Camila Neder

National University of Cordoba, Argentina | UNC · IDEA, CONICET Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal

CoastCarb is an international Research Network that follows an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the consequences of Climate Change in the Beagle Channel and the coastal Western Antarctic, a region of recent rapid aerial warming. The CoastCarb Network for Staff Exchange and Training is funded by the Marie Curie Action RISE (Research and Innovation Staff Exchange) of the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union (H2020-MCSA-RISE 872690). Climate change and intensifying human resource use are causing massive changes to Subantarctic coastal systems and carbon cycling. At the same time, these systems house benthic communities of the highest biomass and biodiversity, which sustain important ecosystem services and require strategic observation and management plans. The multidisciplinary network CoastCarb joins experts in Subantarctic coastal system ecology and ecological modelling to create a knowledge information system with open access data portal and produce dynamic ecosystem models for fjordic and estuarine environments. CoastCarb has five specific objectives that will be pursued by five work-packages (WP): Obj 1 - Data and Information System (DIS): Compile a geo-referenced data information system for Souuth Patagonia (SP) and West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) coastal change, including abiotic environmental factors, disturbance levels, and mapping coastal biosphere (WP1). Obj 2 - Ecosystem Modelling: Develop a carbon flux model for SP/WAP coastal fjords and estuaries, considering different ecosystem processes such as carbon sequestration (production, coastal runoff fluxes, deposition and burial) and mobilization (bioturbation, remineralization, transport processes) (WP2). Obj 3 – Species Metrics & Multiple Stressors: Parameterise the response of coastal biosphere (key species, groups, key communities) to environmental change for different focal areas along SP and the WAP. Identify and fill present data gaps (WP3). Obj 4 - Ecosystem Change and Carbon Storage: Develop a coastal status classification scheme (dynamic mapping of carbon sink and source areas) (WP4). Obj 5 - Ecosystem Services, Food Security and Public Engagement: Contribute to the analysis of ecosystem service changes, sustainable management and public engagement (WP5). Obj 6 - Managment and Ethichs, plus Science Communication (WP6). www.coastcarb.eu

We aim to model the water transportation-circulation and build a SPM dynamic model in Potter Cove under different environmental conditions, applying a numerical implementation of three-dimensional unstructured-mesh model FESOM-C, relying on FESOM2 and intended for coastal simulations. For the evaluation of model performance the hydrodynamics of the Potter-Cove is simulated.

The main aim of this Doctoral project is to estimate the potential distribution of different Antarctic species at a temporal scale in Potter Cove (King George Island, Antarctic) applying Species Distribution Models (SDMs) based on available environmental and biological data. Also, to infer possible responses in the species distribution due to the regional climate change projecting to different environmental scenarios. The Antarctic benthos and the response to the climate change. A comprehensive analysis using species distribution models.