Figure 3. Western Arctic Shelf-Basin Exchange Model with associated forcing functions, biological pools, biogeochemical processes and potential impact pathways with global change.
Third, the SBI program will investigate the transformation and fate of carbon (and other bioelements) during shelf-to-basin exchange (see Figure 3). Such data, in combination with understanding the underlying physics of shelf-basin exchange, are needed to develop a predictive capability for the Arctic marine system and its susceptibility to global change in relation to the global ocean. In addition, studies of the present-day environment could aid in interpreting the paleoclimatological record.
Fourth, the SBI program will develop a "Pan-arctic" model, comprised of a series of linked regional models, suitable for "what-if" global change scenario studies as well as possible feed-back analysis of polar change to larger climatic features of GCMs at lower latitudes.
4. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
The SBI is a multi- and inter-disciplinary effort that is going forward in three phases. Phase 1 (1999-2001) will encompass historical data analysis, initial-scale field investigations, and modeling. A Phase I proposal deadline is expected in June 1998 with projects beginning in January 1999. Phase 2 (2002-2005) will include core field investigations in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, along with continued regional modeling efforts. Phase 3 (2006-2008) will scale findings important to global change to other ecosystems of the Arctic shelves and basin through modeling efforts. International collaboration throughout the SBI program timespan is necessary and will have an additive and synergistic beneficial effect on the ultimate scientific results obtained during the program.
5. REFERENCES
Aagaard, K., 1989: A synthesis of the Arctic Ocean circulation. Rapp. P.-V. Reun. Cons. Int. Explor. Mer, 188, 11-22.
Dunton, K., 1992: Arctic Biogeography: The paradox of the marine benthic fauna and flora, Trends in Ecol. and Evol.,7, 183-189.
Grebmeier, J.M., Smith, W.O., Jr., Conover, R.O., 1995: Biological processes on Arctic continental shelves: ice-ocean-biotic interactions, pp. 231-261, in: W.O. Smith, Jr. and J.M. Grebmeier (eds.), Arctic Oceanography: Marginal ice zones and continental shelves, Coastl. and Estuar. Stud., Vol. 49, Amer. Geophys. Union, Washington, DC, 1995.
Grebmeier, J.M., Whitledge, T.E., Codispoti, L.A., Dunton, K.H., Walsh, J.J., Weingartner, T.J., Wheeler, P.A. (eds), 1998: ARCSS OAII Western Arctic Shelf-Basin Interactions Science Plan, ARCSS/OAII Report No. 7, Old Dominion Univ., Norfolk, VA, 60 pgs.
Jones, E.P., Anderson, L.G., 1986: On the origin of the chemical properties of the the Arctic Ocean halocline, J. Geophys. Res., 91, 10759-10767.
Walsh, J.J., Dieterle, D.A., Muller-Karger, F.E., Aagaard, K., Roach, A.T., Whitledge, T.E., Stockwell, D., 1997: CO2, cycling in the coastal ocean. II. Seasonal organic loading to the Canadian Basin from source waters south of Bering Strait, Cont. Shelf Res., 17, 1-36,
