GO-MARIE

GO-MARIE (Glacier-Oceans Mapping & Research Interdisciplinary Effort) is an ambitious project led by Ocean Research Project (ORP) in collaboration with international partners and supported by the SRV Marie Tharp. Named in honor of Marie Tharp, a pioneering female scientist who mapped the ocean seafloor, this project aims to map and study the seabed and coastal processes in Greenland’s polar and sub-polar regions.

Project Overview

GO-MARIE seeks to advance understanding of climate change impacts in Greenland’s coastal regions through comprehensive seabed mapping and interdisciplinary research. By exploring under-investigated glacial fjords, the project aims to provide crucial data on ocean-terminating glaciers, water column properties, and the geochemical character of coastal fjords affected by glacial melt.

The Issue of Glacier-Ocean Interactions

Greenland’s coastal regions face unprecedented challenges driven by climate change, notably the rapid retreat of its ice sheet. This environmental shift not only impacts local ecosystems but also contributes significantly to global sea level rise. Understanding these dynamics is paramount for predicting future impacts on coastal communities and marine biodiversity. GO-MARIE addresses these challenges through comprehensive mapping and interdisciplinary research efforts. By studying glacier-ocean interactions in under-explored glacial fjords, the project aims to provide crucial data on ocean-terminating glaciers, water column properties, and the geochemical characteristics of coastal fjords affected by glacial melt.

Importance of the Effort

Understanding Climate Change: Mapping uncharted regions is crucial for understanding the impacts of climate change, particularly how glacial meltwater affects coastal ecosystems and contributes to global sea level rise.
Supporting Sustainable Development Goals: GO-MARIE aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Seabed 2030, by contributing essential data for global ocean mapping efforts.
Enhancing Scientific Knowledge: By exploring and mapping under-investigated glacial fjords, GO-MARIE seeks to advance knowledge of polar and sub-polar marine environments, contributing to broader scientific understanding.
Community and Collaboration: Collaborative efforts with local communities, researchers, and international partners ensure that research findings are inclusive and beneficial to regional and global communities.
Innovative Technology: Utilizing advanced mapping technologies and satellite observations enhances accuracy in mapping and monitoring coastal water quality changes due to glacial melt.

Current Activities

The SRV Marie Tharp conducted extensive surveys in southwest Greenland in 2022, mapping previously uncharted fjords and collecting crucial hydrographic data. These efforts support ongoing international seabed mapping initiatives and contribute to understanding the dynamics of glacial retreat and its impact on coastal ecosystems.

Future Directions

In 2023-2025, GO-MARIE will expand its mapping campaigns to additional glacial fjords above the Arctic Circle. This phase includes transitioning to advanced hull-mounted mapping technologies to improve data collection efficiency and accuracy.

Collaborations and Partnerships

ORP collaborates closely with NASA’s Ocean Melting Greenland Program, the University of Charleston’s BEAMS program, and technology sponsors like Hypack and RBR Map. These partnerships enhance scientific capabilities and support diverse global research teams.

Key Publications

ORP's extensive research has contributed to several influential publications, including:

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Testimonials

“We have worked hard to demonstrate the critical importance of Arctic bathymetry, and particularly the bathymetry around Greenland to our understanding of the melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet and its impact on global sea level rise. Efforts in the GO-MARIE mission are important in helping us fill critical mapping gaps in these polar regions. We also appreciate ORP’s keen willingness to send the data you collect to Seabed 2030; your mapping efforts have already contributed to the slowly building map of Arctic bathymetry. I understand and support ORP’s desire to obtain a sonar capable of mapping in the deeper waters represented by many of the Arctic fjords so that you can maintain and enhance the Ocean Research Project's mission and very much hope to see this new capability come to fruition.”

Larry Mayer - Professor and Director, Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping