Subglacial discharges create fluctuating foraging hotspots for sea birds in tidewater glacier bays

Subglacial discharges of meltwater create small but highly intensive foraging hotspots for sea birds, such as black-legged kittiwakes, in tidewater glacier bays. These hotspots form when subglacial discharge reaches the surface with high entrainment velocity and sufficient macroplankton, influencing glacier bay hydrology and seabird foraging patterns. The study combined GPS tracking of kittiwakes, satellite imagery analysis, and in situ measurements of water properties to examine the variability and dynamics of these hotspots. Findings reveal that the position and type of subglacial discharges fluctuate over time and space, impacting both glacier bay hydrology and seabird foraging behavior.

Urbanski, J. A., Stempniewicz, L., Węsławski, J. M., Dragańska-Deja, K., Wochna, A., Goc, M., & Iliszko, L. (2017). Subglacial discharges create fluctuating foraging hotspots for sea birds in tidewater glacier bays. Scientific Reports, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep43999