Southern Ocean GLOBEC Synthesis and Modeling

The Antarctic Sciences Section supports research leading to an improved understanding of physiology, behavior, adaptations, and processes related to life forms and ecosystems in Antarctica. Much of its work is focused on oceanography and marine ecosystems, with the goal of strengthening correlations between the structure and function of the marginal ice-zone ecosystem and larger-scale oceanic and atmospheric processes.

The overall goals of the United States Southern Ocean Global Oceans Ecosystems Dynamics (U.S. SO GLOBEC) program are to elucidate shelf-circulation processes and their effect on sea-ice formation and krill distribution, and to examine the factors that govern krill survivorship and availability to higher trophic levels, including penguins, seals and whales. These goals were accomplished in part through broad-scale synoptic studies and process-oriented investigations, which were conducted primarily during the austral winter (2001-2003). The program also seeks to improve the predictability of living marine resources, especially with respect to local and global climatic shifts.  The SO GLOBEC Synthesis and Modeling initiative will address the above goals.  The integration of other data sets and modeling studies that also address the goals of the SO GLOBEC program is encouraged. Furthermore, the activity will provide information supporting anticipated environmental studies associated with the upcoming 2007-2008 International Polar Year (IPY).