Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been the subject of numerous research studies in recent years. These efforts are now leading to concrete actions, as these synthetic compounds are currently being targeted by several national and international decision-making bodies due to the risks they pose to humans and the environment.
With a unique hands-on, practical approach, the Advanced Field School in Computational Ecology proposes to leverage and experiment with cutting-edge technologies that can help bring Arctic biodiversity research to a new level.
During the Arctic spring, the availability of light is the main limiting factor for the growth of in-ice, under-ice, and open water algae blooms. In winter, most of the sunlight gets backscattered by the snow to the atmosphere, giving the sparkling white color to the region. As spring approaches, the snow becomes thinner and moister, allowing more light to reach the underlying ice. While measuring the amount of light is relatively easy, understanding the radiative transfer process that occurs inside the ice is challenging.