arctic ocean n most inaccessible n widest continental shelf – 1, 210 km (750 mi) n smallest ocean...
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Arctic OceanArctic Ocean
Most inaccessibleMost inaccessible Widest continental shelf – 1, 210 km Widest continental shelf – 1, 210 km
(750 mi)(750 mi) Smallest ocean basin – 14 million sq km Smallest ocean basin – 14 million sq km
(5.4 million sq mi)(5.4 million sq mi) Average depth – 3,658 m (12,000 ft)Average depth – 3,658 m (12,000 ft) Deepest part (Canada Basin) – 5,441 m Deepest part (Canada Basin) – 5,441 m
(17,850 ft)(17,850 ft) Least studiedLeast studied
Last Frontier on EarthLast Frontier on Earth
Not easily exploredNot easily explored Almost entirely covered with ice – 8 Almost entirely covered with ice – 8
monthsmonths Drifting polar ice pack covers central Drifting polar ice pack covers central
and western portions year-roundand western portions year-round Sea temperatures seldom rise above Sea temperatures seldom rise above
0ºC0ºC
NOAA Ocean Exploration Arctic ExpeditionsNOAA Ocean Exploration Arctic Expeditions
2002-20062002-2006 US, Russia, Canada, Japan, ChinaUS, Russia, Canada, Japan, China Canada Basin, Melville Bay, and Canada Basin, Melville Bay, and
Beaufort and Chukchi SeasBeaufort and Chukchi Seas Mapping, Long-term Census, Biological Mapping, Long-term Census, Biological
Realms, Microbes, Productivity, Sound, Realms, Microbes, Productivity, Sound, and Tracking Narwhalsand Tracking Narwhals
Three Distinct Biological CommunitiesThree Distinct Biological Communities
Sea-Ice Realm – diatoms, algae, bacteria, Sea-Ice Realm – diatoms, algae, bacteria, viruses, fungi, amphipods, polar bears, seals, viruses, fungi, amphipods, polar bears, seals, birds birds
Pelagic Realm – crustaceans, jellies, fishes, Pelagic Realm – crustaceans, jellies, fishes, squids, seals, whalessquids, seals, whales
Benthic Realm – sponges, bivalves, Benthic Realm – sponges, bivalves, crustaceans, polychaete worms, sea crustaceans, polychaete worms, sea anemones, bryozoans, tunicates, ascidaceans, anemones, bryozoans, tunicates, ascidaceans, fishes, whales, and sealsfishes, whales, and seals
Sea-ice RealmSea-ice Realm
Sea ice = Ice crystals + brine channelsSea ice = Ice crystals + brine channels Sympagic – “minute vegetable forms of Sympagic – “minute vegetable forms of
exquisite beauty,” Sutherland (1852)exquisite beauty,” Sutherland (1852) Life within the brine channels intricately Life within the brine channels intricately
linked to physical processeslinked to physical processes ““Level” sea ice ranges in thickness Level” sea ice ranges in thickness
from 2-4 mfrom 2-4 m Pack ice or fast ice – undeformed level Pack ice or fast ice – undeformed level
or heavily ridged stamuki zonesor heavily ridged stamuki zones Only 50% melts in summerOnly 50% melts in summer
Arctic Sea IceArctic Sea Ice
Decreased 3% per decade over Decreased 3% per decade over last 25 yearslast 25 yearsLoss in ice thickness in all parts of Loss in ice thickness in all parts of ArcticArcticArctic sea ice cover might be lost Arctic sea ice cover might be lost by 2100by 2100Species ranges and extinctionsSpecies ranges and extinctions
NOAA Ocean Exploration LessonsNOAA Ocean Exploration Lessons
Life in the Crystal Palace – Biological CommunitiesLife in the Crystal Palace – Biological CommunitiesPolar Bear Panic! – Climate ChangePolar Bear Panic! – Climate ChangeBeing Productive in the Arctic Ocean – Primary Being Productive in the Arctic Ocean – Primary Productivity and Limiting FactorsProductivity and Limiting Factors
Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental ConceptsConcepts, 2005, 2005
1.1. The Earth has one big ocean with many features.The Earth has one big ocean with many features.2.2. The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of
the Earth.the Earth.3.3. The ocean is a major influence on weather and The ocean is a major influence on weather and
climate.climate.4.4. The ocean makes Earth habitable.The ocean makes Earth habitable.5.5. The ocean supports a great diversity of life and The ocean supports a great diversity of life and
ecosystems. The ocean and humans are inextricably ecosystems. The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected. interconnected.
6.6. The ocean is largely unexplored.The ocean is largely unexplored.