Sequential variations in manganese (Mn) content and color of deepsea sediments retrieved from the Lomonosov Ridge (87°N) in the central Arctic Ocean apparently mimic low-latitude δ 18 O glacial-interglacial cyclicity, thereby providing stratigraphic information that together with biostratigraphic data permit the construction of a detailed chronological model. Correlation of this Mn and color chronology to established apparent Brunhes-age estimates of geomagnetic excursions reveals a remarkable fit between these two independently derived time scales. The Mn and color cycles probably provide paleoenvironmental information about material fluxes in the Arctic Ocean over the past 1 m.y. We suggest that the primary source for the observed manganese variations in our sediment core is northern Siberia, which has extensive peat bogs and boreal forests. These Siberian source areas could operate in an off and on mode tuned to Pleistocene glacial and interglacial periods. Contrasts in ventilation of Arctic Ocean waters during interglacial-glacial cycles probably could also enhance the observed Mn and color variability.
A B S T R A C T Possible future changes in Baltic Sea acidÁbase (pH) and oxygen balances were studied using a catchmentÁsea coupled model system and numerical experiments based on meteorological and hydrological forcing datasets and scenarios. By using objective statistical methods, climate runs for present climate conditions were examined and evaluated using Baltic Sea modelling. The results indicate that increased nutrient loads will not inhibit future Baltic Sea acidification; instead, the seasonal pH cycle will be amplified by increased biological production and mineralization. All examined scenarios indicate future acidification of the whole Baltic Sea that is insensitive to the chosen global climate model. The main factor controlling the direction and magnitude of future pH changes is atmospheric CO 2 concentration (i.e. emissions). Climate change and land-derived changes (e.g. nutrient loads) affect acidification mainly by altering the seasonal cycle and deep-water conditions. Apart from decreasing pH, we also project a decreased saturation state of calcium carbonate, decreased respiration index and increasing hypoxic area Á all factors that will threaten the marine ecosystem. We demonstrate that substantial reductions in fossil-fuel burning are needed to minimise the coming pH decrease and that substantial reductions in nutrient loads are needed to reduce the coming increase in hypoxic and anoxic waters.
Abstract. Permafrost thawing is likely to change the flow pathways taken by water as it moves through arctic and sub-arctic landscapes. The location and distribution of these pathways directly influence the carbon and other biogeochemical cycling in northern latitude catchments. While permafrost thawing due to climate change has been observed in the arctic and sub-arctic, direct observations of permafrost depth are difficult to perform at scales larger than a local scale. Using recession flow analysis, it may be possible to detect and estimate the rate of permafrost thawing based on a long-term streamflow record. We demonstrate the application of this approach to the sub-arctic Abiskojokken catchment in northern Sweden. Based on recession flow analysis, we estimate that permafrost in this catchment may be thawing at an average rate of about 0.9 cm/yr during the past 90 years. This estimated thawing rate is consistent with direct observations of permafrost thawing rates, ranging from 0.7 to 1.3 cm/yr over the past 30 years in the region.
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