scholarly journals Winter distribution of Steller's Eiders in the Varangerfjord, northern Norway

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Oddvar Heggøy ◽  
Ingar Jostein Øien ◽  
Tomas Aarvak
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Oil Pollution ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
European Population ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Flock Size ◽  
Emergency Plan ◽  
Oil Drilling ◽  
Winter Distribution ◽  
Polysticta Stelleri

Arctic warming and decreasing sea-ice cover along the Siberian coast in the Arctic Ocean leads to greater accessibility for operations such as oil drilling and traffic of tankers. This implies increasing risks for Steller’s Eider Polysticta stelleri wintering, moulting and staging along the coasts of the Varanger Peninsula, Norway. Steller’s Eiders were surveyed by monthly counts during winter and early spring 2016/2017 to investigate numbers and distribution throughout the winter. The highest number of wintering Steller’s Eiders was found in January, representing ~7 % of the European population. In February–April numbers were lower, but at a rather stable level. We found relatively little variation in distribution between months, although the birds were more evenly distributed along the coast later in winter. Mean flock size was significantly larger in January than in March and April. Feeding behaviour was exclusively observed in shallow water, generally at depths of up to 6 m. Areas of focus for an oil pollution emergency plan are pointed out and discussed.

scholarly journals Transboundary Environmental Harm in the Arctic – In Search of Accountability for an Oil Spill

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-214
Author(s):  
Outi Penttilä
Keyword(s):  
Oil Pollution ◽  
Peripheral Region ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Environmental Harm ◽  
Environmental Damage ◽  
Multilateral Environmental Agreements ◽  
Oil Drilling ◽  
Pollution Damage ◽  
Current Formulation ◽  
International Liability

Recently, the Arctic has transformed from a peripheral region to an area of great interest, for instance in terms of oil drilling. Nonetheless, no legal instrument has addressed the matter of accountability for transfrontier oil pollution damage. This article accordingly evaluates whether the current legal constructs, meaning State responsibility, international liability, civil liability regimes, and multilateral environmental agreements, allow accountability to be established for transboundary environmental harm resulting from hydrocarbon exploitation in the Arctic. It also examines whether these constructions could serve as the basis for future legislative actions. This article treats these four constructions as layers of accountability. After examining all of the layers in their current formulation, this article asserts that the existing layers cannot establish accountability for transboundary environmental damage in the Arctic, nor do they as such offer an effective way to regulate accountability in the future. Therefore, the article concludes that the law of accountability necessitates a new approach, such as a non-compliance mechanism or hybrid system combining elements of multiple layers. Finally, the article calls for immediate legislative actions.

Oil Pollution in the Arctic: Risks and Mitigating Measures With Reference to the Deepwater Horizon Accident

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Willemse ◽  
P. H. A. J. M. van Gelder
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Oil Pollution ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
Deepwater Horizon ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Drilling Process ◽  
Emergency Plan ◽  
Offshore Drilling ◽  
Offshore Industry

The accident with the Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico has caused great concern, both in the offshore industry and in society in general. The response to the accident indicated that no clear emergency plan was in place and that many attempts at mitigation of the oil spill were improvised whilst the oil was already leaking. As a result it took several months to kill the well and stop the oil spill, causing the Deepwater Horizon to be one of the most severe environmental disasters in the history of offshore drilling. This paper analyses the probability that a similar accident could happen in the arctic region, taking into account the various steps and elements of the offshore drilling process. The measures to kill the subsequent oil flow and to contain the oil spill are addressed in the context of the complex arctic drilling challenges. Finally the paper estimates how the mitigation measures could reduce the probability of a spill.

scholarly journals Seasonal patterns in Arctic planktonic metabolism (Fram Strait – Svalbard region)

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 1451-1469 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Vaquer-Sunyer ◽  
C. M. Duarte ◽  
J. Holding ◽  
A. Regaudie-de-Gioux ◽  
L. S. García-Corral ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arctic Ocean ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Fram Strait ◽  
Metabolic Rates ◽  
Net Community Production ◽  
Western Sector ◽  
The Arctic Ocean ◽  
European Arctic ◽  
Community Production

Abstract. The metabolism of the Arctic Ocean is marked by extremely pronounced seasonality and spatial heterogeneity associated with light conditions, ice cover, water masses and nutrient availability. Here we report the marine planktonic metabolic rates (net community production, gross primary production and community respiration) along three different seasons of the year, for a total of eight cruises along the western sector of the European Arctic (Fram Strait – Svalbard region) in the Arctic Ocean margin: one at the end of 2006 (fall/winter), two in 2007 (early spring and summer), two in 2008 (early spring and summer), one in 2009 (late spring–early summer), one in 2010 (spring) and one in 2011 (spring). The results show that the metabolism of the western sector of the European Arctic varies throughout the year, depending mostly on the stage of bloom and water temperature. Here we report metabolic rates for the different periods, including the spring bloom, summer and the dark period, increasing considerably the empirical basis of metabolic rates in the Arctic Ocean, and especially in the European Arctic corridor. Additionally, a rough annual metabolic estimate for this area of the Arctic Ocean was calculated, resulting in a net community production of 108 g C m−2 yr−1.

scholarly journals Density and Flock Size of the Raven (Corvus corax) In the Orawa - Nowy Targ Basin During Non-Breeding Season

Ring ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-125
Author(s):  
Michał Ciach ◽  
Dominik Wikar ◽  
Małgorzata Bylicka
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Food Resources ◽  
High Density ◽  
Line Transect ◽  
Flock Size ◽  
Early Winter ◽  
Corvus Corax ◽  
Line Transect Method ◽  
Breeding Seasons

Density and Flock Size of the Raven (Corvus corax) In the Orawa - Nowy Targ Basin During Non-Breeding Season During the 2002/2003-2004/2005 non-breeding seasons the density of the Raven in the open habitats of the Orawa - Nowy Targ Basin was studied by line transect method. The results were analysed in four periods (autumn, early winter, winter and early spring). The median density of Ravens did not differ significantly between individual periods and was respectively: 3.5, 3.8, 4.8 and 3.8 indiv. / 10 km. Number of birds during particular controls varied from 1.0 to 24.8 indiv. / 10 km. However, while excluding flocks, the median density of single individuals and pairs of the Raven was considerably lower and in subsequent periods reached respectively: 2.2, 2.4, 2.2 and 1.7 indiv. / 10 km. Flock size did not differ significantly between individual periods. Single individuals and, less often, groups of two birds were recorded mostly. Small (3-5 indiv.) and medium (6-15 indiv.) flocks were recorded rarely and large flocks (16 indiv. and above) - only exceptionally. The high density and strong fluctuations of abundance of Ravens were determined by flocks presence, which was probably linked to irregular occurrence of food resources.

scholarly journals Analysis of Arctic Spring Ozone Anomaly in the Phases of QBO and 11-year Solar Cycle for 1979–2011

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yousuke Yamashita ◽  
Hideharu Akiyoshi ◽  
Masaaki Takahashi
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cycle ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Polar Vortex ◽  
Reanalysis Data ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Negative Anomaly ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Quasi Biennial Oscillation ◽  
Biennial Oscillation

Arctic ozone amount in winter to spring shows large year-to-year variation. This study investigates Arctic spring ozone in relation to the phase of quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO)/the 11-year solar cycle, using satellite observations, reanalysis data, and outputs of a chemistry climate model (CCM) during the period of 1979–2011. For this duration, we found that the composite mean of the Northern Hemisphere high-latitude total ozone in the QBO-westerly (QBO-W)/solar minimum (Smin) phase is slightly smaller than those averaged for the QBO-W/Smax and QBO-E/Smax years in March. An analysis of a passive ozone tracer in the CCM simulation indicates that this negative anomaly is primarily caused by transport. The negative anomaly is consistent with a weakening of the residual mean downward motion in the polar lower stratosphere. The contribution of chemical processes estimated using the column amount difference between ozone and the passive ozone tracer is between 10–20% of the total anomaly in March. The lower ozone levels in the Arctic spring during the QBO-W/Smin years are associated with a stronger Arctic polar vortex from late winter to early spring, which is linked to the reduced occurrence of sudden stratospheric warming in the winter during the QBO-W/Smin years.

Lagrangian analysis of the northern polar vortex split in April 2020 during development of the Arctic ozone hole

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jezabel Curbelo ◽  
Gang Chen ◽  
Carlos R. Mechoso
Keyword(s):  
Wave Train ◽  
Stratospheric Ozone ◽  
Polar Vortex ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Ozone Hole ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Lagrangian Analysis ◽  
The North ◽  
Vortex Split

<div>The evolution of the Northern Hemisphere stratosphere during late winter and early spring of 2020 was punctuated by outstanding events both in dynamics and tracer evolution. It provides an ideal case for study of the Lagrangian properties of the evolving flow and its connections with the troposphere. The events ranged from an episode of polar warming at upper levels in March, a polar vortex split into two cyclonic vortices at middle and lower levels in April, and a remarkably deep and persistent mass of ozone poor air within the westerly circulation throughout the period. The latter feature was particularly remarkable during 2020, which showed the lowest values of stratospheric ozone on record.</div><div> </div><div>We focus on the vortex split in April 2020 and we examine this split at middle as well as lower stratospheric levels, and the interactions that occurred between the resulting two vortices which determined the distribution of ozone among them. We also examine the connections among stratospheric and tropospheric events during the period.</div><div> </div><div>Our approach for analysis will be based on the application of Lagrangian tools to the flow field, based on following air parcels trajectories, examining barriers to the flow, and the activity and propagation of planetary waves. Our findings confirm the key role for the split played by a flow configuration with a polar hyperbolic trajectory and associated manifolds. A trajectory analysis illustrates the transport of ozone between the vortices during the split. We argue that these stratospheric events were linked to strong synoptic scale disturbances in the troposphere forming a wave train from the north Pacific to North America and Eurasia.</div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Reference:</strong><strong> </strong>J. Curbelo, G. Chen,  C. R. Mechoso. Multi-level analysis of the northern polar vortex split in April 2020 during development of the Arctic ozone hole. Earth and Space Science Open Archive. doi: 10.1002/essoar.10505516.1</div><div> </div><div><strong>Acknowledgements:</strong> NSF Grant AGS-1832842, RYC2018-025169 and EIN2019-103087.</div>

Solar irradiance, air pollution and temperature changes in the Arctic

1995 ◽  
Vol 352 (1699) ◽  
pp. 247-258 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Solar Irradiance ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Surface Radiation ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Radiation Balance ◽  
Temperature Changes ◽  
Global Irradiance ◽  
Arctic Haze

A highly significant decrease in the annual sums of global irradiance reaching the surface of the Arctic, averaging 0.36 W m -2 per year, was derived from an analysis of 389 complete years of measurement, beginning in 1950, at 22 pyranometer stations within the Arctic Circle. The smaller data base of radiation balance measurements available showed a much smaller and statistically non-significant change. Reductions in global irradiance were most frequent in the early spring months and in the western sectors of the Arctic, coinciding with the seasonal and spatial distribution of the incursions of polluted air which give rise to the Arctic Haze. Irradiance measured in Antarctica during the same period showed a similar and more widespread decline despite the lower concentrations of pollutants. A marked increase in the surface radiation balance was recorded. Possible reasons for these interpolar anomalies and their consequences for temperature change are discussed.

scholarly journals Concentrations of Cadmium, Copper, Lead and Zinc in Snow from Near Dye 3 in South Greenland

1988 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 193-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.W. Wolff ◽  
David A. Peel
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Crustal Component ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Lead And Zinc ◽  
Gasoline Additive ◽  
Spring Maximum

Clean sampling and analysis procedures have been used to measure the concentrations of Al and four heavy metals in snow representing one year’s accumulation (1983-84) near Dye 3 in Greenland. Mean values were Al 17.5ng g−1, Cd 0.74 pg g−1, Cu 6.2 pg g−1, Pb 28 pg g−1 and Zn 27 pg g−1. Concentrations of the heavy metals are lower than previously reported at other Greenland sites for snowfall during the last 20 years. A distinct late-winter / early-spring maximum is seen for Al, Cu, Pb and Zn, in accord with other workers’ measurements of various species in the atmospheric aerosol in the Arctic. Cu appears to have a large crustal component, but Cd, Pb and Zn probably originate mainly from pollution. One explanation for the lower Pb values may be the considerable reduction in North American and European usage of Pb as a petrol (gasoline) additive during the last decade. These limited data emphasize the importance of obtaining a reliable century-long record of these metals in Greenland ice.

scholarly journals Temporal evolution of Arctic sea-ice temperature

2001 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
pp. 207-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald K. Perovich ◽  
Bruce C. Elder
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Variability ◽  
Cold Front ◽  
Freezing Point ◽  
Heat Budget ◽  
General Pattern ◽  
Pond Water ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Arctic Sea Ice ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Environmental Forcing

AbstractVertical profiles of temperature from the air through the snow and ice and into the upper ocean were measured over an annual cycle, from October 1997 to October 1998, as part of a study of the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA). These observations were made at nine locations, including young ice, ponded ice, undeformed ice, a hummock, a consolidated ridge and a new blocky ridge. All of the sites had similar environmental forcing, with air temperatures at the different sites typically within 1°C. In general, the seasonal evolution of ice temperature followed a pattern of (1) a cold front propagating down through the ice in the fall, (2) cold ice temperatures and ice growth in late fall, winter and early spring, and (3) warming to the freezing point in the summer. Within this general pattern, there was considerable spatial variability in the temperature profiles, particularly during winter. For example, snow/ice interface temperatures varied by as much as 30°C between sites. The coldest ice temperatures were observed in a consolidated ridge with a thin snow cover, while the warmest were in ponded ice. The warm pond temperatures were a result of two factors: the initial cooling in the fall was retarded by freezing of pond water, and the depressed surface of the pond was quickly covered by a deep layer of snow (0.6 m). In an 8 m thick unconsolidated ridge, the cold front did not penetrate to the ice bottom during winter, and a portion of the interior remained below freezing during the summer. The spatial variability in snow depth and ice conditions can result in situations where there is significant horizontal transport of heat.

To Cooperate or Not? Why Working Together is Essential in the Arctic

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (1) ◽  
pp. 1146-1165
Author(s):  
Johan Marius Ly ◽  
Rune Bergstrøm ◽  
Ole Kristian Bjerkemo ◽  
Synnøve Lunde
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Response ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Barents Sea ◽  
Oil Pollution ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Response Analysis ◽  
The Barents Sea ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Oil Spill Response ◽  
Second Year

Abstract The Norwegian Arctic covers Svalbard, Bear Island, Jan Mayen and the Barents Sea. 80% of all shipping activities in the Arctic are within Norwegian territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone. To reduce the risk for accidents, the Norwegian authorities have established several preventive measures. Among these are ship reporting systems, traffic separation schemes in international waters and surveillance capabilities. If an accident has occurred and an oil spill response operation must be organized - resources, equipment, vessels and manpower from Norwegian and neighboring states will be mobilized. In 2015, the Norwegian Coastal Administration finalized an environmental risk-based emergency response analysis for shipping incidents in the Svalbard, Bear Island and Jan Mayen area. This scenario-based analysis has resulted in a number of recommendations that are currently being implemented to be better prepared for oil spill response operations in the Norwegian Arctic. Further, a large national oil spill response exercise in 2016 was based on one of these scenarios involving at sea and onshore oil spill response at Svalbard. The 2016 exercise, working within the framework of the Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic between Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the USA (Arctic Council 2013), focused on a shipping incident in the Norwegian waters in the Barents Sea, close to the Russian border. Every year, as part of the Russian – Norwegian Oil Spill Response Agreement and the SAR Agreement in the Barents Sea, combined SAR and oil spill response exercises are organized. These are held every second year in Russia and every second year in Norway. There is an expected increased traffic and possible increased risk for accidents in the Arctic waters. In order to build and maintain an emergency response system to this, cooperation between states, communities, private companies and other stakeholders is essential. It is important that all actors that operate and have a role in the Arctic are prepared and able to help ensure the best possible emergency response plans. We depend on one another, this paper highlights some of the ongoing activities designed to strengthen the overall response capabilities in the Arctic.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document