The POMP project is proud to share four new peer-reviewed publications that shed light on the complex interactions shaping the Arctic carbon cycle. Together, these studies provide key pieces of the puzzle needed to quantify and manage polar blue carbon—core to POMP’s mission.
Freshwater Inputs Reshape Coastal CO₂ Uptake
A study led by Henson et al. reveals that glacial meltwater entering Arctic fjords lowers CO₂ levels more than expected. This not only increases the capacity of coastal waters to absorb CO₂ but also enhances their sensitivity to biological processes like photosynthesis and acidification. These findings refine our understanding of coastal carbon dynamics and improve predictions of climate feedbacks in polar regions.
River Discharge Influences Plankton Cycles
A study led by Mäkelä documents how meltwater-driven river discharge alters the seasonal cycles of diatoms and dinoflagellates in a high-Arctic fjord. Notably, heterotrophic dinoflagellates flourished during high freshwater inflows, while diatom peaks coincided with lower discharge. These patterns highlight the role of terrestrial inputs in shaping pelagic ecosystems and blue carbon pathways.
Climate-Driven Coastal Oligotrophication
A long-term analysis of nutrient trends in Greenland’s Young Sound by Søgaard and collaborators shows a significant decline in nitrate and phytoplankton biomass over the past two decades. The findings suggest that Arctic greening—driven by climate warming—reduces nutrient runoff, weakening the base of the marine food web. This shift has direct implications for carbon sequestration and ecosystem resilience.
Macroalgae Leave Millennial Fingerprint in Sediments
Using eDNA metabarcoding, Ørberg and collaborators detected macroalgal DNA in sediment cores spanning the last 2,600 years. This persistent signal indicates that macroalgae have contributed to long-term carbon storage in Arctic sediments, supporting their classification as emerging blue carbon habitats.
A Step Closer to Quantifying Polar Mitigation Potential
These four studies collectively advance key POMP goals: improving the mechanistic understanding of blue carbon habitats, integrating terrestrial and marine drivers, and identifying hotspots of carbon capture and storage. The new knowledge will feed directly into models, remote sensing products, and policy recommendations central to POMP’s impact strategy.
Read the full articles in the following links: