The flow of land-derived groundwater in the ocean environment (or submarine groundwater
discharge – SGD) is a common global observation however poorly studied so far. The
groundwater discharge has been recognized as an important source of freshwater and
chemical substances for some coastal areas. Besides, the strength of SGD is known to
associate with climate changes, especially in the Arctic region. Large bodies of ice, such as
glaciers in the ocean and frozen soils on land, can change the flow of groundwater; the
shrinking of these ice bodies could, therefore, have an immense impact on the water cycle.
Up to date, scientists know very little about how much of this fresh groundwater is
discharged to the Arctic Ocean, SGD composition, and SGD influence on the benthos
organisms living in the ocean. The proposed investigations will provide an opportunity to
demonstrate how multidisciplinary approaches, including biology, geochemistry, and
geology, should be integrated to understand the ecosystem functioning with an in-depth
understanding of the biogeochemical processes involved. It will bring together scientists
with various oceanography background (biology, ecology, chemistry, geology) and
experience (from senior and young researchers to prospective PhD student) and provide a
holistic approach to problem-solving. Field studies will be conducted around Svalbard and in
the Lofoten-Vesterålen continental slope off northern Norway.
The primary tasks of this project include (but not limited to):
1. Identification of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) controlling factors in the
Arctic region.
2. Reconstruction of SGD history in the Arctic.
3. Performing geochemical analyses of fluids, sediments and authigenic precipitates to
quantify the fluxes of groundwater and accompanying solutes to the water column.
4. Preparation and conducting fieldwork, participation in research cruises in the N.
Norwegian margin and European Arctic (e.g., Spitsbergen).
5. Performing statistical analyzes, interpretation of the obtained data, and writing
scientific publications.
6. Preparation of conference speeches and participation in national and international
scientific conferences.
