We expect this project to contribute to improve future climate simulations, by providing a better understanding and representation of possible feedbacks, both from the ocean circulation and the GHG cycle, associated with the rapid warming of the Arctic.

From the test case of an Arctic polynya, the STeP (STorfjorden Polynia multidisciplinary study) project is designed to improve our knowledge on polynya dynamics and processes associated with brine-enriched water formation, as well as on the impact of brine on the oceanic circulation and Green house Gases (GHG) cycles through a multi-disciplinary physical-biogeochemical approach.

This 2016 oceanographic cruise allowed to 1) pursue the continuous collection of physical parameters (T, S and currents) started in 2011 with a mooring in the heart of the polynya equipped with autonomous CTD sensors and an ADCP, 2) add pCO2, dissolved O2, pH sensors, an automated water sampler and a trap to the mooring to register year round carbon cycle, CH4 and N2O changes and analyze changes in deep water and DIC isotopes composition, as well as analyzing particule fluxes, and organic matter origin, 3) analyze  currents, turbulence, the carbonate chemistry parameters, the greenhouse gases in the water column, bottom water, sediment pore waters and complementing the trap samples with multinet and multicore sampling. This program also includes a winter phase (French Polar Insitute, IPEV) with measurement of some of these parameters within the sea ice. Ultimately, we expect this project to contribute to improving future climate simulations, by providing a better understanding and representation of possible feebacks, both from the ocean circulation and the GHG cycle, associated with the rapid warming of the Arctic.