1. Abstract
- Polar regions are unique in that sea ice, a dominant and distinguishing characteristic of Southern Ocean marine ecology, forms a range of habitats for animals as well as extensive and varied surfaces for algal and microbial populations.
- The Palmer Long Term Ecological Research (PAL) program focuses on understanding the ecological role of sea ice with the primary objective being to gain a general understanding of the physical and climatic controls on interannual sea ice variability, the effects of this variability on trophic interactions, and the biogeochemical consequences thereof.
- Climate research to date shows that the western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) region has experienced a statistically significant warming trend during the past half century, and as determined from satellite passive microwave data during the past two decades air temperatures and sea ice extent are strongly anti-correlated.
- The variability in both air temperature and sea ice extent in the WAP region has been shown to be influenced by contrasting maritime (warm and moist) and continental (cold and dry) climate regimes. The more recent years have seen an increasing maritime influence in the WAP region, with corresponding effects on the marine ecosystem.
- As part of the PAL program, the ecological influence of these trends and variability is being studied, and effects have already been demonstrated at all trophic levels.