Concept information
Preferred term
PATOB
Definition
- Short Title: PATOB Project URL: http://nmml.afsc.noaa.gov/CetaceanAssessment/ipyp-methods-results.html Proposal URL: http://classic.ipy.org/development/eoi/proposal-details.php?id=430 Beluga whales make an ideal indicator species for Arctic climate change, given their circumpolar distribution and close association with ice formation and decay. This project will instrument 100 belugas per year over three years with satellite transmitters and, in some locations, oceanographic data loggers, to obtain a synoptic snapshot of the pattern and timing of beluga movements in relation to sea ice, surface temperature, primary productivity, bathymetry, as well as temperature and salinity at depth through beluga dive profiles. This baseline data will be invaluable information against which to make comparisons through time as the Arctic undergoes climate change. By serving as autonomous underwater samplers, belugas will collect oceanographic data at depth in regions of particular interest, such as polynyas, during winter months when ship-based collection of such data would be difficult, dangerous, or impossible. Such data can assist oceanographers with modeling ocean temperatures, salinity, currents, heat exchange, formation of deep and intermediate waters.and rates of change that may aid in our understanding patterns relating to climate change. Belugas will be tagged across their range in Svalbard, Russia, Alaska, Canada, and Greenland, which will help delineate stock structure, particularly where ranges overlap but beluga migration patterns are distinct. Little is currently known about beluga stocks in Russia, so this study will make an important contribution in that area. Local arctic peoples and young scientists in training in each region will participate in the fieldwork, educational outreach, and or, data analysis. Tissue samples, measurements, and other data will be collected from each tagged beluga to aid in auxiliary studies. Finally, establishment of a real-time web-based display of beluga movements will be a window for the public through which to view this fascinating research. There will also be an educational DVD, magazine, film and aquarium exhibits produced to interpret this important science. (en)
Broader concept
- P - R (en)
URI
https://gcmd.earthdata.nasa.gov/kms/concept/17b2a7dc-8154-4399-a752-90dcf22c2c9d
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