Characterization of bottom ice algal and detrital spectral absorption properties in first-year sea ice of an Arctic polynya

Little information exists on the spectral absorption properties of algal and detrital matter in sea ice. During the International North Water polynya study, we collected a large dataset on ice algal spectral absorption characteristics within the bottom 2 to 4 cm of first-year sea ice from April to June 1998. The data compared surprisingly well with select phytoplankton models, given that the models were extrapolated well beyond their limits to ice algal chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations that ranged up to 2000 mg m-3. However, a strong packaging effect was apparent at Chl a concentrations >500 mg m-3, which tended to decrease the Chl a specific algal absorption coefficient relative to model predictions. Diatoms dominated the ice algae community for most of the period and subsequently, controlled absorption characteristics. Although not conclusive, an outlier dominated by nanoflagellates did show an increase in the Chl a specific algal absorption coefficient, demonstrating the decrease in packaging effect associated with the smaller cell size. Seasonal progression in ice algal spectral absorption revealed a change in pigment composition from strong absorption >500 nm, indicative of photosynthetic accessory pigments, to strong absorption between 450 nm to 500 nm, indicative of photoprotective pigments. Furthermore, the ratio of phytoplankton absorption at 490:470 nm regressed significantly with time (positive) and ice thickness (negative) throughout the study period, suggesting a continual photoacclimation of the ice algal community to increasing transmitted irradiance. The results of our study show that measurements of ice algal spectral absorption properties will not only improve their parameterization in sea ice bio-optical models, but can provide information on both taxonomic composition and physiological state.