UNB Researcher Returns from Groundbreaking Arctic Expedition

A researcher from the University of New Brunswick has recently concluded her first scientific expedition to the Queen Elizabeth Islands, focusing on the impact of declining sea ice on Arctic ecosystems. Audrey Limoges, a paleontology professor, embarked on this expedition aboard the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Amundsen in early September, aiming to gather critical data on how changing ice conditions affect marine life.

The Queen Elizabeth Islands represent the northernmost extent of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, an area known for hosting approximately 14 percent of the world’s glaciers and ice caps. Limoges has been conducting research in the Arctic since 2013, advocating for a broader awareness of the changes occurring in this sensitive region. “What is happening in the North will actually and is already impacting the system, the Earth system, as a whole,” Limoges stated.

During her expedition, Limoges concentrated on the relationship between sea ice and phytoplankton, the microscopic algae that form the foundation of the marine food web. She explained that sea ice is not just frozen water; it is a complex ecosystem filled with brines and channels that support diverse organisms. “Those algae are also known to contain a lot of lipids, so it means that they are very nutritious for organisms,” she noted, highlighting that marine mammals, including the iconic polar bear, rely on sea ice as a hunting platform.

Her research team focused on the seabed mapping and sediment analysis, crucial for understanding past and present sea-ice conditions. “The sediment is actually full of tiny microfossils, full of molecules that have retained very key information about the ecosystem,” Limoges added. The data collected will contribute to a clearer picture of how current sea-ice melt influences ocean circulation, a critical factor in global climate regulation.

Limoges and her team faced logistical challenges during the 28-day expedition window, where navigating the largely ice-covered region was only feasible for a limited time. The Queen Elizabeth Islands are known for their difficult terrain, and much of the area remains inadequately mapped. The Amundsen’s crew had to work efficiently, often deploying equipment and conducting research around the clock. “There is always someone working,” she mentioned, emphasizing the dedication required for such an intensive research effort.

Despite the demanding schedule, Limoges expressed gratitude for the opportunity to conduct research in the Canadian Arctic. She acknowledged the importance of respecting and collaborating with the northern communities that depend on these ecosystems. “Studying them is actually something that is not given,” she said. “So we have to make sure that we also do it in a very respectful way, and I think this is what we did as a team.”

As climate change continues to reshape the Arctic landscape, Limoges’ work underscores the vital connections between sea ice, marine ecosystems, and global climate systems. Her expedition represents a crucial step in understanding how these changes will affect both local and global environments in the years to come.