Abstract:
The data supports modeling efforts involving the development of a new sea ice biogeochemical model (SIMCO). Its parameterization relies on the results obtained during process studies such as Arise in the East, ISPOL and, now, SIMBA. Deciphering the complex biogeochemical processes governing the iron, carbon and sulphur cycle in sea ice relied on an integrated approach providing the best
... characterization of the sea ice environment during the time sequence involved. Therefore, field activities addressed a whole set of physico-chemical and biological parameters both in the ice itself, in the sea water below, in the snow above and in the atmosphere. Additionally, 14C/55Fe incubation experiments and shipboard microcosm’s experiments were conducted. Some of the measurements were performed in the field, others back in “home laboratories”. The dataset gives a full description of the core sampling activities during the SIMBA drift station period. “En route” short stations only involved the measurements of basic variables, within the time slot allowed. 
Purpose:
The overall objective of this investigation was to study, understand and quantify the physical and biogeochemical processes associated with the sea ice biota that govern the emissions of marine gases of climatic significance. These processes are indeed presently unknown and therefore not integrated into Oceanic Biogeochemical Climate Models. Particular attention was paid to Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
... and Dimethyl Sulphide (DMS), both actively involved in the sea ice microbial metabolism. It has now been demonstrated that iron can play a crucial role in controlling phytoplankton productivity and the biological carbon pump in the Southern Ocean. The work program thus additionally focused especially on the biogeochemical cycle of iron (origin, availability and fate) in the sea ice environment. Also, this specific field project comes in support of a long-term Belgian research program (SIBClim: Sea Ice Biogeochemistry in a Climate Change Perspective) that aimed to assess to which extent ice-covered polar oceans contribute to processes regulating the Earth’s Climate.
