| dc.description.abstract |
The Arctic marine ecosystem is highly dynamic and sensitive to environmental change,
experiencing the impacts of climate change at a rate at least twice as fast as other
areas of the world. Arctic organisms are adapted to the strong seasonality of the
Arctic marine ecosystem, making them sensitive to changes in phenology. While it has
already been shown that phenological shifts are occurring with relation to sea ice
and primary production in this region, it is necessary to further quantify what species
and key ecological zones will be most impacted. In an effort to assess potential changes
to these key ecological areas, I analyze satellite remote sensing data for sea ice
concentration and chlorophyll a concentration in ecologically significant feeding
areas in the Arctic. This provides for a clearer view of what species stand to gain
or lose the most as the Arctic transitions to a more temperate marine environment.
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