Chris Marsay
Tasks
I will be collecting aerosol samples for analysis of trace elements (such as iron, aluminum, zinc) and beryllium-7, a radionuclide that is produced in the atmosphere and settles to the Earth's surface. I will also be collecting seawater, sea ice and snow samples so that we can calculate the beryllium-7 inventory, and use it to calculate atmospheric deposition rate.
Science Questions
What is the annual deposition flux of aerosol trace elements to the Arctic and how does the distribution of this deposition between catchments (seawater, sea ice, snow, melt ponds) evolve on a seasonal basis?
What are you most excited about the expedition?
I'm excited to experience working in the Arctic again, particularly as part of such a large project as MOSAiC. I think the major challenge for me and the team I am part of will be how the equipment copes over the duration of the project. Freezing conditions and blowing snow put extra strain on motors and other equipment.
What do you love most about the Arctic?
It's such a unique environment to work in. The different features associated with sea ice, such as pressure ridges and melt ponds, make for a fascinating landscape.