Article
Ecology
Ruud Rijkers, Mark Dekker, Rien Aerts, James T. Weedon
Summary: Rapid warming in the Arctic could lead to increased soil decomposition rates and create a carbon-driven feedback loop, affecting future climate change. To accurately predict the role of soil microbes in this process, it is crucial to understand the temperature responses of soil bacterial communities and incorporate them into biogeochemical models. Our study evaluated the temperature adaptation of soil bacterial communities from 12 sites in the Arctic region, finding significant differences and identifying the highest daily average soil temperature as the best predictor for the optimal growth temperature (T-opt) of these communities. Incorporating this mechanism into soil biogeochemical models will help reduce uncertainty in assessing the vulnerability of soil carbon stocks in the Arctic.
Review
Oceanography
Nikoletta Diogou, William D. Halliday, Stan E. Dosso, Xavier Mouy, Andrea Niemi, Stephen J. Insley
Summary: Understanding the distribution and behavior of bowhead whales is crucial in the face of climate change. By deploying passive acoustic recorders, we found clear seasonal patterns and evidence of overwintering in their summer feeding ground. Statistical analysis also revealed associations between bowhead occurrence and environmental factors such as sea-ice coverage and zooplankton density.
PROGRESS IN OCEANOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Angel Chen, Trevor C. Lantz, Txomin Hermosilla, Michael A. Wulder
Summary: Rapid climate warming is considered as the main driver of increased productivity in Arctic tundra vegetation. However, regional and landscape-scale heterogeneity suggests that additional controls are mediating the response of tundra vegetation to warming. The study highlights the importance of considering microclimate, topography, soil moisture, and physiological differences among plant functional groups in understanding spatial variation in tundra vegetation change.
REMOTE SENSING OF ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Leon Nill, Inge Grunberg, Tobias Ullmann, Matthias Gessner, Julia Boike, Patrick Hostert
Summary: This study successfully estimated the fractional cover of shrubs and other surface components in the Arctic tundra using satellite observations and synthetic training data. The results showed an increase in shrub cover and a decline in herbaceous plant and lichen cover, indicating a replacement and homogenisation of Arctic vegetation communities. The proposed method provides new opportunities for quantitatively estimating the fractional cover of tundra vegetation and advancing our understanding of shrub expansion.
REMOTE SENSING OF ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Shawn A. Pedron, J. M. Welker, E. S. Euskirchen, E. S. Klein, J. C. Walker, X. Xu, C. Czimczik
Summary: This study provides insights into the CO2 emissions from Arctic tundra during non-growing seasons, showing that rising soil temperatures lead to increased emissions during fall and winter, depleting aged soil carbon pools and accelerating climate change.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Monika Pucko, Wade Rourke, Rachel Hussherr, Philippe Archambault, Jane Eert, Andrew R. Majewski, Andrea Niemi, Jim Reist, Christine Michel
Summary: This study provides the first evidence that toxic algae in the Canadian Arctic waters are actively producing a variety of phycotoxins that are entering the marine food web. Measurements of bivalves collected from the Canadian Beaufort Sea in 2014 and 2018 revealed the presence of Amnesic Shellfish Toxins (ASTs), Paralytic Shellfish Toxins (PSTs), and other trace amounts of lipophilic toxin groups. The presence of these toxins, although below Health Canada's closure levels, suggests that phycotoxin accumulation is occurring in the Canadian Beaufort Sea food webs.
Article
Oceanography
S. E. L. Howell, D. G. Babb, J. C. Landy, G. W. K. Moore, B. Montpetit, M. Brady
Summary: This study compares and analyzes the sea ice area and volume fluxes of Nares Strait and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The results show that Nares Strait has the largest ice flux, followed by the Queen Elizabeth Islands and M'Clure Strait. The majority of ice export comes from Nares Strait, with the highest fluxes observed in 2017-2019 and 2021, but remarkably exceeded by the Queen Elizabeth Islands in 2020. It is predicted that under continued warming, the ice export from Nares Strait and the Queen Elizabeth Islands will increase.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-OCEANS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrea Niemi, Nina Bednarsek, Christine Michel, Richard A. Feely, William Williams, Kumiko Azetsu-Scott, Wojciech Walkusz, James D. Reist
Summary: Factors such as atmospheric CO2 increase, cold water temperatures, respiration, and freshwater inputs contribute to enhanced acidification in Arctic waters. The effects of ocean acidification on the Arctic Ocean ecosystem, whether from anthropogenic or natural sources, remain highly uncertain. Studies on pelagic sea snails as biological indicators showed shell dissolution and advanced levels of dissolution occurred at all stations in the Amundsen Gulf region, indicating widespread exposure to corrosive waters and significant impact on the majority of the population.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Soumendra N. Bhanja, Junye Wang
Summary: This study introduced microbially mediated carbon cycle processes to investigate the influence of environmental factors on autotrophic respiration (Ra), soil respiration (Rs), and ecosystem respiration (Reco). The results revealed that air and soil temperature, as well as dissolved oxygen levels, are the major factors impacting Ra, Rs, and Reco, while water-filled pore space (WFPS) has the least influence on respiration estimation. This analysis provides insights for future Earth System Models (ESMs) development regarding the crucial roles of environmental drivers in respiration estimation.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Stephen A. Wolfe, Peter D. Morse, Ryan Parker, Marcus R. Phillips
Summary: This study examines the distribution and morphology of pingos in the western Canadian Arctic coastal plain. The researchers used High Resolution Digital Elevation Model (HRDEM) data and found a total of 2363 pingos in the area, with an average height of 6.5 meters. The pingos are mainly concentrated in the Tuktoyaktuk Lowlands, with high slope pingos being more prevalent, while the Mackenzie Delta has a lower density of smaller pingos.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
S. A. Pedron, R. G. Jespersen, X. Xu, Y. Khazindar, J. M. Welker, C. I. Czimczik
Summary: Snow is crucial to the Arctic's energy budget, biogeochemistry, ecology, and people. While climate change shortens the snow cover period, snow mass has been increasing in many Arctic regions. Deeper snow thaws permafrost and releases ancient organic matter, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. However, more snow also leads to warmer soil temperatures and increased carbon loss, impacting Arctic ecosystems and accelerating permafrost carbon release.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bomina Kim, Sung-Han Kim, Jun-Oh Min, Youngju Lee, Jinyoung Jung, Tae-Wan Kim, Jae Seong Lee, Eun Jin Yang, Jisoo Park, SangHoon Lee, Jung-Ho Hyun
Summary: This study investigated changes in heterotrophic bacterial metabolic activities and associated carbon cycles in response to a change in dominant phytoplankton communities in the Amundsen Sea polynya. The results showed that bacterial production depended on different organic carbon sources, with direct release from Phaeocystis antarctica in one condition and various food web processes in another condition. Additionally, the shift from Phaeocystis antarctica to diatom dominance enhanced the biological carbon pump function.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Salar Karam, Celine Heuze, Vasco Mueller, Yixi Zheng
Summary: Based on hydrographic profiles in the Arctic Ocean, it is found that Canada Basin Deep Water (CBDW), which is relatively warm and salty, flows intermittently into the Amundsen Basin along the Gakkel Ridge. The driving mechanisms for CBDW inflow into the Amundsen Basin remain unclear, but density-driven overflows and pressure gradient across the Lomonosov Ridge are suggested to be unlikely drivers. Furthermore, multiple deep eddies containing CBDW are discovered in the Amundsen Basin, indicating the efficient trapping and transport of CBDW over long distances.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Software Engineering
Katayoon Etemad, Faramarz Samavati, Peter Dawson
Summary: The digital preservation of heritage resources, including physical representations through 3D printing, is crucial for communicating the significance of artifacts and landscapes. This paper focuses on the creation of physical models using terrestrial laser scanning and UAV photogrammetry data on Qikiqtaruk/Herschel Island. The physical models help convey the importance of the island's buildings and landscapes to the local Indigenous communities and global audiences, as well as the impacts of climate change.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erin N. MacDonald, Suzanne E. Tank, Steven Kokelj, Duane G. Froese, Ryan H. S. Hutchins
Summary: This study used ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry to characterize DOM derived from different permafrost end-member types in the western Canadian Arctic, revealing significant variation in DOM composition among the permafrost end-member types. The unique compound characteristics of DOM from various permafrost end-member types are primarily influenced by the parent materials of the permafrost.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Limnology
Richard LaBrie, Simon Belanger, Ronald Benner, Roxane Maranger
Summary: This study utilizes empirical data and SpAD modeling to investigate the relationships among DOM compounds, metabolic processes, and prokaryotic diversity. Different SpAD taxonomic groups were found to be associated with specific organic compounds and metabolic rates. The study proposes a framework to bridge the gap between prokaryotic diversity, microbial ecology, and biogeochemistry across scales.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Francois Genin, Catherine Lalande, Peter S. Galbraith, Pierre Larouche, Gustavo Adolfo Ferreyra, Michel Gosselin
Summary: This study utilized two sediment traps to measure and analyze biogenic carbon fluxes in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, revealing differences in carbon fluxes at different depths and seasonal variations. The findings provide important insights for potential oil and gas development in the region.
CONTINENTAL SHELF RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michael Zuykov, Galina Kolyuchkina, Graeme Spiers, Michel Gosselin, Philippe Archambault, Michael Schindler
Summary: The study indicates that pre-exposure to copper may increase the risk of infection by pathogenic microalgae in mussels, suggesting a potential association between water pollution and occurrences of Coccomyxa-infected mussels worldwide.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Michael Zuykov, Julia Anderson, Galina Kolyuchkina, Liqiang Zhao, Kotaro Shirai, Michel Gosselin, Philippe Archambault, Michael Schindler
Summary: Infection of mytilid mussels with Coccomyxa algae leads to thickening of the shells and erosion of the outer shell surface due to the activity of endolithic cyanobacteria. The presence of these symbiotic organisms influences the mussel's ability to withstand ocean acidification and predators. However, shell degradation caused by the cyanobacteria may contribute to the mortality of infected mussels at specific sites.
Article
Limnology
Stephanie Shousha, Roxane Maranger, Jean-Francois Lapierre
Summary: The study found that carbon concentrations were stable along the river continuum, while nitrogen and phosphorus rapidly increased downstream due to urban and agricultural land uses. The dominant form of nitrogen shifted from dissolved organic nitrogen in forested reaches to nitrate in downstream areas. The spatial and temporal variation in stoichiometry of the north temperate river was influenced by human impacts and seasonal trends in temperature and hydrology.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
F. Dhifallah, A. Rochon, N. Simard, C. W. McKindsey, M. Gosselin, K. L. Howland
Summary: The increase in shipping activities in the Canadian Arctic is predicted to introduce non-indigenous species, including potentially harmful dinoflagellate taxa, which can have significant ecological and economic impacts. This study characterizes dinoflagellate communities in high-risk Canadian Arctic ports, providing baseline data and confirming the presence of potential non-indigenous and harmful species. The findings suggest that shipping activities have already introduced new species, and the situation may worsen due to prolonged ice-free conditions caused by global warming.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Richard LaBrie, Berangere Pequin, Nicolas Fortin St-Gelais, Igor Yashayaev, Jennifer Cherrier, Yves Gelinas, Francois Guillemette, David C. Podgorski, Robert G. M. Spencer, Luc Tremblay, Roxane Maranger
Summary: The microbial carbon pump (MCP) hypothesis suggests that the transformation of labile dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by prokaryotes contributes to the stability of the deep ocean DOC reservoir. This study provides empirical evidence of the MCP in natural waters, showing that carbon sequestration is more efficient in deeper waters. The higher diversity of prokaryotes from the rare biosphere holds a greater metabolic potential in creating stable dissolved organic compounds.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stephanie Shousha, Roxane Maranger, Jean-Francois Lapierre
Summary: This study quantified the changes in dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition and nutrient forms along a river with different land use and seasonal patterns. The results showed significant spatial and temporal shifts in DOM composition associated with different nutrient forms. These changes indicated contrasting loading and processing potential depending on land use and seasonal patterns.
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Botrel, C. Hudon, J. B. Heffernan, P. M. Biron, R. Maranger
Summary: Our study revealed the significant influence of climate conditions on nitrogen pollution removal in large rivers, as well as on the abundance of underwater vegetation. Water temperature and level were found to be critical factors in determining plant abundance, with optimal conditions stimulating the growth of plants and promoting the removal of nitrogen pollution through denitrification by bacteria.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. O. Goyette, M. Botrel, G. Billen, J. Garnier, R. Maranger
Summary: This study analyzed the nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes in 78 watersheds of the St. Lawrence Basin in eastern Canada from 1901 to 2011 and found that the shift from sustainable to unsustainable agricultural practices over the past century has led to environmental losses. The study suggests reducing nutrient flux and reconnecting crop and animal farming to mitigate these losses.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Morgan Botrel, Roxane Maranger
Summary: Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in lake littoral zones is vital for maintaining ecosystem services, but global trends and drivers of SAV quantities remain unclear. This study provides a comprehensive synthesis of SAV trends using long-term time series data, revealing the dominant drivers of change in different regions. It highlights the urgent need for research and management actions to address knowledge gaps and preserve SAV and its crucial role in lake ecosystems.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Limnology
Morgan Botrel, Christiane Hudon, Pascale M. Biron, Roxane Maranger
Summary: Measuring biomass of freshwater submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) at large spatial scales is challenging. The combination of quadrat-scuba diver technique, fast rake sampling, and large-scale echosounding can provide more accurate estimates. The relationship between quadrat and rake biomass varies with substrate type and SAV growth form, while rake biomass can be accurately estimated from biovolume derived from echosounding. Sequential application of calibrations can yield accurate predictions, with echosounding being more accurate at larger scales. A step-by-step guideline is developed to decide when to use each technique.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY-METHODS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stephanie Shousha, Roxane Maranger, Jean-Francois Lapierre
Summary: This study investigates the long-term trends in carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) exports in a river system in Quebec, Canada. The results show that N exports have increased over time, largely driven by changes in precipitation and net anthropogenic N inputs on land. On the other hand, P exports have tended to decrease, despite higher net anthropogenic P inputs. The study also reveals changes in ecosystem stoichiometry over the years, reflecting the differential elemental exports influenced by natural and anthropogenic drivers.
GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amelie Evrard, Caroline Fink-Mercier, Virginie Galindo, Urs Neumeier, Michel Gosselin, Huixiang Xie
Summary: This study presents a multi-year and multi-season field study on chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in the nearshore area of the eastern James Bay. The study reveals that regulated rivers discharge freshwater with lower CDOM compared to unregulated rivers, although the differences in CDOM characteristics between the two are relatively small. Riverine input is identified as the dominant source of CDOM in the study area, with little influence from sea ice formation or melting. The distribution of CDOM is divided into a low-CDOM area influenced by regulated rivers and a high-CDOM area influenced by unregulated rivers, showing strong conservative but separate relationships.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Janghan Lee, Andrew Tefs, Virginie Galindo, Tricia Stadnyk, Michel Gosselin, Jean-Eric Tremblay
Summary: Hudson Bay is impacted by climate change and anthropogenic disturbance, and it plays crucial roles in supporting bird and marine mammal species, providing subsistence to coastal communities, and exporting nutrients. Nutrient concentrations and molar ratios differ between sectors of the bay due to geological diversity. River waters in the bay have different nutrient ratios throughout the seasons. Southwestern rivers contribute the most to annual nutrient delivery, followed by southern and eastern rivers. River flow regulation affects nutrient transports in the bay, particularly in winter. River nutrients have a smaller potential impact on new primary production compared to marine nutrients.
ELEMENTA-SCIENCE OF THE ANTHROPOCENE
(2023)
