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Climate of Antarctica & the Southern Ocean

Wind on the Southern Ocean throws off sea spray.

Strong winds of the Southern Ocean generate some of the largest seas on the planet
Photo: Wayne Papps

This project will obtain a broad, circumpolar snapshot of the physical environment of the Southern Ocean to enhance understanding of its role in past, present and future climate.

The project will also establish a Southern Ocean Observing System to routinely monitor the behaviour of the ocean. The system will involve measurements of temperature, salinity and ocean currents using:

  • ships
  • free floating instruments
  • satellite trackers attached to marine mammals and seabirds
  • current meters
  • tide gauges

Information from the observing system will be used in models for ocean and climate forecasts.

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