GEOTRACES in the Arctic

It is recognized that many trace elements and isotopes play important roles in biogeochemical processes and the carbon cycle - or in tracing changes in these processes in the past - yet very little data is available defining their large-scale distributions and the regional-scale processes that affect them. Recent advances in sampling and analytical techniques, along with advances in our understanding of their roles in enzymatic and catalytic processes in the open ocean lead us to a natural opportunity to make substantial contributions to understanding these important properties. Moreover, we are motivated by the prospect of ongoing global change and the need to understand the present and future workings of the ocean's biogeochemical cycles. This is extremely relevant to the Arctic, where rapid climate change and accompanying biogeochemical responses are occurring. To address these issues, an international Arctic GEOTRACES planning workshop was held in Delmenhorst, Germany in June 2009. This presentation will focus on the outcome of that meeting and discuss the motivation and upcoming opportunities of GEROTRACES research in this region.