We collected snow samples from two pits with depths of 4.02 and 3.18 m at the East Greenland Ice Core Project camp (75°37′N, 35°59′W), Greenland in the summer of 2016 to estimate recent annual snow deposition and examine seasonal variation in major ion species, stable isotopes of water and microparticles (dust). Dating based on clear seasonal variation in chemical components indicated that the 4.02-

Myxomycetes (Protista - Amoebozoa) are worldwide distributed organisms, but still poorly known from the Antarctic. While working on fungi and similar organisms found in Stinker Point, Elephant Island - Antarctica in January/February 2018 we found 24 sporangia of Dianema nivale, which is cited for the first time to the Antarctica.

This paper summarizes the achievements of one of the themes in the Arctic Challenge for Sustainability (ArCS) project. Consisting mainly of researchers of human and social sciences, the theme was designed to connect the achievements of other themes to stakeholders and policymakers. According to our research method, this paper proceeds the discussion in three research areas. First, economic development

Temporal and spatial changes of GPS total electron content (TEC) and phase variation, called phase scintillation, during auroral substorms and breakups are investigated in the context of horizontal equivalent ionospheric currents and estimated vertical current amplitudes derived from ground magnetometer network using the spherical elementary current method. GPS phase scintillation is computed for sampling

Taking advantage of a unique configuration of upper-atmospheric observing stations, we used enhanced radiosonde observations acquired during the Year of Polar Prediction (YOPP) at Ice Base Cape Baranova in 2018 to quantify the observational bias of a nearby station, i.e., GMO IM. E. K. Fedorova located 184 km to the southeast. Radiosonde observations from Fedorova are transmitted to the Global Telecommunications

Mineral dust plays a key role in both local and global climates. At high latitudes, atmospheric dust can affect ice-nuclei formation, and surface dust can reduce the albedo as well as increase subsequent ice melting. As a proxy for past climate, mineral dust is preserved in ice cores, but few studies have examined deposited dust in ice cores during the Anthropocene, especially after 2000. We measured

This study uses satellite microwave observations to examine the spatiotemporal variations of melting ice sheets on the slopes of Antarctica. These observations were focused on the coastal marginal zone and inland traverse route near Syowa Station. Melting was detected using a 36 GHz vertical polarization diurnal amplitude variation (DAV). Data from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS

Lightning events could cause ionospheric disturbance on performance of radio signals which could lead to errors. The objective of the study is to investigate the response of vertical total electron content (VTEC) during lightning activity over the Antarctic Peninsula for the year 2017. The lightning data were obtained from the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) while the lightning flash

An all-digital agile dual auroral radar network (AgileDARN) was developed by the National Space Science Center, Chinese Academic of Sciences (NSSC, CAS). AgileDARN can achieve higher performance and greater flexibility based on highly digitized hardware and its distributed digital signal processing system. Multiple receiving beams can be created within the transmitting beam pattern better to determine

Global climate change is one of the main problems facing humans at the beginning of the 21st century. In the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), it has led to significant social consequences, especially those caused by flooding, which is very common in the region. One way of protecting settlements from catastrophic floods is to relocate them to non-flooded terraces. In the article, the author examined the

We quantified the taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of fungi associated with dead moss tissues and conifer needles in a forest-tundra ecotone in a sub-arctic region, Quebec, Canada. We detected 615 operational taxonomic units, in total, of fungi in 84 families with 97% sequence similarity by metabarcoding the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Saprotrophs

This article focuses on the social representations of permafrost thaw among people who were born in different regions of the Sakha Republic (Russia) and live in the regional capital city of Yakutsk. Our research aims to obtain a better understanding of the new risk patterns associated to permafrost thaw through the collection and subsequent analysis of narratives of personal experiences in order to

We present textural evidence of spinel (low-Zn) and quartz from two samples of quartzofeldspathic rocks from the Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica. The present occurrence is unusual for the fact that the direct grain contact is preserved unlike most other occurrences where these two phases are separated by reaction products during retrograde and/or prograde metamorphic stages. Textural features further

While most studies using a Person-Environment (P-E) fit approach focus on commonplace work settings, the present study adopts this approach to explore an extreme and unusual setting; specifically, Antarctic research stations. People who had been deployed for a year in Antarctica (n = 59) were asked to reflect on their experience and to report their perceived fit with the environment. Other measures

The Sandow Group in the Denman Glacier area consists of low-grade supracrustal (post-cratonic) strata. Such rocks are scarce and poorly studied in East Antarctica, but are significant for a better understanding of the geological history and tectonic evolution of the Precambrian supercontinents. We report U–Pb (LA-ICP-MS) detrital zircon ages which mostly fall into two groups of ca 1350−900 Ma and ca

The significant reduction of the sea-ice extent in the western Arctic has been observed by the sustained satellite observations since 1979. The opening ocean is now allowing waves to evolve and propagate under the presence of the Arctic sea-ice. A better understanding of the wave-ice interaction is necessary for the safe shipping over the sea-ice covered Arctic Ocean and for the better future Arctic

Atmospheric CH4 mole fractions were observed aboard the R/V Mirai sailing in waters off Alaska in the Arctic Ocean in September 2012–2017 to investigate the CH4 emissions from the surrounding region, especially from the East Siberian Arctic Shelf (ESAS). The synoptic-scale increases of CH4 were compared with simulated increases based on a Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Model and monthly CH4 flux maps

The Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), which constitutes the northeastern parts of Siberia, holds the largest area of forest coverage among all the Russian federal subjects, and forest fires in its land exert significant impacts on the global environment. This paper aims to offer a local perspective for the globally important problem of Siberian forest fires, discussing the general patterns and trends of

Calibration of optical instruments is important for accurate measurement of the absolute emission intensity of aurora and airglow. The National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR), Japan, has been operating a facility for the optical calibration which consists of three independent calibration systems to share with collaborating researchers. This paper introduces an outline of the facility and specifications

Temporal variability in surface mass balance (SMB) on the Greenland ice sheet is important for understanding the mass balance of the ice sheet. Additionally, knowledge of the spatial variability in SMB at ice core drilling sites helps to interpret the spatial representativeness of SMB data obtained from a single ice core. In this study, to investigate the spatiotemporal variability in recent SMB in

Scientific achievements of ArCS Theme 5 (AT5), whose goal is to assess the predictability of Arctic-related climate variations, are reviewed. AT5 clarified some important roles played by the responses of the Arctic stratosphere and land surface to the Arctic sea ice variations in the predictability of the Arctic climate and its remote influence to lower latitudes. AT5 demonstrated that some climatic

Spatial and temporal variations of shipping along Russia's Northern Sea Route (NSR) were investigated to better understand the possible drivers of traffic levels and future trends. Daily information for ships sailing along the NSR were collected, and voyage-based analyses were conducted for a period from March 2013 to December 2018. Annual total dead weight tonnage (DWT) increased significantly from

This study created a regional budget for methane (CH4) for Northern Europe, Siberia, and northern North America, based on a mission inventories, biogeochemical models, and land-surface satellite data. Natural sink and sources (wetlands, termites, wildfires, soil oxidation, and geological sources) and anthropogenic sources (fossil fuel extraction, industry and transportation, waste, agriculture, and

An isolate of a novel fungus and an isolate of a novel fungus-like microbe were obtained during field research conducted in Kuujjuarapik-Whapmagoostui, Quebec, in subarctic Canada, located on the southeastern coast of Hudson Bay, from August to September 2016. The isolates were identified as a Typhula sp. and Globisporangium sp. (syn. Pythium sp.), respectively. Mycelia with clamps connections were

Black carbon (BC) is one of the light-absorbing particles that reduce the albedo of snow surfaces. Snow samples were taken from the surface of three glaciers in the Alaska Range in mid-April 2017. The BC size distribution and concentration were analyzed with a laser-induced incandescence (LII) method. The BC concentration of the snow samples was 1–6 μg L−1 and 0.5–3.1 μg L−1 at a depth of 0–2 cm (surface)

Shrub encroachment and soil respiration (SR) are predicted to increase in the tundra ecosystem under climate warming, but little is known regarding potential causal relationships between shrubs and SR at a local scale. Multiple and complex belowground processes exist between the two phenomena, and consolidation is logistically difficult. Our study aimed to identify and integrate multiple belowground

This study presents the detailed surveys of the NE outlet of Eyjabakkajökull glacier, East Iceland, from the combination of low-frequency ground penetrating radar (GPR), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and GNSS measurements. Data analyses reveal the complex subglacial topography with a prominent, up to 45-m-deep longitudinal trough in the central part of the outlet that serves as the main trunk for the

Assessing impacts of environmental change on Arctic-breeding seabirds requires a better understanding of their year-round movement and foraging ecology. Here we examined the post-breeding movements and diving behavior of thick-billed (Uria lomvia) and common murres (U. aalge) breeding on St. Lawrence Island, northern Bering Sea, by using geolocators deployed in 2016 (n = 3, per species). During 2016–2019

CM chondrites (CMs) are the most abundant group of carbonaceous chondrites. CMs experienced varying degrees of secondary aqueous alteration and heating that modified or destroyed their primitive features. We have studied three chondrites, Asuka (A) 12085, A 12169, and A 12236. Their modal compositions, chondrule size distributions, and bulk composition indicate that they are CMs. However, the common

We review major scientific results from Subtheme (1) Variability of the Greenland Ice Sheet and climate under Research Theme 2 Variations in the ice sheet, glaciers, and the environment in the Greenland region of the Arctic Challenge for Sustainability (ArCS) project. We participated in the international East Greenland Ice Core Project (EGRIP) led by Denmark, conducted snow pit observations near the

The author reconstructed in-situ volume transport (VT) through the Bering Strait using the NNW wind component, the gradient of dynamic ocean topography (DOT) across the strait and DOT in the East Siberian Sea (RMSE = 0.2 Sv). The difference between in-situ VT and reconstructed VT (diffVT) was correlated with DOT in the northern Bering Sea shelf (DOTBER) during fall and winter. DOTBER was then introduced

To understand the spatio-temporal variations of the atmospheric greenhouse gases in the Arctic region, we have conducted systematic observations and numerical model simulations. Long-term observations for CO2, CH4 and related constituents at Ny-Ålesund helped in separating the oceanic and terrestrial uptake rates of CO2 and revealed the importance of biogenic CH4 emissions to atmospheric CH4 variations

The substantial loss of Arctic sea ice will alter marine ecosystems in many ways. Recent studies have reported a distributional shift in benthic macrofaunal biomass in the Pacific Arctic, likely caused by changes in food availability for benthic organisms. Here, we assessed the influence of differences in post-bloom supply of phytoplankton to the sediment on the growth of a common Pacific Arctic bivalve

This study aims to deepen the understanding of the impact of climate change on human societies in arctic areas, and to consider their adaptation. Previous studies focus on local perceptions, which should be a key to finding the process and solutions, by taking into consideration all stakeholders in order to integrate with scientific knowledge. We aim to discern the appropriate quality of perception:

Under global warming due to anthropogenic increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, the surface air temperature in the Arctic is increasing with a speed that is more than double the global average, called “Arctic amplification (AA).” To grasp these changes in the Arctic, to understand the mechanism, to know the global influences, and to contribute to future climate projection, we conducted

From observations in a High Arctic valley and ice-free fjord in Svalbard during March and April 2013 we show that, while some caution needs to be applied, ordinary slow-response instruments placed over a snow-water-snow surface can be effectively used as a proxy for more sophisticated measuring techniques at complex sites such as leads or a polynyas. The turbulent fluxes of momentum, sensible and latent

In the northern Bering Sea, ice coverage and retreat timing were low and early, respectively, in the 2017–2018 winter. To evaluate the effect of these anomalous ice conditions, we quantified various environmental parameters (temperature, salinity, mixed-layer depth, nutrients) and the standing stocks of various planktonic taxa (phytoplankton counts, meso- and macrozooplankton mass, jellyfish abundance)

Teleconnection between the Antarctic sea ice and the tropical climate has been extensively investigated. This study examines the interannual relationship between the variability of sea ice extent in the Indian Ocean sector (20–90°E) and Indian summer monsoon rainfall under the influence of the Mascarene High. Sea ice extent during April-May-June (AMJ) appears to have a significant correlation with

Accurate calculation of leaf area index (LAI) in boreal forests, which are vulnerable to climate change and have insufficient ground-truth data, is an important but challenging task when evaluating the spatio-temporal variability of ecosystem structures and functions (photosynthesis and evapotranspiration). By applying a direct method, we calculated the LAI of multiple forest layers (i.e., overstory

The northern boundary of the Indian sector of Southern Ocean is marked by the juncture of the Agulhas Return Front and the southern Subtropical Front and is a hydrographically dynamic region. During austral summer, a time series study (13th to 15th January 2012) was conducted in this region (40°S, 58°30′E) to discuss the episodic biochemical changes with respect to nutrient dynamics within the upper

Ozonesonde data between February 2016 and July 2019 from the Indian Antarctic station ‘Bharati’ were used for validation of total ozone columns (TCOs) and vertical profiles from satellite-based Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instruments. Bharati falls in and out of the ‘ozone hole’ over Antarctica due to the dynamics of the polar vortex, which results in drastic

The Antarctic heteronemertean Parborlasia corrugata (McIntosh, 1876) (originally Lineus corrugatus) shows a circumpolar distribution in the Southern Ocean, putatively with high dispersal capacity of the planktonic larva. From the eastern coast of Lützow-Holm Bay near Syowa Station (69°00′S, 39°35′E), several records of heteronemerteans have been made under the name of Lineus corrugatus. However, they

The Polar Regions (PRs) are characterized by ice sheets, sea ice, glaciers, tundra, and other cryospheric landscapes and associated aboriginal cultural features. This primitive polar landscape is a huge contrast to the current human living environment and is a strong tourist attraction. Rapid environmental changes and the emergence of conflicts between tourism development and ecological protection

Detecting year-to-year variability of the timing of the start of the growing season (SGS) and the end of the growing season (EGS) is an important task in accurately evaluating ecosystem functions and services under climate change in vulnerable ecosystems in Siberia. We constructed a degree-day model for estimating the SGS and EGS dates at a deciduous coniferous forest site in Siberia, based on the

Arctic ecosystems are altered profoundly by climate changes. However, the responses of Arctic marine and terrestrial ecosystems as well as their biodiversity to global warming remain largely unknown. This article provides comprehensive insights into the results and major findings from the Arctic Challenge for Sustainability (ArCS) Project – an Arctic region research program initiated in Japan, which

Stratospheric ozone depletion over the Arctic is not regular, unlike Antarctic ozone holes, and is determined by the dynamics of the polar vortex. Under the conditions of the strong polar vortex, in the presence of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs), the catalytic cycles of ozone destruction occur with the appearance of solar radiation over the polar region. If the vortex breakdown occurs in late winter

Neutral air temperatures at 90 km altitude over Svalbard (78°N, 16°E) for the period 2002 to 2019 inclusive have been estimated from observations by the Nippon/Norway Svalbard Meteor Radar (NSMR). The data are presented per se and we shall not attempt to identify contributions from extra-terrestrial or anthropogenic driving. On the other hand, comparison with the corresponding period of solar UV flux

An anadromous Arctic char was observed in glacial river of Austre Brøggerbreen in northwest Svalbard (Norway) on 9th of July 2017. The young fish, ca. 14,5 cm in length, was caught in shallow part of glacial river in the distance of 1390 m to glacier forehead, and then was released. This is the second observation of Arctic char in glacial river in Svalbard since 2008, and first for Kongsfjorden region

Sea ice melting is very common in Arctic summer, so it is important to study ice melting noise. This paper analyzes a 456 min time series of under-ice noise that was recorded at a depth of 29.9 m in the central Arctic Ocean when the area was approximately 89% ice cover, UTC time, on August 8th, 2017. When the air temperature was higher than the freezing point of the surface sea water, the under-ice

The Antarctic Peninsula and the adjacent South Shetland Islands show a significant atmospheric warming trend. Increase in air temperature is commonly associated with glacier melting. However, there is a dearth of documentation about the glaciers of Greenwich Island. This study fills a knowledge gap about glacier melting on Greenwich Island by focusing on four glaciers located on the northern part of

National Antarctic Programmes (NAPs) need to keep an open mind regarding the effective governance arrangement because they involve complex international bodies and instruments of the Antarctic, and the multiple stakeholders involved at the domestic level. Without a proper setting, country's involvement in this kind of cross-border science programmes and international research collaborations would be

Global climate closely links with the Arctic Ocean ecosystem especially in the Barents Sea. The distributions and correlations among chlorophyll-a (CHL), sea ice concentration (ICE), wind speed (WIND), sea surface temperature (SST) and mixed layer depth (MLD) are studied within the region of Barents Sea (70°N-80°N, 30°E−40°E) over the period 2003–2013. CHL increased from north to south in general.

Uncertainties in weather and sea-ice forecasts must be taken into consideration in Arctic shipping. The changing Arctic Ocean is characterized by diminishing sea-ice extent. Extremely developed cyclones, unexpectedly high ocean waves, and rapid sea-ice drift make navigation difficult. How state-of-the-art forecasts produced by operational weather centers can be used correctly and effectively by end

A large silver deposit Mangazeyskoe at the headwaters of the Yana River basin in North-East Yakutia has a considerable impact on vulnerable ecosystems of Alpine tundra. In the case of inadequate environmental protection measures, adverse environmental consequences may occur. The particular interest is the hydrobiological status of the rivers affected by the mining production waste water. In this regard

Albedo parameterization is of fundamental importance for accurate representation of high-latitude climate variability by modeling studies. Field observations show that near-infrared snow albedo decreases dramatically when surface air temperature exceeds −2 °C. This can influence reproduction of sea ice simulations taking into consideration the importance of the drastic change in albedo in early melt

The present study reports on carbonaceous, water-soluble species and trace metals in PM10 aerosols collected at Bharati station during the austral summer (December 17, 2016 to February 2, 2017) over East Antarctica. Organic matter was the predominant among all measured species followed by nss-Ca2+ and nss-SO42-. Two distinct air masses that arrive from high-altitude-troposphere (HTAs) and low-altitude-troposphere

Stable isotopic composition (δ18O and δD) in Antarctic snow/ice cores serves as the proxy of past temperature. However, the accuracy of temperature reconstruction is largely dependent on the relationship between water isotopes and local temperature (δ-T) derived from present conditions. Thus, it is crucial to quantitatively understand the spatial δ-T relationship and the influencing factors of δ18O

The Arctic Ocean is characterized as the greatly variable oceanic environment both seasonality and regionally. Such environmental variability would affect regional differences in the respective copepod community structures, though it has not been reported so far. In this study, we analyzed time-series zooplankton samples with focus on large copepods collected by sediment traps moored in three different