A New Era for Cryospheric Research Begins

This year marks a significant milestone as we step into the United Nations Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences—a global initiative dedicated to addressing the rapid transformations taking place in glaciers, ice sheets, sea ice, and permafrost, and their profound implications on our planet. At the forefront of this groundbreaking effort is the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), utilizing pioneering research and technology to shed light on the Arctic seafloor and the Southern Ocean.

Polar Health: Understanding Our Planet's Lifeline

According to MBARI’s President and CEO, Antje Boetius, a preeminent figure in polar research, "Ice-covered regions are vital to our planet’s health and teem with unique life forms. The Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences opens doors for collaboration aimed at safeguarding these critical polar ecosystems. MBARI stands ready to lead in researching and exploring these uncharted watery realms."

Revealing the Hidden Depths: Arctic Seafloor Investigations

For the first time, scientists can access the previously unreachable seafloor at the edge of the Canadian Arctic, thanks to the dramatic effects of climate change on sea ice. MBARI’s autonomous underwater vehicles are mapping the intricate and surprising terrain of this underwater landscape, revealing significant transformations driven by melting ancient permafrost and fluctuating seawater temperatures. This invaluable data will inform policymakers on critical underwater infrastructure decisions. This summer, MBARI researchers will revisit the Canadian Beaufort Sea to continue this vital work.

Connecting Climate and Carbon: Insights from the Southern Ocean

As part of the Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling (SOCCOM) project, MBARI collaborates with international partners to delve into one of the most enigmatic oceanic regions. Using advanced sensors on robotic BGC-Argo floats, researchers are continuously monitoring ocean chemistry and productivity. Currently, over 100 floats are operational, with data made publicly accessible to the global research community. Additionally, MBARI leads outreach efforts, bringing this cutting-edge research into classrooms worldwide.

Antarctica's Hidden Processes: Unraveling Submarine Groundwater Discharge

In Antarctica, a critical yet challenging phenomenon, submarine groundwater discharge, plays a pivotal role in shaping ocean biogeochemistry and marine ecology. MBARI is at the forefront of quantifying this process along the Antarctic Peninsula, investigating how climate change influences the flow of freshwater from the seabed into the ocean. Early results indicate that this discharge occurs at significantly higher rates in Antarctica than in more temperate zones, providing crucial data for improving regional climate models.

Biodiversity at Our Fingertips: Harnessing Environmental DNA in the Southern Ocean

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is revolutionizing how scientists assess biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems by detecting the organisms that leave behind traces of genetic material. MBARI's cutting-edge technologies, including the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) and the Filtering Instrument for DNA Observations (FIDO), enable researchers to collect and analyze eDNA in remote marine environments. Earlier this year, in partnership with the Australian Antarctic Program, these instruments were deployed on the research icebreaker Nuyina to assess the potential applications of eDNA technology in the Southern Ocean.

A Call to Action: Together for Our Planet's Future

As the UN Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences unfolds, MBARI’s exceptional research initiatives are set to illuminate the vital connections between our planet’s frozen elements and global health. This collective movement not only seeks to deepen our understanding of climate change but also aims to galvanize concerted action for the preservation of our world's precious polar environments.