Sea ice bio-optics, organobromine fluxes and ozone depletion in the Arctic
Principal Investigator: Cota, Glen (2)
Licence Number: 12337
Organization: University of Tennessee
Licensed Year(s): 1994 1993 1992 1991
Issued: Jan 01, 1993
Project Team: M. Casey, M. Stafford, other members to be determined

Objective(s): To quantify ozone concentrations in the lower atmosphere in relation to irradiance, wind speed and direction, and to determine fluxes of organohalogens from the ocean to the atmosphere; to measure light absorption and photosynthetic rates of ice algae in relation to light quantity and/or quality.

Project Description: "Brown ice" is caused by microscopic plants called ice algae. These plants comprise the base of the food chain, serving as food for small animals. Because of their dark colouration, ice algae absorb light and produce heat. We are studying what colours and how much light is absorbed by these plants. We are also measuring ozone concentrations over sea ice as well as the transfer of natural gases produced by the algae to the air to study ozone depletion.