Predicting the future of coastal marine ecosystems in the rapidly changing Arctic: The potential of palaeoenvironmental records

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ancene.2021.100319
• Publication Date: 2021-12-31T15:56:24Z
• Authors: Maija Heikkilä; Sofia Ribeiro; Kaarina Weckström; Anna J. Pieńkowski
• Keywords: Marine ecosystem; Arctic ecology

Frozen components on land and in the ocean (sea ice, ice sheets, glaciers permafrost) form cryosphere, which, together with ocean, moderates physical chemical habitat for life Arctic beyond. Changes these components, as a response to rapidly warming climate Arctic, are intensely expressed coastal zone. These areas receive increased terrestrial runoff while subject changing sea-ice environment. Proxies derived from marine sediment archives provide long-term data that extend beyond instrumental measurements. They therefore fundamental disentangling human-driven versus natural processes, changes responses. This paper (1) provides an overview of current cryosphere change, (2) reviews state-of-the-art palaeoecological approaches, (3) identifies methodological knowledge gaps, (4) discusses strengths future potential palaeoecology palaeoceanography respond societally-relevant ecosystem challenges. We utilise responses open survey conducted by Future Earth Past Global (PAGES) working group Cryosphere Change Coastal Marine Ecosystems (ACME). Significant research advancements have taken place recent decades, including increasingly common use multi-proxy (multiple lines evidence) studies, improved understanding species-environment relationships, development novel proxies. gaps remain, however, proxy sources behaviour, quantitative techniques, availability reference environments. highlight need critical refinement, interdisciplinary collaboration enhanced communication across scientific community.