The Arctic, a region once defined by its enduring ice, is now facing a paradoxical challenge: global heating is threatening to melt away the very ice that has long characterized it. This is particularly evident in the North Water, a polynya located between Canada and Greenland, which has been dubbed 'the place that never freezes' by the Inuit of Nunavut. This unique ecosystem, a stretch of year-round open water, is a vital habitat for a myriad of species, from algae and seabirds to whales and polar bears. However, the very existence of this polynya is now under threat due to the changing climate.
The story of the North Water is one of resilience and adaptation. For millennia, the Inuit have thrived in this harsh environment, and their traditional knowledge has been instrumental in understanding and preserving this delicate ecosystem. However, the increasing pressure of climate change is forcing them to adapt, and the scientific community is stepping in to help.
Terry Noah, a scientist working in Grise Fiord, Nunavut, is part of a crucial scientific effort to understand the changes taking place in Jones Sound, which empties into Baffin Bay. His work involves collecting data using a submersible instrument, which he then analyzes in his mobile lab. The data is then shared with his collaborator, Andrew Hamilton at the University of Alberta, to better understand the complex changes in the polynya.
The polynya's size and shape are influenced by the 'ice arch' that forms across its northern tip in Nares Strait. This arch, a strong crescent-shaped bridge of ice, prevents sea ice from being blown south from the Arctic Ocean. However, the warming climate has led to the failure of this ice arch, resulting in more ice, not less, becoming a problem. This could lead to a drastic reduction in productivity and a collapse of the polynya, which would have far-reaching consequences for the entire ecosystem.
The Inuit experience the changes firsthand, and their traditional knowledge is invaluable in understanding the polynya. However, bringing them together physically is a challenge, as many do not have passports. The scientific community is working to connect the knowledge of these communities between Canada and Greenland to better understand the environment's changes. This includes developing an 'observatory' to monitor the polynya from all sides, involving more scientists like Noah.
Noah's work is not only about science but also about reconnection to the land. He is part of a generation that grew up sharing hunting stories on Facebook, and now they are sharing data too. He is already in talks to become a trainer for other communities, building a network across the High Arctic to monitor their home waters. This integration of hunting and science is a powerful tool for the Inuit to understand and preserve their vast and rapidly changing home.
In conclusion, the North Water, a place once defined by its enduring ice, is now facing a paradoxical challenge. The scientific community is working to understand and preserve this delicate ecosystem, and the Inuit are adapting to the changing climate. The future of this unique polynya is uncertain, but the efforts to protect it are a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of both the scientific community and the Inuit people.
