RIS: 11079 ARctic DISsolved CO2 (AR-DIS-CO2)

Project start: 2018-08-16 end: 2023-08-16

The project tackles the dynamics of dissolved gases in the ocean water of the Kongsfjorden (Svalbard islands, W archipelago). The main goals are:

the characterization and monitoring of Kongfjorden’s waters in terms of dissolved gases species and ii) the identification and understanding of the relationships between dissolved gases time-variations and glaciers melting dynamics.

Focus of the research activities is to monitor and comprehend the processes involving major dissolved gas species, trying to identify and understand how drainage melt glaciers influence the TDIC and gas contents of the fjord. The project is also aimed to develop a portable instrument for on-site measurements of TDIC and dissolved gases (in particular CO2, but also O2, N2, Ar, CH4, H2).

Vertical profiles of temperature, pH, salinity along selected site in the Kongsfjorden. The selection of measurement sites was addressed to obtain data at least from one of the most deep vertical profile and also from profiles close to main glaciers drainages (Bayelva basin and Kronebreen-Kongsvegen glaciers). TDIC measurements is performed in water samples. water samples in glass bottles pre-evacuated are collected for gases determination.