RU5: Future climate and oceans

The impact of retreating ice sheets on the earth’s future carbon cycle and ocean ecosystems is a major unknown. Scientists still disagree on whether the polar regions will emit or absorb carbon over the coming decades, and we know very little about how life in the oceans will alter with ice sheet change.

We are addressing this major gap in scientific knowledge by pulling together data gathered by iC3 researchers and comprehensively mapping nutrient and carbon fluxes in Greenland and Antarctica. We are modelling the complex interactions between ice, land, ocean, atmosphere and the various organisms they contain. We are assessing whether the retreat of ice sheets and their direct and indirect effects on marine systems will act as accelerator or brake on global warming, and how they will impact the precious ocean ecosystems on which human lives and livelihoods depend.

Our aim is to provide national and international initiatives, including the IPCC and IPBES, with a reliable way to assess how the retreat of polar ice sheets will affect Earth’s future climate and marine ecosystems.

Research Leads

Associate Professor Fanny Monteiro

RU5 Research Lead

Biography

Selected Publications

Associate Professor Petra Langebroek

RU5 Assistant Research Lead

Biography

Selected Publications

Dr Pedro Duarte

RU5 Assistant Research Lead

Biography

Pedro Duarte is a senior researcher at the Norwegian Polar Institute, where he has dedicated over a decade to advancing our understanding of the Arctic environment. His work primarily involves developing coupled physical-biochemical models to simulate the complex interactions between oceanic and sea ice processes. This modeling is crucial for understanding the impacts of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem. Pedro employs both simple 1D models for specific process tuning and complex 3D models for regional simulations, particularly around Svalbard. These models are instrumental in hypothesis testing, allowing for the creation of virtual experiments that provide significant insights into sea ice and ocean dynamics. Pedro's research spans the European Arctic, focusing on areas such as the Nansen Basin and various fjords. His work is driven by commitments to the Ministry of Environment and aims to understand the intricate interactions between physical and biochemical processes. One of his notable achievements includes enhancing the Los Alamos Sea Ice Model (CICE), which improved operational forecasting models used by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, thereby benefiting Arctic navigation. Despite his primary focus on modeling, Pedro actively participates in fieldwork, contributing to data-driven research papers. His interdisciplinary expertise bridges marine ecology and modeling, with a background that uniquely combines biology and physics. This diverse skill set allows him to approach scientific questions from multiple angles, enhancing the depth and breadth of his research. Pedro is particularly excited about advancements in remote sensing technologies, such as autonomous underwater vehicles and gliders, which can provide valuable data on under-ice processes. He is also intrigued by the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance model intelligence and flexibility, allowing for more realistic simulations of ecosystem dynamics. Outside of his scientific endeavors, Pedro enjoys engaging in activities such as skiing and diving. These hobbies provide a balance to his professional life, allowing him to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life equilibrium.

Read External Biography

Selected Publications

Early Career Scientists

Postdoctoral Fellowships

iC3 offers a friendly and supportive working environment to early career researchers who are passionate about polar science.