Abstract:
The research will examine the relative importance of the physical and chemical controls on phytoplankton dynamics and carbon flux in continental margin regions of the Southern Ocean, and elucidate mechanisms by which plankton populations and carbon export might be altered by climate change. We specifically will address (1) how the phytoplankton on the continental margins of the southern Ocean respond to spatial and temporal changes in temperature, light, iron supply, and carbon dioxide levels, (2) how these factors initiate changes in phytoplankton assemblage structure, and (3) how carbon export and the efficiency of the biological pump are impacted by the biomass and composition of the phytoplankton. Two regions of study (the Amundsen and Ross Seas) will be investigated, one well studied (Ross Sea) and one poorly described (Amundsen Sea). It is hypothesized that each region will have markedly different physical forcing, giving rise to distinct chemical conditions and therefore biological responses. As such, the comparison of the two may give us insights into the mechanisms of how Antarctic continental margins will respond under changing environmental conditions. Broader impacts include participation by an international graduate student from Brazil, outreach via seminars to the general public, collaboration with the teachers-in-residence on the cruise, development of a cruise web site and interactive email exchanges with local middle school students while at sea.
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Description:
Original data submitted.
Name:
ROBERT
A.
ARKO Email:
info at usap-data.org
Contact Address:
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
61 Route 9W City:
Palisades
Province or State:
NY
Postal Code:
10964
Country:
USA
Personnel
WALKER
O.
SMITH Role:
INVESTIGATOR
Phone:
(804)684-7709
Fax:
(804)684-7399
Email:
wos at vims.edu
Contact Address:
Biological Sciences
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
The College of William & Mary
P.O. Box 1346 City:
Gloucester Pt
Province or State:
VA
Postal Code:
23062-1346
Country:
USA
Creation and Review Dates
DIF Creation Date:
2009-06-22
Last DIF Revision Date:
2009-06-29
