In the depths of the Antarctic Ocean, specifically off Livingston Island, a pioneering Canadian ocean observatory has emerged. This state-of-the-art facility is diligently collecting valuable data and relaying it to Canadian and international climate scientists, unraveling the mysteries hidden beneath the icy waters.
Situated 23 meters beneath the ocean surface, the observatory is intricately linked to an onshore buoy through an underwater cable. Its primary mission is to shed light on pivotal polar phenomena, including the intricate dance of sea ice and the ebb and flow of glaciers. These processes, intricately interwoven with climate change, hold the key to understanding the Southern Ocean's dynamics.
Kohen Bauer, a senior staff scientist with Oceans Network Canada (ONC), underscores the significance of this venture, stating, “The Southern Ocean [Antarctic Ocean] is one of the most under-observed places in our globe.” Establishing a long-term series of ocean observations is crucial, allowing scientists to unravel the intricate workings of this unique environment.
The data harvested from the underwater platform embarks on a journey through satellite transmission, reaching the scientists at ONC, an ocean-observatory initiative rooted in the University of Victoria. ONC scientists meticulously process and archive this data before generously making it available to the public online.
Dr. Bauer emphasizes the role of the Southern Ocean in the global climate system, noting that the data collected by ONC contributes a piece to the expansive climate puzzle. This collaborative effort aims to fill critical gaps in our understanding of this vital region.
The installation of this observatory marks a historic collaboration between Oceans Network Canada and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). Placed in the shallow coastal waters of an island off the Antarctic Peninsula, this observatory stands as a three-meter-tall platform hosting an array of instruments measuring various oceanographic parameters.
ONC's track record in operating over ten thousand sensors across Canada's coasts and the Arctic region speaks to its expertise. Although the organization has been active in the Arctic since 2012, the lack of a Canadian research station in Antarctica delayed their expansion into Antarctic waters—until now.
Kate Moran, CEO of ONC, attributes the success of this partnership to the organization's proven experience in installing observatories in harsh environments, such as the Canadian Arctic. She emphasizes the significance of the observatory in demystifying the poorly understood Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica.
Dr. Moran further highlights the importance of the observatory's year-round data collection, enhancing access to Antarctic data, which was previously limited to seasonal collections by CSIC's Juan Carlos I Antarctic scientific station.
The collaboration between Canadian and Spanish scientists exemplifies the value of international cooperation in polar climate research. David Hik, Executive Director of Programs and Chief Scientist at Polar Knowledge Canada, stresses the necessity of collaborative efforts, stating, “National boundaries are pretty artificial.” He emphasizes that aligning efforts globally enhances the quality of data, crucial for comprehending the current state of our shared planet.
As the Canadian-Spanish partnership unfolds, it stands as a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration in unraveling the mysteries of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean environments. In a world where the boundaries of ecosystems transcend national lines, working together becomes imperative for a comprehensive understanding of our planet's intricate systems.
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Antarctica
Ocean Networks Canada
good job
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