Citizen Science sampling to support our work

Working with tour ships and their guests

To collect the data necessary to understand the impacts of iceberg abundance and meltwater on phytoplankton and to develop a Greenland-specific remote sensing iceberg meltwater model, we work with the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) ships to collect NASA-relevant data with the help of guests visiting the region

While onboard small boats (zodiacs), with the assistance of field guides, guests collect valuable oceanographic data. Field sampling includes net tows to collect phytoplankton, measurement of distance to the nearest iceberg, collection of surface meltwater samples, chlorophyll-a, salinity and temperature measurements obtained from a CTD, Secchi disk measurements (water clarity and euphotic zone depth), and ocean color information that corresponds to the biological samples collected.

A white plankton net in water, with part of the boat visible.
A CTD device, which has a white cylindrical body labeled 'RRR Concept', black and red components, and cables attached.
Research boat on Arctic water with an underwater sensor and a diagram showing sample collection layers, including surface seawater, net, Secchi disk, and filtered water.

Iceberg presence in the sampling locations will be measured by the citizen scientists on board the tourist ships through the Globe Observer app. Photographs taken in at least four directions around the ship and a rangefinder will be used to calculate the distance of icebergs from the ship, creating an iceberg abundance estimate in a 360 degree area.

Globe with magnifying glass logo and the word 'GLOBE' beneath
Large iceberg with natural arch in icy ocean under clear sky.
Large white icebergs floating in calm blue water under a clear blue sky, with distant mountains in the background.
Microscopic view of various tiny aquatic organisms and algae, including diatoms and other phytoplankton, under a microscope.

Interested in joining our project?

Microscope view of numerous small, spherical phytoplankton cells in various shades of black, blue, and green, with some transparent or reflective elements, set against a light background.
Large iceberg floating in calm ocean with sunlight reflecting on the water, under a cloudy sky.

Resources for current partners

Iceberg Ecosystems Data Sheet with fields for date, site name, coordinates, vessel and tour details, and zodiac information.

Standard operating procedures, software, and videos for sample and data collection

A blue net floating on the water, attached to a pole.
A hand holding a white and red RBR CTD device that measures water characteristics.
Blue and white pipetter.

CTD

Person wearing a blue beanie and red jacket fishing on a boat in the ocean.
A Secchi disk which has black and white sections connected to a yellow spool of orange spaghetti through a string.
A colorful droplet shape with a gradient of rainbow colors on a black background.
Person wearing a baseball cap and camouflage jacket looking into a bottle, standing on a boat or dock by the water.
A clear plastic syringe with black and white measurement markings and a black plunger, lying diagonally.
Large iceberg with an arched opening floating in the ocean, with distant land visible on the horizon.

Current conditions around Greenland