Final Activity Report Summary - DIFMET (Diffusive trace metals in Arctic Ocean surface waters)
The project sought to determine the effects of interaction between seawater flowing into the Arctic Ocean and the sediments of the extensive shallow continental shelves that are crossed. Samples of water and sediments from the Bering Sea were collected during an oceanographic cruise on board the Swedish Icebreaker Oden.
The study focussed on the rare earth elements, key indicators widely used in chemical oceanography because earlier data suggested that the shelves would have a strong effect in modifying these trace elements. The work demonstrated that the trace element characteristics of water originating in the Pacific Ocean are substantially changed, with the rare earth element concentrations greatly increased.
A significant factor is the suspension of very fine material that remains suspended and is susceptible to being dissolved. This Pacific Ocean water subsequently spreads through much of the Arctic Ocean, and the rare earth elements, in particular Nd, are used to trace the ocean circulation of these waters at present as well as in the past (when the Nd in the water column has been preserved in sediments).
The study focussed on the rare earth elements, key indicators widely used in chemical oceanography because earlier data suggested that the shelves would have a strong effect in modifying these trace elements. The work demonstrated that the trace element characteristics of water originating in the Pacific Ocean are substantially changed, with the rare earth element concentrations greatly increased.
A significant factor is the suspension of very fine material that remains suspended and is susceptible to being dissolved. This Pacific Ocean water subsequently spreads through much of the Arctic Ocean, and the rare earth elements, in particular Nd, are used to trace the ocean circulation of these waters at present as well as in the past (when the Nd in the water column has been preserved in sediments).