Melting Sea Ice Alters Light Spectra and Arctic Marine Ecosystems

[dariusmberto]

Earlier research by Maayke Stomp and Professor Huisman showed that molecular absorption features in water give rise to "spectral niches"—specific wavelength ranges that photosynthetic organisms can exploit. Phytoplankton and cyanobacteria have evolved a wide variety of pigments tuned to these niches, shaping their global distribution across oceans, coastal zones, and freshwater environments.

In contrast, the structure of ice—where water molecules are locked in a rigid crystal lattice—limits molecular vibrations, altering its absorption properties. Unlike liquid water, ice lacks certain absorption bands, allowing a broader range of light wavelengths to pass through. This distinction significantly influences the underwater light environment as sea ice melts.

As ice recedes and open water expands, the available underwater light shifts from a broad spectrum to one dominated by blue wavelengths. This change has major implications for photosynthesis.

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"The photosynthetic pigments of algae beneath sea ice are adapted to absorb the wider range of colors that filter through ice and snow," explains lead author Soja-Woźniak. "When the ice melts, these algae are suddenly exposed to a predominantly blue light environment, which their pigments are less suited for."

Through the use of optical modeling and spectral analysis, the study revealed that this spectral shift not only reduces photosynthetic efficiency but may also alter species composition. Algae adapted to blue light could outcompete ice-associated species.

Professor Huisman warns that such shifts may cascade through the ecosystem. "Photosynthetic algae are the base of the Arctic food web. Changes in their productivity or community structure can impact fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. In addition, these algae contribute to CO₂ uptake by the ocean."

The findings emphasize that polar climate change affects more than just ice cover—it drives essential changes in light dynamics and energy transfer throughout marine ecosystems. They also point to the urgent need for climate models and ocean forecasts to better account for underwater light spectra and photosynthetic processes, particularly in rapidly changing polar regions.