Small Grants for Exploratory Research - Oceanographic Research in the Amundsen and Ross Seas:

摘要本研究将探讨南大洋大陆边缘浮游植物动态和碳通量的物理和化学控制的相对重要性，并阐明气候变化对浮游植物种群和碳输出的影响机制。我们将具体讨论(1)南大洋大陆边缘的浮游植物如何响应温度、光照、铁供应和二氧化碳水平的时空变化；(2)这些因素如何引发浮游植物组合结构的变化；(3)浮游植物的生物量和组成如何影响碳输出和生物泵的效率。两个研究区域（阿蒙森海和罗斯海）将被调查，一个研究得很好（罗斯海），一个描述得很差（阿蒙森海）。据推测，每个地区将有明显不同的物理强迫，产生不同的化学条件，从而产生不同的生物反应。因此，对两者的比较可以让我们深入了解南极大陆边缘如何在不断变化的环境条件下做出反应的机制。更广泛的影响包括一名来自巴西的国际研究生的参与，通过研讨会向公众推广，与邮轮上的教师合作，开发邮轮网站，以及在海上与当地中学生进行互动电子邮件交流

AbstractThe 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