Does active convection within leads in sea ice delay phytoplankton blooms?

Spring phytoplankton growth in polar marine ecosystems is limited by the availability of sunlight beneath ice-covered waters, particularly early in the season prior to the onset of snow melt and melt pond formation. Leads of open water between sea ice floes increase light transmission to the partially ice-covered ocean and are therefore potentially important sites for enhanced primary production. Here we explore the role of convective mixing within leads as a mechanism for delaying spring phytoplankton bloom formation, despite sufficient light and nutrient availability in the upper water column. Field results will be presented from spring observations in the Chukchi Sea in May-June 2014 as part of the NSF-funded SUBICE (Study of Under-ice Blooms In the Chukchi Ecosystem) program. This work seeks to better characterize early season phytoplankton bloom dynamics for an improved understanding of the impacts of climate change on biogeochemical cycles and upper trophic levels in this highly productive region.