I am Zaskia Alifia from Prof. Jing Zhang’s Laboratory at the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Japan.
My research focuses on understanding material cycling in the Bering Sea using geochemical tracers, particularly rare earth elements (REEs) and trace metals. The Bering Sea is a key connection between the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, serving as a major pathway for the transport of water, heat, and nutrients that support marine ecosystems and biological productivity.
However, this region is undergoing rapid environmental changes due to climate change, including sea ice loss, altered water circulation, and variations in freshwater and nutrient inputs. These shifts influence how nutrients are distributed and recycled in the ocean, ultimately affecting primary productivity and ecosystem structure.
To address these questions, I am also working on developing and improving analytical methods for trace element analysis, ensuring accurate and reliable measurement of REEs and trace metals in seawater. By applying these techniques, I aim to trace water mass mixing, nutrient sources, and transport pathways, providing insights into how climate-driven changes influence biogeochemical cycles in the Bering Sea and beyond.