This project focuses on understanding seabed organic matter dynamics and microbially driven biogeochemical processes in the Siberian Arctic shelf. Rapid rise in Arctic air temperatures is increasing organic matter delivery from land to sea via coastal erosion and increased freshwater runoff. This additional supply of terrestrial organic matter, partly derived from permafrost (frozen ground), changes the seabed composition and may alter microbially driven biogeochemical cycles that affect the fate of organic matter. If organic matter is degraded, it may add greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and thus, enhance climate warming. In this study, I will investigate seabed geochemical composition in the shallow, Siberian coastal shelf along with microbial metabolic pathways and metabolism end products to understand how microbial functioning may differ depending on environmental conditions, organic matter supply and sources. These results will help to decipher how climate-driven changes may alter seabed composition, its biogeochemistry and climate feedbacks.

2025

2026