This proposal is part of an integrated scientific investigation to study the properties of the Arctic ocean, atmosphere, sea-ice and biology in the Northeast Water (NEW) Polynya, which occurs near northeastern Greenland, in order to gain an integrated understanding of Arctic shelf-slope processes. This element of the NEW program will measure Tritium as a chemical tracer to determine how much Atlantic water may be recycled in the region, how effective the gas exchange is through the polynya surface, and how much ice forms during the freezing season. Tritium- helium ages will provide corroborative data for biological studies directed at determination of oxygen utilization rates, a major concern of the program and therefore serve as important collaborative input to the NEW Program.
