Patterns of structure and diversity, and processes of colonization and succession in polar benthic assemblages a comparison between an Arctic fjord Kongsfjord, Svalvard and an Antarctic fjord Potter’s Cove, South Shetlands

by Sofía Becerra (PhD student from IDEA-CONICET, Argentina

During my secondment, under the supervision of Dr. Ricardo Sahade and Dr. Jürgen Laudien, we were working on my PhD Thesis project: “Patterns of structure and diversity, and processes of colonization and succession in polar benthic assemblages a comparison between an Arctic fjord Kongsfjord, Svalvard and an Antarctic fjord Potter’s Cove, South Shetlands.”

Throughout this secondment, we began analyzing Arctic samples from a long-term study that started in 2002 with the installation of 40 succession panels in Kongsfjord (Svalbard) at depths of 17–21 meters. Since then, annual photographic records have been taken, and selected panels have been scraped. Part of these samples has already been analyzed in previous studies. However, we still need to continue analyzing the remaining available samples and complete the final phase of the experiment with new sampling in 2025, in order to compare different succession stages over a longer time scale.

Figure 1: One of the succession panels pictures (2014)
Figure 2. Example of a scraped sample collected in 2007

The main aim of our work is to deepen the understanding of the structure and dynamics of small-scale polar benthic ecosystems, contributing to a better ability to predict their responses to ongoing climate change.

My experience at the AWI was very enriching. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn at a prestigious institution in Germany. This stay also helped strengthen collaboration between German and Argentinian scientists. Additionally, I had the chance to experience German culture and made friends at AWI, which made my stay even more enjoyable.