BLE LTER in the Media

BLE LTER research featured by ROV manufacturer Deep Trekker

Our project lead Ken Dunton recently spoke with Deep Trekker about BLE's use of their remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in our research. Certain features in particular such as the high-definition images and the navigation system have been useful in the Arctic conditions! Read the article on Deep Trekker's website.

Model results point to increasing freshwater and DOC exports to Elson Lagoon

BLE investigator Michael Rawlins and co-authors in a pair of papers describe an updated hydrological model of the North Slope, which, among other notable results, estimates that in 2019 the amount of freshwater dissolved organic carbon exported to Elson Lagoon is almost triple that of the 1980s. This has widespread implications for the lagoon ecosystems. Read the articles at Environmental Research Letter and Journal of Geophysical Research, or see the news release via UMass-Amherst. The studies were also featured on NSF research news.

New coastal permafrost research shows unexpected results

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.

Graduate student spotlight: Brian Kim

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.

New BLE LTER research on The Cryosphere

Michael Rawlins, BLE LTER investigator, led a new hydrological analysis of the Alaskan North Slope that points to thawing permafrost and increased groundwater flow under the surface. Read about the science on The Cryosphere, coverage by UMass Amherst, coverage by the National Science Foundation, and see the model data archived at the Environmental Data Initiative.

PRX features BLE research on radio story

Lead PI Ken Dunton (UTMSI) discusses the importance of emerging Arctic research on local communities in feature radio story "Listening to the Arctic". Listen to the story on PRX.

AccuWeather Highlights BLE Research

AccuWeather story features PIs Amber Hardison (UTMSI) and Vanessa Lougheed (UTEP), who discuss the ecological importance of Arctic lagoons and how BLE LTER research relates to needs of the local community.