31 March 2021, Volume 32 Issue 1

    

• Select all
  |

Editorial Note
• Select
  Editorial Note

  Dr. Huigen Yang, co-Editor-in-Chief

  Advances in Polar Science. 2021, 32(1): 0-1.

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( ) Knowledge map Save

  Prof. Allison will retire as EiC and from 1 May 2021, Dr. Ad Huiskes, a biologist from the Netherlands and an Associate Editor of APS since 2015, will replace him as the co-Editor-in-Chief. The Editorial Board will be renewed in 2021. It will be the great honor and pleasure of the Editorial Board to work with the new EiC, Dr. Ad Huiskes. Prof. Ian Allison will continue to support the journal as an Associate Editor in the coming years.
Contents
• Select
  Contents of Vol. 32, No 1, 2021

  Editorial Office of Advances in Polar Science

  Advances in Polar Science. 2021, 32(1): 0-0.

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( ) Knowledge map Save

  Advances in Polar Science
  Contents Vol. 32 No. 1 March 2021
  
  Editorial Note
  Articles
  Spatial variability in carbon dioxide exchange processes within wet sedge meadows in the Canadian High Arctic
  Claire M. WRIGHT, Amy C. BLASER, Paul M. TREITZ & Neal A. SCOTT
  
  Complete genome analysis of bacteriochlorophyll a-containing Roseicitreum antarcticum ZS2-28T reveals its adaptation to Antarctic intertidal environment
  ZENG Yinxin, YU Yong, LI Huirong, LUO Wei & DING Haitao
  
  Biomarker records of D5-6 columns in the eastern Antarctic Peninsula waters: responses of planktonic communities and bio-pump structures to sea ice global warming in the past centenary
  YANG Dan, ZHANG Haisheng, HAN Zhengbing, HAN Xibin, ZHANG Yicheng, CHEN Wensheng, LIU Qian, PAN Jianming, FAN Gaojing, LE Fengfeng, LU Bing & HUANG Jing
  
  Seabird and marine mammal at-sea distribution in the western Bering Sea and along the eastern Kamtchatka Peninsula
  Claude R. JOIRIS
  
  Assessment on India’s involvement and capacity-building in Arctic Science
  Nikhil PAREEK
  
  Trend
  Leveraging the UAV to support Chinese Antarctic expeditions: a new perspective
  LI Teng, ZHANG Baogang, CHENG Xiao, HUI Fengming & LI Yuansheng
  
Articles
• Select
  Spatial variability in carbon dioxide exchange processes within wet sedge meadows in the Canadian High Arctic

  Claire M. WRIGHT, Amy C. BLASER, Paul M. TREITZ, Neal A. SCOTT

  Advances in Polar Science. 2021, 32(1): 1-19. https://doi.org/10.13679/j.advps.2020.0033

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( ) Knowledge map Save

  Wet sedge meadows are the most productive plant communities in the High Arctic. However, the controls on carbon dioxide (CO₂) exchange processes within wet sedge communities – and the scale at which they operate – are poorly understood. Here, the factors controlling CO₂ exchange of wet sedge meadows experiencing different moisture regimes are examined. Environmental data are used to create predictive models of CO₂ exchange on multiple temporal scales. Automated chamber systems recorded CO₂ fluxes at 30-minute intervals at wet sedge sites in the Canadian High Arctic from June to August in 2014 and 2015. Static chambers were also deployed over a larger spatial extent in 2014. Our results show that wet sedge communities were strong CO₂ sinks during the growing season (−7.67 to −44.36 g C•m⁻² ). CO₂ exchange rates in wetter and drier areas within wet sedge meadows differed significantly (Wilcoxon, p< 0.001), suggesting that soil moisture regimes within vegetation types influence net CO ₂ balance. Random Forest models were able to predict a significant amount of the variability in CO₂ flux rates over time (R²= 0.46 to 0.90). The models showed that the drivers of CO₂ exchange in these communities vary temporally. Variable moisture regimes indirectly influenced CO₂ fluxes given that they exhibit different vegetation and temperature-response characteristics. We suggest that the response of a single vegetation type to environmental changes may vary depending on microenvironment variability within that community.
  
• Select
  Complete genome analysis of bacteriochlorophyll a-containing Roseicitreum antarcticum ZS2-28^T reveals its adaptation to Antarctic intertidal environment

  Yinxin ZENG, Yong YU, Huirong LI, Wei LUO, Haitao DING

  Advances in Polar Science. 2021, 32(1): 20-27. https://doi.org/10.13679/j.advps.2020.0034

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( ) Knowledge map Save

  Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria (AAPB) are photoheterotrophic prokaryotes able to use both light and dissolved organic matter as energy sources. Roseicitreum antarcticum ZS2-28^T was isolated from intertidal sediment in the Larsemann Hills, Princess Elizabeth Land, Antarctica, and was able to produce bacteriochlorophyll a. It is the type strain of the sole species within the genus Roseicitreum. The complete genome sequence of the bacterium was determined using Illumina HiSeq X and PacBio RSII systems. The genome of R. antarcticum ZS2-28^T was 4253095 bp and consisted of one chromosome and four plasmids. A number of genes related to the bacteriochlorophyll a production, photosynthetic reaction, cold adaptation, salt adaptation, ultra-violet resistance and DNA damage repairing were found in the genome. In addition to genomic islands and type IV secretion systems, genes related to gene transfer agents were detected in the genome of R. antarcticum ZS2-28^T, suggesting that this bacterium can adapt to its environment by acquiring exogenous nucleic acids. The annotated complete genome sequence provides genetic insights into the environmental adaptation and ecological function of R. antarcticum ZS2-28^T in Antarctic coastal area.
  
  
• Select
  Biomarker records of D5-6 columns in the eastern Antarctic Peninsula waters: responses of planktonic communities and bio-pump structures to sea ice global warming in the past centenary

  Dan YANG, Zhengbing HAN, Xibin HAN, Yicheng ZHANG, Haisheng ZHANG, Wensheng CHEN, Qian LU, Jianming PAN, Gaojing FAN, Fengfeng LE, Bing LU, Jing HUANG

  Advances in Polar Science. 2021, 32(1): 28-41. https://doi.org/10.13679/j.advps.2020.0025

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( ) Knowledge map Save

  Molecular biomarkers (e.g., isoprenoid glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (iGDGTs) and proxies, such as di-unsaturated to tri-unsaturated highly branched isoprenoids (D/T) ratio, total organic carbon, δ¹³C and ice-rafted debris (IRD)) were used to reconstruct the dominant phytoplankton (diatoms, dinoflagellates and coccolithophores), phytoplankton and zooplankton productivity, biological pump structure, and archaea assemblage (Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota) from a marine sediment core (D5-6) dated with ²¹⁰Pb (1922–2012). We characterized the environmental response to sea ice variations/global warming off the eastern Antarctic Peninsula. The results showed that (1) the biomarkers brassicasterol (average = 519.79 ng•g⁻¹), dinosterol (average = 129.68 ng•g⁻¹) and C37 alkenones (average = 40.53 ng•g⁻¹) reconstructed phytoplankton (average = 690.00 ng•g−1) and zooplankton (cholesterol average = 669.25 ng•g⁻¹) productivity. The relative contribution to productivity by different phytoplankton groups was diatoms > dinoflagellates > coccolithophores. This is consistent with field surveys that showed diatoms dominate the phytoplankton in waters adjacent to the Antarctic Peninsula. (2) The relative abundances of different highly branched isoprenoids reflected the contributions of sea ice algae and open water phytoplankton (D/T = 1.2–30.15). Phytoplankton productivity and sea ice showed a good linear relationship with a negative correlation, indicating that more open water during periods of warming and reduced sea ice cover led to an enhanced biological pump. (3) Over the past 100 years, phytoplankton productivity and zooplankton biomass increased. This trend was particularly evident in the last 50 years, corresponding to the increased global warming, and showed a negative correlation with IRD and D/T. This suggests that with decreasing sea ice coverage in a warming climate, diatom biomass greatly increased. Coccolithophore/diatom values and the ratio of C₃₇ alkenones to total phytoplankton productivity decreased, indicating the proportion of coccolithophores in the phytoplankton community decreased. The reduction in coccolithophores changes the phytoplankton assemblage and affects the overall efficiency of the biological pump and carbon storage. (4) The results also showed that the abundance of iGDGTs and archaea phyla (Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota) showed consistent changes over the past 100 years in response to global warming. Since 1972, trends in archaea, phytoplankton and zooplankton showed variations but a consistent decline. Whether their response to the changing climate off the Antarctic Peninsula involves interactions and influence among different marine biological groups remains an open question. As a result of global warming and reductions in Antarctic sea ice, the relative effectiveness of the Antarctic biological pump can significantly affect global ocean carbon storage.
  
  
• Select
  Seabird and marine mammal at-sea distribution in the western Bering Sea and along the eastern Kamtchatka Peninsula

  Claude R. JOIRIS

  Advances in Polar Science. 2021, 32(1): 42-49. https://doi.org/10.13679/j.advps.2020.0035

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( ) Knowledge map Save

  Seabird and marine mammal at-sea distribution in the western Bering Sea and along the eastern Kamtchatka (Kamtsjatka) Peninsula was determined during 114 transect counts, lasting 30 min each, in September 2018. A total of 58000 seabirds were tallied, i.e. a mean value of 510 per count. The most abundant species was short-tailed shearwater: 43250 individuals representing 74% of the total. Fulmar and kittiwake represented 13% and 8% of the total. Important geographical differences were noted, concerning both the number of seabird species and their abundance. The following species were tallied mainly in the northern zone (North of 60°N): fulmar (light morphs), short-tailed shearwater, Vega (herring) gull and horned puffin. In the southern zone, including Commander (Komandorski) Islands, observed species included fulmar (dark morphs), pelagic cormorant, glaucous-winged gull, red-legged kittiwake and black guillemot. The vast majority of the 100 cetaceans and 40 pinnipeds were tallied in the southern area, mainly porpoises, killer whale and humpback whale, and Largha (spotted) seal.
  
  
• Select
  Assessment on India’s involvement and capacity-building in Arctic Science

  Nikhil PAREEK

  Advances in Polar Science. 2021, 32(1): 50-66. https://doi.org/10.13679/j.advps.2020.0027

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( ) Knowledge map Save

  India became an observer in Arctic Council in 2013 and has three research stations operational in the poles, including “Maitri” commissioned in 1989 and “Bharati” commissioned in 2012 at Antarctic and “Himadri” at Arctic. Though the Government of India has consistently been extending full support to the research endeavours yet the same is bogged by inadequate research output, lack of dedicated polar research vessel and other bureaucratic bottlenecks. A massive void in the Indian scientific pursuits is that India does not possess a polar research vessel or an icebreaker and has to rely on chartered vessels, seriously limiting its research timeframe as well as huge economic drain and thus compromising the scientific research. This cleft in the professed research narrative despite having a physical presence for over 3 decades in the polar regions and the proposal for acquisition of a polar research vessel having been approved in Jun 2010 yet the same is yet to be operationalised which is seriously impinging the scientific research as well as the professed commitment to Arctic research. Recently, India has released its draft Arctic Policy and had sought public comments thereon till 26 Jan 21 before its finalisation. India’s draft policy reiterates the oft stated goals of scientific research, connectivity, global governance and international cooperation, and human development with emphasis on Indian human resource pool. The inspiration of a delayed Indian policy on the High North appears to be the Chinese white paper of 2018. The scientific pursuits can propel the strategic engagement in the region to greater levels by extensive collaboration and cooperation with several other nations present there. Indian attempts so far have remained acutely short of the promise and India should build on its strengths for obtaining a leadership position in this strategically vital and economically lucrative region.
  
Trends
• Select
  Leveraging the UAV to support Chinese Antarctic expeditions: a new perspective

  Teng LI, Baogang ZHANG, Xiao CHENG, Fengming HUI, Yuansheng LI

  Advances in Polar Science. 2021, 32(1): 67-74. https://doi.org/10.13679/j.advps.2020.0018

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( ) Knowledge map Save

  Recent developments in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and their applications in various subjects are of interest to polar communities. Due to the harsh climate and dangerous environment, these regions pose challenges for the expedition teams. Several countries have tested the UAV technology to support Antarctic research and logistics. In this trend paper, we provide insightful reviews and discussions on such a prospective topic. Based on a comprehensive literature survey, we firstly summarize the key research progress of UAV in Antarctic studies. Then the examples of risk scenarios during the field exploration are given, after which several promising applications of the UAVs in safety guarantee are illustrated. In particular, we present a case of site-selection for the Chinese first ice sheet airfield, using the data collected in the 34th Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE). In the end, we highlight the unique value of the UAVs in the popularization of polar science before concluding the advantages and limitations. Considering their excellent performance, we expect more innovations for UAV’s applications in the following Antarctic expeditions.