Article 2: Cbc NEws
This is an article from CBC News that informs readers of the changes in the arctic seas leading to ecosystem changes.
SUmmary:
As shown in the picture above, the algae is expected to live directly under the surface where there is sea ice and availability to sunlight for energy. This article discusses the very recent changes in the Arctic Ocean that involve the algae living much deeper below the surface area and closer to the ocean bottom. Surprisingly, while researchers explored the algae, called Melosira arctica, using Polarstern (an icebreaker) the ship had to travel 400 kilometers deeper than planned. During the warmer spring time, Melosira use more sunlight that passes through the thinner ice layers, but once the ice becomes even more melted and warm, the algae begin to fall into the lower levels of the ocean floor. After extensive study and research, the scientists discovered the Melosira had been growing everywhere in the deep sea. One negative impact is that "bacteria have bloomed to the point where they have used all of the available oxygen in the water in some areas of the ocean bottom". This effects the lives of other organic matter that are trying to survive in the same area. After discovering these shocking findings, researchers continue to be concerned about the changes in the Arctic Ocean, and the lack of understanding other researchers may have about this changing ecosystem.
OPinion:
This article informed me of several changes in the Arctic Ocean that I was very unfamiliar with. I was unaware that the warmer temperatures in the spring season had such an impact on the locations of the algae and the growth of bacteria in the sea. The spread of this algae, and more importantly, the spread of the bacteria across the ocean bottom is a much larger concern than researchers had ever recognized. Now, researchers are concerned about the lack of oxygen in the ocean. I believe it is important to continue to explore and discover these drastic, new, developments in the Arctic ecosystem and to inform others. As mentioned in the article, some scientists are worried that others will not acknowledge there is change and will use the Arctic Ocean for other purposes. I think it is inevitable that these changes will continue and may worsen, but it is crucial to work on finding an alternative that will aid in the changes of the ecosystem in the future.
Anecdotal: not necessarily true or reliable, because based on personal accounts rather than facts or research
Melosira mats: thick mass of the algae, Melosira
Anoxic: an absence of oxygen
Assertions: a confident or forceful statement of fact or belief
Diluted: to make (a liquid) thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent to it
Melosira mats: thick mass of the algae, Melosira
Anoxic: an absence of oxygen
Assertions: a confident or forceful statement of fact or belief
Diluted: to make (a liquid) thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent to it