The Contrasting Role of Marine- and Land-Terminating Glaciers on Biogeochemical Cycles in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard.

ABSTRACT: This case study of Kongsfjorden, western coastal Svalbard, provides insights on how freshwater runoff from marine- and land-terminating glaciers influences the biogeochemical cycles and distribution patterns of carbon, nutrients, and trace elements in an Arctic fjord system. We collected samples from the water column at stations along the fjord axis and proglacial river catchments, and analyzed concentrations of dissolved trace elements, together with dissolved nutrients, as well as alkalinity and dissolved inorganic carbon. Statistical tools were applied to identify and quantify biogeochemical processes within the fjord that govern the constituent distributions. Our results suggest that the glacier type affects nutrient availability and, therefore, primary production. Glacial discharge fr

SUBMITTER: Schmidt CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11702319 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature