Atmosphere-sea ice-ocean interaction study in Saroma-ko Lagoon, Hokkaido, Japan 2021

Abstract

An atmosphere-sea ice-ocean interaction study was conducted at the Saroma-ko Lagoon, Hokkaido, Japan from 27 February to 9 March 2021. Air-sea ice CO₂ flux measurements were conducted by eddy covariance and chamber methods together with meteorological observations. Sea ice cores were collected to understand the interaction between the atmosphere and under-ice water with respect to fluxes of heat and biogeochemical components. Physical and biogeochemical parameters such as temperature, salinity, ice structure, environmental DNA, and concentrations of gases, nutrients, and trace metals were measured. Under-ice water properties were monitored to quantify heat budgets and interactions with sea ice biogeochemical properties. Incubation experiments with ice algae were conducted. Equipment such as air-sea ice CO₂/CH₄ flux chambers, an eddy covariance system, a trace metal analyzer, and a pump and sampler for environmental DNA were tested and compared to prepare for future Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. In addition, movies and pictures were taken under the auspices of the educational program of Hokkaido University (LASBOS) to enhance educational programs in ocean science. The field campaign activities provided useful information for inter-comparison research and future studies of sea ice in polar oceans.