ARCLIGHT (Light-induced responses of autotrophic communities to extreme and variable Arctic LIGHTscape)

ARCLIGHT (Light-induced responses of autotrophic communities to extreme and variable Arctic LIGHTscape) is a five-year research project funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR). The project explores how microscopic photosynthetic organisms, including phytoplankton and sea-ice algae, survive and thrive under the Arctic’s extreme light conditions, from months of complete darkness during the polar night to continuous daylight under the midnight sun. These microscopic organisms form the foundation of Arctic marine food webs and play a crucial role in removing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. As climate change rapidly transforms the Arctic and alters sea ice and light availability, understanding how these organisms respond is essential for predicting the future of polar ecosystems and their role in the global climate. ARCLIGHT combines year-round observations from the Tara Polar Station, cutting-edge oceanographic measurements, laboratory experiments, and environmental genomics to uncover the biological mechanisms that allow Arctic microalgae to sense light, regulate photosynthesis, and adapt to changing seasons. By connecting molecular processes to ecosystem-scale dynamics, the project will provide new insights into the resilience of Arctic marine ecosystems in a rapidly changing world.