MICROSCALE PLANKTON AND PARTICLE DYNAMICS: COMPARING AND CONTRASTING AUSTRALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL SEAS

微小的浮游植物是海洋生态系统的基础，但大多数预测和测量侧重于发生在数公里之外的过程。我们最近的工作表明，存在明确而规则的亚米级海景地形。这笔赠款将测试这种海景地形在多大程度上是海洋生态系统的基本组织单位，以及它在多大程度上是澳大利亚沿海水域和公海水域的特征。这项研究在定义和推进我们对海洋生态系统功能的理解方面发挥了领导作用。该项目将在3年内为澳大利亚带来超过2亿美元的日本基础设施。

Microscopic phytoplankton are the basis of ocean ecosystems, but most predictions and measurements focus on processes that occur over kilometres. Our recent work shows that definite and regular submetre seascape topography exists. This grant will test the extent to which this seascape topography is the fundamental organisational unit of marine ecosystems and the extent to which it characterises Australian coastal waters and open ocean water masses. This research takes a leadership role in defining and advancing our understanding of how marine ecosystems function. The project will bring over $200 million of Japanese infrastructure to Australia for 3 years.