Beaufort Lagoon Ecosystems LTER is a new Long Term Ecological Research* site. We use diverse methods to study lagoons and other aquatic sites along the northern Alaskan Arctic coast. Our interests include land/sea interactions in these unique ecosystems, their biogeochemical and biological makeup, their seasonal dynamics and long-term changes, and using our expertise to serve local communities.
* We joined the U.S. LTER network in 2017. The newest and northernmost in the 28-site network, BLE LTER will address gaps in our understanding of the rapidly changing Arctic. We collaborate closely with other sites to do the best science and to promote open research.
investigators
from six universities
field seasons
each year
research nodes
Utqiaġvik, Deadhorse, Kaktovik
kilometers
of coastline studied
Coastal lagoons are among the most productive habitats and make up more than 10% of the land-sea interface worldwide. The Beaufort Sea lagoons are complex and productive ecosystems. These systems encompass more than half of the Beaufort Sea coast, providing food and habitat for large populations of migratory fish and waterfowl essential to the culture of northern Alaska's Iñupiaq communities. Dozens of rivers, the 'highways of Alaska,' altogether making up a vast drainage basin, flow into the Beaufort Sea through these lagoons.
Zoom in and click to see what makes each lagoon unique.
Dramatic seasonality is a big reason why we think the lagoons are so fascinating. The time of year also influences everything we do in terms of field logistics; each season brings its own challenges and rewards.
In winter, ice completely covers the lagoons. By April, when we sample, the ice is nearly 1.7 m thick. We use snowmobiles to reach our study sites and then drill holes to collect water and sediment.
Our to-do list
Measure sea-ice properties
Sample the under-ice environment
Spring comes rapidly to the Arctic once daylight lengthens. Ice break-up may happen in a matter of days and can make field work treacherous. We sample in June to represent spring conditions.
Our to-do list
Sample rivers near their peak flow
Obtain water mixing data in the lagoons
In summer, the lagoons exchange materials with the Beaufort Sea freely. Ecosystem productivity peaks around this time. We sample in August via boat trips to represent summer conditions.
Our to-do list
Retrieve and redeploy moored instruments
Sample eroding coastal bluffs
The Beaufort Lagoon Ecosystems Long-Term Ecological Research Program seeks to employ a full-time Research Assistant. The Research Assistant will work closely with BLE LTER program leaders and students to carry out physical, chemical, and biological research at field sites along the Alaskan Beaufort Sea coast. The Research Assistant will also help maintain sample inventories, conduct sample processing, perform analyses, organize resultant data, and contribute to BLE LTER reporting activities. This position is based at The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) in Port Aransas, TX.
Visit this webpage for more information and to apply for the position. Applicants will need to submit a resume/CV, letter of interest, and the names and contact information of three references. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, but no later than 1 February 2021. Position ends 31 Jan 2022 with possibility of extension.
Serious applicants may contact BLE LTER Program co-leads Ken Dunton (ken.dunton@utexas.edu) or Jim McClelland (jimm@utexas.edu) for additional information or questions.
A new publication, co-authored by BLE LTER investigator James McClelland, uses subsurface mapping to show permafrost to be mostly absent under the shallow seafloor in Kaktovik Lagoon. This research poses implications on sea-land water exchange, carbon dynamics, and coastal erosion. Read the paper on Science Advances or coverage by The University of Texas Jackson School of Geosciences.
The LTER Network Office recently interviewed Brian Kim as part of an ongoing LTER graduate student spotlight series. Alongside his research in the sediment biogeochemistry of the lagoons, Brian also serves as the LTER-wide graduate student representative and runs an Instagram account documenting student activities. Read his interview here to learn about his research, experience in graduate school, and stories about field work with the BLE team.