Maribeth Murray | University of Calgary (original) (raw)
Papers by Maribeth Murray
The stable isotope signatures of marine vertebrates and seabirds recovered from this archaeologic... more The stable isotope signatures of marine vertebrates and seabirds recovered from this archaeological site offer excellent data on past environmental and ecological conditions over a 7000 year period. Alaska coastal sites contain well-preserved archaeofauna and abundant deposits of marine shellfish. Ocean productivity is recorded in the organic carbon content preserved in marine and freshwater sediments as well as in the organic matrix of marine vertebrate remains. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (d13C and d15N) derived from bone collagen provide information about changes in food web dynamics, productivity levels, and thus, ecosystem changes. Any changes in the length of the marine food web induced by climate change or food web interactions will be exhibited in the d15N in the bone collagen of marine vertebrates. Changes in marine resource abundance are reconstructed from calculation of relative abundances of marine species in archaeological and other sedimentary deposits. The changes are, in turn, related to perturbations in the natural system
Frontiers in Marine Science
British whalers were the first and last from Europe to hunt bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) c... more British whalers were the first and last from Europe to hunt bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) commercially from the Arctic whaling grounds of the Greenland Sea (East Greenland-Svalbard-Barents stock) and Davis Strait (East Canada-West Greenland stock). Thus, British Arctic whaling records are unique, as they include both the beginning and the final story of the near extirpation of the species from these waters. By consolidating, cross-checking, and updating the work of numerous colleagues over the years, a database of over 11,000 individual records of British whaling voyages to these grounds between 1725 and 1913 has been established. Using conversion algorithms, it has been possible to derive statistically robust information on the length of the bowheads caught from the amount of oil they yielded. Translating oil yield to whale length is an important step as oil yield is one of the most common parameters documented within historical whaling records. Analysis suggests the length o...
Sustainability
In this perspective on the future of the Arctic, we explore actions taken to mitigate warming and... more In this perspective on the future of the Arctic, we explore actions taken to mitigate warming and adapt to change since the Paris agreement on the temperature threshold that should not be exceeded in order to avoid dangerous interference with the climate system. Although 5 years may seem too short a time for implementation of major interventions, it actually is a considerable time span given the urgency at which we must act if we want to avoid crossing the 1.5 to <2 °C global warming threshold. Actions required include co-production of research exploring possible futures; supporting Indigenous rights holders’ and stakeholders’ discourse on desired futures; monitoring Arctic change; funding strategic, regional adaptation; and, deep decarbonization through transformation of the energy system coupled with negative carbon emissions. We are now in the decisive decade concerning the future we leave behind for the next generations. The Arctic’s future depends on global action, and in tu...
CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research - Zenodo, Mar 30, 2022
The Columbia Climate Center, in partnership with World Wildlife Fund, Woods Hole Research Center,... more The Columbia Climate Center, in partnership with World Wildlife Fund, Woods Hole Research Center, and Arctic 21, held a workshop titled A 5*C Arctic in a 2*C World on July 20 and 21, 2016. The workshop was co-sponsored by the International Arctic Research Center (University of Alaska Fairbanks), the Arctic Institute of North America (Canada), the MEOPAR Network (Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction, and Response), and the Future Ocean Excellence Cluster. The goal of the workshop was to advance thinking on the science and policy implications of the temperature change in the context of the 1.5 to <2*C warming expected for the globe, as discussed during the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at Paris in 2015. For the Arctic, such an increase means an anticipated increase of roughly 3.5 to 5*C. An international group of 41 experts shared perspectives on the regional and global impacts of an up to +5*C Arc...
opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of th... more opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. The report editors are grateful to the participants of the Third AON PI Meeting for their contributions that led to the
Eos, Transactions American Geophysical Union, 2011
Global Climate Change and the Polar Archaeological Record; Tromsø, Norway, 15-16 February 2011; A... more Global Climate Change and the Polar Archaeological Record; Tromsø, Norway, 15-16 February 2011; A workshop was held at the Institute of Archaeology and Social Anthropology, University of Tromsø, in Norway, to catalyze growing concern among polar archaeologists about global climate change and attendant threats to the polar archaeological and paleoecological records. Arctic archaeological sites contain an irreplaceable record of the
The Columbia Climate Center, in partnership with World Wildlife Fund, Woods Hole Research Center,... more The Columbia Climate Center, in partnership with World Wildlife Fund, Woods Hole Research Center, and Arctic 21, held a workshop titled A 5 C Arctic in a 2 C World on July 20 and 21, 2016. The workshop was co-sponsored by the International Arctic Research Center (University of Alaska Fairbanks), the Arctic Institute of North America (Canada), the MEOPAR Network (Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction, and Response), and the Future Ocean Excellence Cluster. The goal of the workshop was to advance thinking on the science and policy implications of the temperature change in the context of the 1.5 to 2 C warming expected for the globe, as dis- cussed during the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at Paris in 2015. For the Arctic, such an increase means an antic- ipated increase of roughly 3.5 to 5 C. An international group of 41 experts shared perspectives on the regional and global impacts of an up to +5 C Arc...
This was a very brief research-in-progress report on methods of acquiring thin-section data from ... more This was a very brief research-in-progress report on methods of acquiring thin-section data from samples of deer and seal teeth to estimate season of death.
Science of the Total Environment, Sep 15, 2010
Northern peoples face a difficult decision of whether or not to consume wild fish, which may cont... more Northern peoples face a difficult decision of whether or not to consume wild fish, which may contain dangerous levels of contaminants such as methylmercury (MeHg), but which also offer a number of positive health benefits, and play an important role in rural household economies. Here, new methods for developing consumption advice are applied to an existing data-set for methylmercury (MeHg) levels in Alaskan fish. We apply a quantitative risk–benefit analysis for eight freshwater, saltwater and anadromous fish species, using ...
Artic …, 2003
Abstract. A comparison of identified faunal assemblages from the Dorset site of Phillip's Ga... more Abstract. A comparison of identified faunal assemblages from the Dorset site of Phillip's Garden indicates that harp seal hunting was the main focus of activity throughout the site's occupation. Despite the highly specialized nature of site use, it appears that reliance on ...
ARCTIC
Included among the many new and exciting research and education initiatives is a transition to lo... more Included among the many new and exciting research and education initiatives is a transition to low-carbon operations. We have already begun this transition process at the Kluane Lake Research Station with the installation of solar power for lights and electric charging in the living quarters, and we continue to explore ways to decrease our fossil fuel consumption at that facility and to become increasingly self-sustaining in the offgrid environment. Here in Calgary, we are also taking an important step toward netzero operations. Beginning in 2020, we will produce the journal Arctic as an online publication only, with the December 2019 issue the last in print. As an organization that understands the impacts of global change, and one which is particularly concerned with the rapid environmental changes witnessed in the Arctic regions, we feel a strong obligation to develop strategies for reducing our own impacts. In the case of the journal, online publication means a significant reduction in our consumption of paper, ink, and plastic, and a reduction in our transportation-related pollution. The high quality of the journal will not be affected by this change and, in fact, many subscribers already receive the online edition only. For those who still prefer a printed copy, we will offer a print-on-demand option. We know that Institute members and subscribers support our efforts to be a responsible steward of our environment, and we are confident that you will continue to enjoy and use the journal for decades to come. After 72 years of continuous publication, Arctic remains the leading source for accessing outstanding, multidisciplinary academic research on the polar and subpolar regions. With the Institute's 75th anniversary year approaching (November 2019-December 2020), we are proud to engage in efforts to build a stronger future for the Arctic environment, and continue to communicate research through our flagship journal. This issue marks changes to the journal's Editorial Advisory Board. Typically, membership on the Board is for a period of three years with a possible extension. Editorial advisors have always been important sources of guidance for the journal, promoting Arctic as a venue for publication among their colleagues, occasionally peer reviewing manuscript submissions in their area of expertise, suggesting suitable reviewers, and providing feedback in matters of editorial policy. It is our pleasure to introduce the new Board, but first we would like to thank our outgoing board members for their valuable contributions to the journal.
Polar Research
Arctic environmental changes already impact regional ecosystems, economies and northern communiti... more Arctic environmental changes already impact regional ecosystems, economies and northern communities, and are having increasing influence on many aspects of the global system. Interest in the Arctic has increased in concert with our improved awareness of potential changes; however, research funding has not necessarily kept pace with the need to improve our understanding of Arctic system change to inform evidence-based decision making. Analyses of data on research funding trends (2003-14) in Canada, the USA and the EU indicate that less than 3% of the total budget the funding agencies considered is allocated in any given year to Arctic-related research. Furthermore, alignment is uneven among established scientific research priorities, existing societal needs and projects awarded funding. New support mechanisms and improved alignment among resources, expertise and priorities, including Indigenous research priorities, are vital to planning and adaptation in the face of ongoing Arctic change.
Climate Research
Sea ice throughout the Arctic is undergoing profound and rapid change. While ice conditions in th... more Sea ice throughout the Arctic is undergoing profound and rapid change. While ice conditions in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA) have historically been more stable than conditions on the open ocean, a growing body of evidence indicates that the major thoroughfares in much of the western/central Canadian Arctic, including the Northwest Passage (NWP), are increasingly vulnerable to climatic forcing events. This is confirmed by the observations of Inuit elders and experienced hunters in the communities of Cambridge Bay, a hamlet along Dease Strait, and Kugluktuk, a hamlet situated at the mouth of the Coppermine River where it meets Coronation Gulf. People in these hamlets now face new navigational challenges due to sea ice change. Navigation practices described by elders and hunters reflect an intimate knowledge of the land and ice topography, currents, and weather conditions for hundreds of kilometers around their communities although people reported increasing unpredictable weather and ice conditions, making travel more treacherous. Many emphasized the importance of traditional knowledge and survival skills as necessary to adapt to ongoing and impending changes. They expressed particular concern that younger generations are untrained in traditional navigation practices, landscape-and weather-reading abilities, and survival practices. However, elders and hunters also stressed the need for more localized weather information derived from weather stations to help with navigation, as current weather and ice conditions are unprecedented in their lifetimes.
The stable isotope signatures of marine vertebrates and seabirds recovered from this archaeologic... more The stable isotope signatures of marine vertebrates and seabirds recovered from this archaeological site offer excellent data on past environmental and ecological conditions over a 7000 year period. Alaska coastal sites contain well-preserved archaeofauna and abundant deposits of marine shellfish. Ocean productivity is recorded in the organic carbon content preserved in marine and freshwater sediments as well as in the organic matrix of marine vertebrate remains. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (d13C and d15N) derived from bone collagen provide information about changes in food web dynamics, productivity levels, and thus, ecosystem changes. Any changes in the length of the marine food web induced by climate change or food web interactions will be exhibited in the d15N in the bone collagen of marine vertebrates. Changes in marine resource abundance are reconstructed from calculation of relative abundances of marine species in archaeological and other sedimentary deposits. The changes are, in turn, related to perturbations in the natural system
Frontiers in Marine Science
British whalers were the first and last from Europe to hunt bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) c... more British whalers were the first and last from Europe to hunt bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) commercially from the Arctic whaling grounds of the Greenland Sea (East Greenland-Svalbard-Barents stock) and Davis Strait (East Canada-West Greenland stock). Thus, British Arctic whaling records are unique, as they include both the beginning and the final story of the near extirpation of the species from these waters. By consolidating, cross-checking, and updating the work of numerous colleagues over the years, a database of over 11,000 individual records of British whaling voyages to these grounds between 1725 and 1913 has been established. Using conversion algorithms, it has been possible to derive statistically robust information on the length of the bowheads caught from the amount of oil they yielded. Translating oil yield to whale length is an important step as oil yield is one of the most common parameters documented within historical whaling records. Analysis suggests the length o...
Sustainability
In this perspective on the future of the Arctic, we explore actions taken to mitigate warming and... more In this perspective on the future of the Arctic, we explore actions taken to mitigate warming and adapt to change since the Paris agreement on the temperature threshold that should not be exceeded in order to avoid dangerous interference with the climate system. Although 5 years may seem too short a time for implementation of major interventions, it actually is a considerable time span given the urgency at which we must act if we want to avoid crossing the 1.5 to <2 °C global warming threshold. Actions required include co-production of research exploring possible futures; supporting Indigenous rights holders’ and stakeholders’ discourse on desired futures; monitoring Arctic change; funding strategic, regional adaptation; and, deep decarbonization through transformation of the energy system coupled with negative carbon emissions. We are now in the decisive decade concerning the future we leave behind for the next generations. The Arctic’s future depends on global action, and in tu...
CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research - Zenodo, Mar 30, 2022
The Columbia Climate Center, in partnership with World Wildlife Fund, Woods Hole Research Center,... more The Columbia Climate Center, in partnership with World Wildlife Fund, Woods Hole Research Center, and Arctic 21, held a workshop titled A 5*C Arctic in a 2*C World on July 20 and 21, 2016. The workshop was co-sponsored by the International Arctic Research Center (University of Alaska Fairbanks), the Arctic Institute of North America (Canada), the MEOPAR Network (Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction, and Response), and the Future Ocean Excellence Cluster. The goal of the workshop was to advance thinking on the science and policy implications of the temperature change in the context of the 1.5 to <2*C warming expected for the globe, as discussed during the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at Paris in 2015. For the Arctic, such an increase means an anticipated increase of roughly 3.5 to 5*C. An international group of 41 experts shared perspectives on the regional and global impacts of an up to +5*C Arc...
opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of th... more opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. The report editors are grateful to the participants of the Third AON PI Meeting for their contributions that led to the
Eos, Transactions American Geophysical Union, 2011
Global Climate Change and the Polar Archaeological Record; Tromsø, Norway, 15-16 February 2011; A... more Global Climate Change and the Polar Archaeological Record; Tromsø, Norway, 15-16 February 2011; A workshop was held at the Institute of Archaeology and Social Anthropology, University of Tromsø, in Norway, to catalyze growing concern among polar archaeologists about global climate change and attendant threats to the polar archaeological and paleoecological records. Arctic archaeological sites contain an irreplaceable record of the
The Columbia Climate Center, in partnership with World Wildlife Fund, Woods Hole Research Center,... more The Columbia Climate Center, in partnership with World Wildlife Fund, Woods Hole Research Center, and Arctic 21, held a workshop titled A 5 C Arctic in a 2 C World on July 20 and 21, 2016. The workshop was co-sponsored by the International Arctic Research Center (University of Alaska Fairbanks), the Arctic Institute of North America (Canada), the MEOPAR Network (Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction, and Response), and the Future Ocean Excellence Cluster. The goal of the workshop was to advance thinking on the science and policy implications of the temperature change in the context of the 1.5 to 2 C warming expected for the globe, as dis- cussed during the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at Paris in 2015. For the Arctic, such an increase means an antic- ipated increase of roughly 3.5 to 5 C. An international group of 41 experts shared perspectives on the regional and global impacts of an up to +5 C Arc...
This was a very brief research-in-progress report on methods of acquiring thin-section data from ... more This was a very brief research-in-progress report on methods of acquiring thin-section data from samples of deer and seal teeth to estimate season of death.
Science of the Total Environment, Sep 15, 2010
Northern peoples face a difficult decision of whether or not to consume wild fish, which may cont... more Northern peoples face a difficult decision of whether or not to consume wild fish, which may contain dangerous levels of contaminants such as methylmercury (MeHg), but which also offer a number of positive health benefits, and play an important role in rural household economies. Here, new methods for developing consumption advice are applied to an existing data-set for methylmercury (MeHg) levels in Alaskan fish. We apply a quantitative risk–benefit analysis for eight freshwater, saltwater and anadromous fish species, using ...
Artic …, 2003
Abstract. A comparison of identified faunal assemblages from the Dorset site of Phillip's Ga... more Abstract. A comparison of identified faunal assemblages from the Dorset site of Phillip's Garden indicates that harp seal hunting was the main focus of activity throughout the site's occupation. Despite the highly specialized nature of site use, it appears that reliance on ...
ARCTIC
Included among the many new and exciting research and education initiatives is a transition to lo... more Included among the many new and exciting research and education initiatives is a transition to low-carbon operations. We have already begun this transition process at the Kluane Lake Research Station with the installation of solar power for lights and electric charging in the living quarters, and we continue to explore ways to decrease our fossil fuel consumption at that facility and to become increasingly self-sustaining in the offgrid environment. Here in Calgary, we are also taking an important step toward netzero operations. Beginning in 2020, we will produce the journal Arctic as an online publication only, with the December 2019 issue the last in print. As an organization that understands the impacts of global change, and one which is particularly concerned with the rapid environmental changes witnessed in the Arctic regions, we feel a strong obligation to develop strategies for reducing our own impacts. In the case of the journal, online publication means a significant reduction in our consumption of paper, ink, and plastic, and a reduction in our transportation-related pollution. The high quality of the journal will not be affected by this change and, in fact, many subscribers already receive the online edition only. For those who still prefer a printed copy, we will offer a print-on-demand option. We know that Institute members and subscribers support our efforts to be a responsible steward of our environment, and we are confident that you will continue to enjoy and use the journal for decades to come. After 72 years of continuous publication, Arctic remains the leading source for accessing outstanding, multidisciplinary academic research on the polar and subpolar regions. With the Institute's 75th anniversary year approaching (November 2019-December 2020), we are proud to engage in efforts to build a stronger future for the Arctic environment, and continue to communicate research through our flagship journal. This issue marks changes to the journal's Editorial Advisory Board. Typically, membership on the Board is for a period of three years with a possible extension. Editorial advisors have always been important sources of guidance for the journal, promoting Arctic as a venue for publication among their colleagues, occasionally peer reviewing manuscript submissions in their area of expertise, suggesting suitable reviewers, and providing feedback in matters of editorial policy. It is our pleasure to introduce the new Board, but first we would like to thank our outgoing board members for their valuable contributions to the journal.
Polar Research
Arctic environmental changes already impact regional ecosystems, economies and northern communiti... more Arctic environmental changes already impact regional ecosystems, economies and northern communities, and are having increasing influence on many aspects of the global system. Interest in the Arctic has increased in concert with our improved awareness of potential changes; however, research funding has not necessarily kept pace with the need to improve our understanding of Arctic system change to inform evidence-based decision making. Analyses of data on research funding trends (2003-14) in Canada, the USA and the EU indicate that less than 3% of the total budget the funding agencies considered is allocated in any given year to Arctic-related research. Furthermore, alignment is uneven among established scientific research priorities, existing societal needs and projects awarded funding. New support mechanisms and improved alignment among resources, expertise and priorities, including Indigenous research priorities, are vital to planning and adaptation in the face of ongoing Arctic change.
Climate Research
Sea ice throughout the Arctic is undergoing profound and rapid change. While ice conditions in th... more Sea ice throughout the Arctic is undergoing profound and rapid change. While ice conditions in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA) have historically been more stable than conditions on the open ocean, a growing body of evidence indicates that the major thoroughfares in much of the western/central Canadian Arctic, including the Northwest Passage (NWP), are increasingly vulnerable to climatic forcing events. This is confirmed by the observations of Inuit elders and experienced hunters in the communities of Cambridge Bay, a hamlet along Dease Strait, and Kugluktuk, a hamlet situated at the mouth of the Coppermine River where it meets Coronation Gulf. People in these hamlets now face new navigational challenges due to sea ice change. Navigation practices described by elders and hunters reflect an intimate knowledge of the land and ice topography, currents, and weather conditions for hundreds of kilometers around their communities although people reported increasing unpredictable weather and ice conditions, making travel more treacherous. Many emphasized the importance of traditional knowledge and survival skills as necessary to adapt to ongoing and impending changes. They expressed particular concern that younger generations are untrained in traditional navigation practices, landscape-and weather-reading abilities, and survival practices. However, elders and hunters also stressed the need for more localized weather information derived from weather stations to help with navigation, as current weather and ice conditions are unprecedented in their lifetimes.