Permalink: https://media.greenpeace.org/archive/Operating-Mesocosms-in-Svalbard-27MZIFIAEUOT.htmlConceptually similarMesocosms in SvalbardGP0233BCompleted★★★★Frances Hopkins in SvalbardGP0232TCompleted★★★★Frances Hopkins in SvalbardGP0233ICompleted★★★★Science Lab in SvalbardGP0234NCompleted★★★★Taking Water Samples in SvalbardGP024BZCompleted★★★★Signe Klavsen in SvalbardGP0233ECompleted★★★★Scientist Signe Klavsen in SvalbardGP0232VCompleted★★★★Signe Klavsen in SvalbardGP0232UCompleted★★★★Operating Mesocosms in SvalbardGP022T6Completed★★★★View AllGP024BYOperating Mesocosms in SvalbardLeaning over the top of the bag inside one of the nine 'mesocosms' (experiment water enclosures), scientists haul in a sample from the water inside. The samples will be taken back to the labs on shore at Ny-Ålesund.Greenpeace is working with scientists from the German marine research institute IFM-GEOMAR to investigate ocean acidification, by deploying nine large mesocosms.Ocean acidification is a phenomenon caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that has just as much potential to damage marine ecosystems as climate change. Absorption of excess CO2 pollution by seawater causes its PH level to drop, making it more difficult for calcifying creatures integral to the marine food web to form shells and skeletons.Locations:Arctic-Kongsfjorden-Norway-Ny-Ålesund-Spitsbergen-SvalbardDate:7 Jul, 2010Credit:© Nick Cobbing / GreenpeaceMaximum size:5616px X 3744pxKeywords:Climate (campaign title)-Day-Educational and research equipment-Experiments-KWCI (GPI)-Mesocosms-Ocean acidification-Oceans (campaign title)-Outdoors-Sampling (activity)-Science-Scientists-Testing-WaterShoot:Arctic Under Pressure ExpeditionThe Greenpeace ship MY Esperanza and its crew are working with scientists from the German marine research institute IFM-GEOMAR to investigate ocean acidification, with the use of nine large mesocosms, or experiment water enclosures, in Kongsfjord, near the Arctic scientific research station of Ny-Alesund in Svalbard. The mesocosms are being used to investigate future implications of ocean acidification, a phenomenon caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that has just as much potential to damage marine ecosystems as climate change. Absorption of excess CO2 pollution by seawater causes its PH level to drop, making it more difficult for creatures integral to the food web to form shells and skeletons. Commenting on the success of the experiment Professor Ulf Riebesell, leader of the project said: "The experiment was successful and we have now the largest data set in our hand for impacts of ocean acidification. What we have learned from this experiment is that ocean acidification has an impact on the base of the food web, and this has implications for the entire ecosystem." The crew also tracks and documents fishing vessels from an industry exploiting this fragile ecosystem. Greenpeace is calling for the area of the Arctic Ocean historically protected year round by sea ice to be closed to all industrial activity, including destructive fishing.Related Collections:Arctic Under Pressure Expedition - The Acid TestArctic Under Pressure Expedition - Full Set (Photo & Videos)