Arctic OceanArctic Ocean

Most inaccessibleMost inaccessible Widest continental shelf – 1, 210 km Widest continental shelf – 1, 210 km

(750 mi)(750 mi) Smallest ocean basin – 14 million sq km Smallest ocean basin – 14 million sq km

(5.4 million sq mi)(5.4 million sq mi) Average depth – 3,658 m (12,000 ft)Average depth – 3,658 m (12,000 ft) Deepest part (Canada Basin) – 5,441 m Deepest part (Canada Basin) – 5,441 m

(17,850 ft)(17,850 ft) Least studiedLeast studied

Last Frontier on EarthLast Frontier on Earth

Not easily exploredNot easily explored Almost entirely covered with ice – 8 Almost entirely covered with ice – 8

monthsmonths Drifting polar ice pack covers central Drifting polar ice pack covers central

and western portions year-roundand western portions year-round Sea temperatures seldom rise above Sea temperatures seldom rise above

0ºC0ºC

NOAA Ocean Exploration Arctic ExpeditionsNOAA Ocean Exploration Arctic Expeditions

2002-20062002-2006 US, Russia, Canada, Japan, ChinaUS, Russia, Canada, Japan, China Canada Basin, Melville Bay, and Canada Basin, Melville Bay, and

Beaufort and Chukchi SeasBeaufort and Chukchi Seas Mapping, Long-term Census, Biological Mapping, Long-term Census, Biological

Realms, Microbes, Productivity, Sound, Realms, Microbes, Productivity, Sound, and Tracking Narwhalsand Tracking Narwhals

Three Distinct Biological CommunitiesThree Distinct Biological Communities

Sea-Ice Realm – diatoms, algae, bacteria, Sea-Ice Realm – diatoms, algae, bacteria, viruses, fungi, amphipods, polar bears, seals, viruses, fungi, amphipods, polar bears, seals, birds birds

Pelagic Realm – crustaceans, jellies, fishes, Pelagic Realm – crustaceans, jellies, fishes, squids, seals, whalessquids, seals, whales

Benthic Realm – sponges, bivalves, Benthic Realm – sponges, bivalves, crustaceans, polychaete worms, sea crustaceans, polychaete worms, sea anemones, bryozoans, tunicates, ascidaceans, anemones, bryozoans, tunicates, ascidaceans, fishes, whales, and sealsfishes, whales, and seals

Sea-ice RealmSea-ice Realm

Sea ice = Ice crystals + brine channelsSea ice = Ice crystals + brine channels Sympagic – “minute vegetable forms of Sympagic – “minute vegetable forms of

exquisite beauty,” Sutherland (1852)exquisite beauty,” Sutherland (1852) Life within the brine channels intricately Life within the brine channels intricately

linked to physical processeslinked to physical processes ““Level” sea ice ranges in thickness Level” sea ice ranges in thickness

from 2-4 mfrom 2-4 m Pack ice or fast ice – undeformed level Pack ice or fast ice – undeformed level

or heavily ridged stamuki zonesor heavily ridged stamuki zones Only 50% melts in summerOnly 50% melts in summer

A Microscopic HavenA Microscopic Haven

……that Fuels the Entire Arctic Systemthat Fuels the Entire Arctic System

Arctic Sea IceArctic Sea Ice

Decreased 3% per decade over Decreased 3% per decade over last 25 yearslast 25 yearsLoss in ice thickness in all parts of Loss in ice thickness in all parts of ArcticArcticArctic sea ice cover might be lost Arctic sea ice cover might be lost by 2100by 2100Species ranges and extinctionsSpecies ranges and extinctions

NOAA Ocean Exploration LessonsNOAA Ocean Exploration Lessons

Life in the Crystal Palace – Biological CommunitiesLife in the Crystal Palace – Biological CommunitiesPolar Bear Panic! – Climate ChangePolar Bear Panic! – Climate ChangeBeing Productive in the Arctic Ocean – Primary Being Productive in the Arctic Ocean – Primary Productivity and Limiting FactorsProductivity and Limiting Factors

Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental ConceptsConcepts, 2005, 2005

1.1. The Earth has one big ocean with many features.The Earth has one big ocean with many features.2.2. The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of

the Earth.the Earth.3.3. The ocean is a major influence on weather and The ocean is a major influence on weather and

climate.climate.4.4. The ocean makes Earth habitable.The ocean makes Earth habitable.5.5. The ocean supports a great diversity of life and The ocean supports a great diversity of life and

ecosystems. The ocean and humans are inextricably ecosystems. The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected. interconnected.

6.6. The ocean is largely unexplored.The ocean is largely unexplored.