Ross Sea Ocean Ecosystem monitoring: Plan in SOOS context

Abstract

A better understanding of the impact of global change on Southern Ocean ecosystem is one of major science themes of SOOS. The Ross Sea is a good site for monitoring of ongoing ecosystem changes and their effects because it is a particularly productive region of the Southern Ocean system. And the high primary productivity in the Antarctic polynyas reflects the highly variable environmental conditions. The KOPRI Antarctic Research Program of oceanic observation, especially which is focused on the Ross Sea and the Amundsen Sea, is an integration of interdisciplinary studies and is pursuing the multi-level from satellite to ocean floor. The KOPRI biology/ecosystem research group is studying the plankton ecology such as primary production, phytoplankton physiology, abundance, temporal and spatial distribution, dominant species, community structure, grazing impact, and trophic interaction among plankton. We are also planning to process study by using sediment traps as well as experimental observations. KOPRI's previous activities in the Amundsen Sea will be presented today, and our future plans for long-term ecosystem monitoring in the Ross Sea region are discussed. productive region of the Southern Ocean system. And the high primary productivity in the Antarctic polynyas reflects the highly variable environmental conditions. The KOPRI Antarctic Research Program of oceanic observation, especially which is focused on the Ross Sea and the Amundsen Sea, is an integration of interdisciplinary studies and is pursuing the multi-level from satellite to ocean floor. The KOPRI biology/ecosystem research group is studying the plankton ecology such as primary production, phytoplankton physiology, abundance, temporal and spatial distribution, dominant species, community structure, grazing impact, and trophic interaction among plankton. We are also planning to process study by using sediment traps as well as experimental observations. KOPRI's previous activities in the Amundsen Sea will be presented today, and our future plans for long-term ecosystem monitoring in the Ross Sea region are discussed.