae, increase in abundance in periods of Antarctic Polar Frontal Zone. Its position is local cooler and wetter climate conditions. therefore ideal to capture changes in these major
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Looking forward to meeting you in Brno again!
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