[Project Reporting] ANNUAL REPORT FOR AWARD # 9632763 Sumbitted: 6 June 2001 Raymond C Smith ; U of Cal Santa Barbara Long-Term Ecological Research on the Antarctic Marine Ecosystem: An Ice-Dominated Environment Participant Individuals: CoPrincipal Investigator(s) : Robin M Ross; Langdon B Quetin Other -- specify(s) : William R Fraser; Eileen E Hofmann; John M Klinck; David M Karl; Maria Vernet; Douglas G Martinson; Karen S Baker; Charleen R Johnson Technician, programmer(s) : Ronald D Batie; Kimberly M Grimm; Terrance A Houlihan; Janice L Jones; Jared C Kneebone; Wendy A Kozlowski; Daniel Martin; David W Menzies; Eric R Pohlman; Caroline T Shaw; Sharon E Stammerjohn; Luis M Tupas; Karen Z Weinbaum; Jennifer A White Post-doc(s) : Markus Karner Other -- specify(s) : Eric J Woehler Graduate student(s) : Christopher J Carrillo Post-doc(s) : Heidi M Dierssen Other -- specify(s) : Donna L Patterson Graduate student(s) : Karen W Patterson Pre-college teacher(s) : Besse B Dawson Other -- specify(s) : Laurel A Coe; Robert E Kozlowski Undergraduate student(s) : Andrew L King Other -- specify(s) : Justin B Smith Graduate student(s) : Stephanie L White Technician, programmer(s) : Laurie Burke; Meghan Duffy; Peter A Duley Other -- specify(s) : Lance Fujieki Technician, programmer(s) : Jill Glass; Dale Hebel; Rich Iannuzzi; Kirk Ireson; Sara Kerr; John Milner; Tim Newberger; Michele Rosenshield; Dan Sadler; Karie Sines; Veronica Vigilante; Marnie Zierbel Other -- specify(s) : Martha Ferrario Graduate student(s) : Karin Bjorkman; Michael Colee; Nicolas Cassar; Irene Garibotti; David Hamm Undergraduate student(s) : Brent Mardien Graduate student(s) : Stephanie Oakes Undergraduate student(s) : Diane Poehls Graduate student(s) : Angie Thomson-Bulldis Other -- specify(s) : Dominique Sonier; Mary Ann (Mimi) Wallace; Andrew Altieri; Brian Bradshaw; James Flaherty; Christopher Holmes; Mary Jane Sadler; Matthew Scott; Jinro Ukita Technician, programmer(s) : Edgar Velez Other -- specify(s) : Hugh Ducklow; Jenn Brum; Eric Chapman; Matt Church; Chris Denker; Karen Pelletreau; Sara Searson; Michael Thimgan; Holly Rodriques; Silvia Rodriguez; Brian Fredin; Heidi Geisz; Daniel Hover; Dan Martin; Matt Irinaga; Erin Macri; Jordan Watson; Bill Swanson Partner Organizations: Antarctic Support Associates: In-kind Support National Space and Aeronautics Administr: Financial Support Division of Environmental Biology: Collaborative Research Long-Term Ecological Research Program: Collaborative Research Antarctic Marine Living Resources: Collaborative Research Convention for the Conservation of Antar: Collaborative Research Joint Global Ocean Flux Meetings: Collaborative Research Teachers Experiencing Antarctica or Arti: Collaborative Research Hawaii Ocean Time-Series: Collaborative Research British Antarctic Survey: Collaborative Research Scientific Committee on Antarctic Resear: Collaborative Research Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR): Collaborative Research Smithsonian Institution, National Museum: Collaborative Research USGS Center for Coastal Geology & Regional Studies: Collaborative Research San Diego Supercomputer Center: Collaborative Research Raytheon Polar Service Company: In-kind Support CONICET- National Council for Scientific and Technical Research: Collaborative Research NOAA Office of Oceanic & Atmospheric Research: Collaborative Research University of Oslo: Collaborative Research University of La Plata: Collaborative Research Partnership Observation-Global Oceans: Collaborative Research POGO - Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans URL Site: http://www.oceanpartners.org/ Other collaborators: David Ainley(H.T. Harvey & Assoc.)-seabird ecology Penny Allen (British Broadcasting) - krill filming at Palmer Andrew Clarke (BAS) - carotenoids in krill; Palmer Steering Comm. Douglas DeMaster (NMML) - fisheries; Palmer Steering Comm. Mark Drinkwater (JPL) - sea ice dynamics Eugene Domack (Hamilton College) - sedimentology, paleoecology Steve Emslie (U North Carolina) - seabird archeology, paleoecology Martha Ferrario - phytoplankton taxonomy Tom Fisher (HPEL) - ecology, nutrients; Palmer Steering Comm. Bruce Hayden (U Of Virginia - climatology & climate change, ecology, coastal geomorphology; Palmer Steering Comm. John Hobbie (MBL) - microbial processes; Palmer Steering Comm. George Hunt (UCI) - seabird ecology; Palmer Steering Comm. Eileen Hofman (ODU) - phy/biol models James Kennett (UCSB) - marine paleooceanography, paleoecology Amy Leventer (Colgate U) - paleobiology, paleoecology Xiang Liu (JPL) - sea ice dynamics Jiping Liu (NASA GISS) - GCM modeling Steve Nicol (Australian Dvivision of Antarctic Science) - Southern Ocean zooplankton and krill population dynamics Ellen Mosley-Thompson (Ohio State U) - ice core records, paleoecology Scott Pegau (Oregon State U) - ocean optical properties Jim Reichman (NCEAS,UCSB) - mammals, ecology; Palmer Steering Comm. Bob Whritner- (AARC/SIO) satellite imagery Jinro Ukita, NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center Thomas K. Frazer (University of Florida) - Krill Energetics Christine Ribic (U of Wisconsin) - sea birds David Rind (NASA GISS) - GCM modeling Xiaojun Yuan (LDEO) - regional & global modeling Gustavo Ferreyra, Argentinian Antarctic Institute, UVR effects on phytoplankton Martha Ferrario, University of La Plata, Phytoplankton taxonomy Activities and findings: Activities: B.1 Describe the major research and education activities of the project. The Palmer LTER sampling strategy combines seasonal time series data from the nearshore Palmer stations and seabird observations from nesting sites near Palmer Station with annual cruises covering a regional grid along the western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP). During USAP0001 the Palmer LTER completed a tenth season at Palmer Station (with field sampling from mid-November to late March) as well as the ninth mesoscale summer time series research cruise (jan01). A key objective of this sampling is long-term, integrated studies on ecological processes of the marine ecology of the Southern Ocean. During this period each component was assisted in meeting the data policy requirement (data online via the Palmer LTER web page) and continued to build our long-term data legacy. Summer cruise Jan01 (LMG01-1): The LTER summer cruise is designed to cover all cardinal stations along grid lines 200 to 600. Because of the shortened cruise (3 rather than 6 weeks) the standard sampling plan was modified, with a decrease in the spatial resolution on both the 300.* and 500.* cardinal lines and in planned activities within the foraging area of the Adelie penguins nesting near Palmer. Robin Ross was the Chief Scientist for the LMG01-01, this very shortened annual summer cruise of the Palmer LTER (09Jan-25Jan). All PAL components participated in the cruise which included the following objectives: (1) To document the spatial and temporal variability in Western Antarctic Peninsula region (specifically the shelf & slope between Anvers and Adelaide Islands) in order to distinguish among trends, cycles and natural variability in the ecosystem. (2) To investigate linkages between the Adelie penguins nesting near Palmer Station and the marine resources within their foraging range. (3) To continue a study of the factors that determine the spatial patterns observed in the ecosystem and the space/time variability of these factors over the study region. (4) To conduct experiments to understand the mechanisms underlying the structure and function of this Antarctic marine ecosystem. (5) To recover and redeploy a sediment trap mooring. The cruise also included continued collaborative work with the marine science group from the British Antarctic Survey at Rothera. This included a short series of CTD casts to investigate the oceanic link between the site of the BAS seasonal sampling in Ryder Bay and the southern end of the Palmer LTER study region. A cross calibration of instruments between the BAS and PAL also took place. The microbiology and carbon flux (BP-046) group continued their research on microbial (bacteria and archaea) standing stocks and production rates, dissolved inorganic and organic carbon pool dynamics and particle sedimentation and export production processes. Seawater samples were collected at all LTER stations and in Marguerite Bay. The bottom moored sediment trap, deployed near Victor Hugo Island in Jan 2000, was also successfully recovered and redeployed for another year. The use of this autonomous mooring provides a year round surveillance of export processes in the LTER study area. Physical oceanography and modeling component (BP-045) has been developing a means for quantitatively testing the Pal LTER hypotheses regarding the degree and manner of covariability between the physical environment and ecological variability. Towards this goal we have developed several methodological approaches (EOF/PC analysis; Canonical Correlation Analysis), written the code to perform the analysis; distributed the code to other LTER PIs and their teams, and consulted on the analysis results and other approaches. For the physical variables, the results obtained to date have been written into a preprint that is currently undergoing revision and will be ready for submission in early summer 2001. Our group has also overseen the collection and post-cruise processing of all hydrographic data collected during the field season across our sampled grid (via ship). The data have been quality controlled and assessed, and deposited in the LTER public data base. The 2000/01 field season (Oct00-Mar01) at Palmer Station: The Palmer LTER field season at Palmer station provides time series data with which to place our summer cruises into a seasonal context as well as to carry out specific process oriented studies. Research on station this season included activities by BP-013 (Fraser), BP-016 (Vernet), BP-028 (Quetin/Ross), and BP-032 (Smith). Researchers from all these groups arrived at Palmer during October. These groups began collecting core data within a few days of arrival including arrival dates and population counts of Adelies as well as physical, optical and biological observations at stations B & E. Sea ice conditions were relatively mild throughout this field season and so our planed sampling program progressed smoothly. The LMG99-01 cruise occupied Jan while most of the Palmer field season was completed by March. The sea bird group (BP-013) focused on identifying and understanding the sources of environmental variability affecting the long-term demography of Adelie Penguins. Personnel spent six months at Palmer station engaged in collecting data on penguin foraging ecology, breeding biology and survival. Data analysis and publication was active, as described in Section B.2. The BP-028 team began collecting krill from under the ice by SCUBA in late October, and continued a sequence of experiments and observations of krill in their under-ice habitat until the ice cleared enough for zodiac operations. Once the ice cleared data on acoustic biomass and the distribution of sound scatterers in the water column was collected on two transects within the 3.7 km boating limit twice a week throughout the austral spring and in February-March after the annual summer cruise. At weekly intervals, krill were collected for experiments to determine production (growth) and condition of the young of the year. In addition to the above core data, post-cruise a series of experiments was conducted to investigate the functional response of small krill feeding in two modes, in the water column and on surfaces. The question concerns the ability of young krill to utilize the food available on ice surfaces in the winter. During the annual cruise core data on zooplankton abundance and distribution were determined both by acoustics and with net tows. In addition, results of experiments on production (growth) and reproductive output will be related to the food availability as documented by BP-016. Data analysis focused on the analysis of two time series, one based on the annual summer cruise and the other on the seasonal time series. The time series of zooplankton abundance and krill recruitment from the annual summer cruises is being analyzed in conjunction with data on the physical environment (hydrography, ice) and biological (primary production) collected by other Palmer LTER PIs as part of a statistical analysis headed by D. Martinson. A second effort involves relating the seasonal time series of krill biomass and aggregation distribution to the foraging behavior of the Adelie penguins nesting near Palmer, a study in collaboration with B. Fraser. The phytoplankton (BP-016) and bio-optics (BP-032) groups carried out bi-weekly sampling via zodiac within the 2-mile boating limit (Stations B & E) from October 2000 to the end of March 2001 as well as the 19-day cruise to the continental shelf in January. The phytoplankton group (BP-016), in addition to the core sampling (daily primary production, particulate carbon and nitrogen, nutrients, and photosynthetic pigments), sampled with a Fast Track Rate Repetition Fluorometer (FRRF). The aim is to improve the resolution of the primary production sampling and understand the physiology associated with environmental forcing (photoinhibition, nutrient limitation, etc.). Experiments were performed to estimate the effect of ultraviolet and the influence of mycosporine-like amino acids on radiation on daily primary production and phytoplankton composition. Data analysis during this period was intense and 5 lines of research are being pursued: (1) A study of the contribution of different taxonomic groups to primary production and biomass. (2) Work to better understand the relationship of temporal and spatial variability in primary production to environmental parameters. (3) An investigation of phytoplankton dynamics during periods of ice formation. (4) A study of carbon cycling through the coastal Antarctic food chain. (5) An evaluation of the use of photosynthetic pigments as taxonomic markers by microscopic analysis. This work is being cone in collaboration with all PAL PI's. In particular, there are 2 synthesis efforts: (1) A statistical analysis of physical, chemical and biological parameters organized by Doug Martinson, and (2) the estimation of carbon cycling through the food chain, in collaboration with several PAL PI's (Ducklow, Ross/Quetin, Smith) and Bob Christian, East Carolina University. During this recent year the bio-optics group (BP-032) continued in-situ observations (in collaboration with BP-016) aimed at creating robust bio-optical models for waters of the southern ocean. The bio-optics team participated in the jan01 cruise and the Palmer field season and observations and methods were as reported previously. In addition to our core apparent optical property (AOP) observations, we carried out a collaborative study with Scott Pegau at Oregon State University to measure inherent optical properties (IOP). These observations included: a HobiLabs Hydroscat-6, an instrument to measure backscattering (bb) in 6 separate wavebands; a WetLabs ac-9 (ac-9), an instrument to measure absorption (a) and beam attenuation (c) in 9 separate wavebands; downwelling irradiance (Ed) and upwelling radiance (Lu) in 7 separate wavebands; plus temperature, conductivity and depth. We have shown that the bio-optical properties of the WAP and the Southern Ocean are have unique characteristics (see references Sect. B.2). In turn, this requires regional ocean color algorithms for the correct quantitative evaluation of pigment biomass and consequent estimation of phytoplankton productivity by satellite. It is anticipated that this year's IOP observations will complement the core AOP data by providing additional and independent evidence, as well as possible mechanistic rational, for the unique bio-optical properties of Southern Ocean waters. Analysis activity continued. In particular, a PC/EOF analysis (with Martinson and other PIs) of hydrographic and sea ice data aimed at quantifying climatically meaningful ocean-atmosphere-ice (OAI) parameters and their linkage and influence on ecological parameters is in progress. During this period our information manager (Baker) interfaced with ICESS to optimize an infrastructure upgrade for our information storage and management. The Institute for Computational Earth System Science (ICESS), an organized research unit at UCSB is committed to supporting extramurally-funded research through development and sharing of computational resources, and continued to provide the Palmer LTER computational infrastructure. ICESS has a 1000MB/s connection to the UCSB campus backbone which provides shared access to the National Science Foundation's very high performance Backbone Network Service (vBNS). A variety of recent infrastructure upgrades have required budgeting for Palmer LTER transition and maintenance time. Benefits to the Palmer LTER from these changes include: (1) WindowsNT PC configuration transition to networked workstations with preparations underway for transition to Windows2000 for Palmer LTER information management and logistics components, (2) file server upgrades addressing both fiber optic channel and scusi disk storage as part of a three-generational plan supporting both legacy and cutting edge systems (the system development for this upgrade was enabled by a Centers of Excellence award), (3) upgrade to storage of more that 2.5TB for ICESS and 50GB for the Palmer LTER, (4) service upgrades for FTP and color printer services in addition to continued and software upgrades such as perl, matlab, idl, (5) Apache webserver upgrade and reconfiguration for improved network services, (6) Network identity establishment via virtual host alias pal.lternet.edu, (7) Large format plotter purchase enabling generation of posters locally. Educational Activities In addition to NSF Schoolyard LTER and Teacher Experiencing Antarctic (TEA) activities, which are outlined in Section 2.D., there were 5 graduate students trained. The seabird component (BP-013) trained and provided valuable field experience to an individual pursuing a Masters degree. In addition, the project served as an important source of information for the Blue Ice Program, an international, web-based effrot to bring Antarctic science to K-12 students and educators. BP- 016 provided training for one graduate and two undergraduate students. BP-028 provided training for a graduate student, supervised an undergraduate completing an Honor's degree in Biology, and provided valuable field experience for three recent undergraduates from UCSB interested in pursuing careers in marine science. BP-032 provided part time support for one Post Doctoral fellow and hosted a TEA for this year. During USAP 0002 we plan to participant in the annual LTER research cruises (Jan02), the seasonal time series at Palmer Station (Sep01- Mar02) and a sea ice cruise (Sep01) during the period of sea ice retreat. The Sep01 cruise will follow and be coordinated with the SO GLOBEC Jul/Aug cruise. Findings: B.2 What are your major research findings? Describe the major findings resulting from these activities. Climatology: The Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) region has experienced a statistically significant warming trend during the past half century. Also, a statistically significant anti-correlation between air temperatures and sea ice extent, as determined from satellite passive microwave data during the past two decades, has been observed for this region. An earlier retreat and later advance of sea ice in the 1990's (as compared with the 1980's) has been recorded and translates into a shorter sea ice season by roughly two weeks. Observations suggest that the balance between contrasting maritime and continental climatic regimes within the WAP region as tipped toward an increased maritime influence during the 1990s. These changes are related to an increase in cyclonic activity and boundary-layer winds from the northwest, with associated warm, moist air advection from lower latitudes into the WAP region. These results are documented in Smith and Stammerjohn (2001 and references therein). The consequences of this climatic shift on sea-ice growth processes, including the chemical and biological processes associated with the development of the sea-ice cover, may be profound for the marine ecology of the region. As a consequence, the WAP region is continues to be an exceptional area to study ecological response to climate variability (Ross et al., 1996 and references therein; Smith et al., 1996; Smith et al., 1999)and as noted by findings listed below. Modeling: The major finding to date is that the climatologies established for each of the primary LTER variables monitored each year during the field program, show consistent patterns across the variables, and spatial patterns of the climatologies appear related to the geographic configuration and ocean current system of the sampled domain. We have also determined the spatial patterns over which the various variables show the strongest degree of temporal covariability. These patterns do not reflect the climatology (which suggests that the interannual variability does not appear to simply be an exaggeration of whatever characteristics drive the mean state). The covarying patterns do show some clear relation to the geography again, and the covarying patterns seem to consistently reflect one of four standard patterns. We are currently refining this analysis to better define the covarying patterns and then determine their relationship to the physical configuration of the domain (this will be done by performing the analysis on atmospheric forcing products derived from the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). This analysis step will allow us to evaluate whether the interannual variability is clearly related to changes in atmospheric forcing over our study region (e.g., changes in winds, air temperature, etc.). Our previous analysis has already demonstrated a very strong relationship between variability in our study region and the state of the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) system. Microbiology and Carbon flux: This group observed several significant and recurrent features during the annual LTER summer cruises including: (1) substantial depletions in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the surface waters, especially in coastal areas near Palmer Station and in Marguerite Bay, that are indicative of extensive net primary production; these areas of low carbon dioxide concentration also have high concentrations of oxygen confirming that the carbon dioxide drawdown is a result of biological production of organic matter, (2) observations of a significant, but short lived (< 1 month) export pulse of particulate matter with a distinct and anomalous elemental stoichiometry relative to the expected Redfield Ratio or 106C:16N:1P, and (3) the presence of a significant population of planktonic archaea, especially in sub-euphotic zone waters. This latter discovery has become a major focus of our field work. We presently recognize three major domains of life on Earth: Bacteria, Eucarya and Archaea. Archaea were only discovered about 20 years ago and until 1992, when they were recognized in Antarctic coastal waters, they were not expected to occur in the sea. Using group-specific polynucleotide probes we are now able to enumerate two separate groups of planktonic archaea in the LTER study area. We now have data from both summer (Jan 2000/2001) and winter (Jun-July 1999 cruise) expeditions and have seen a winter emergence of archaea relative to planktonic bacteria. At the present time we do not know what ecological role the archaea serve or even whether they are autotrophic or heterotrophic. During the September 2001 winter cruise we will attempt to isolate one or more of the presumably diverse archaea and will begin a collaboration with Tamara Pease and Stuart Wakeham to investigate archaeal biomarkers (mostly lipids) in an attempt to assess growth rates. Phytoplankton: This component of the Palmer LTER is studying the spatial and temporal variability of primary production in the Western Antarctic Peninsula, the physicochemical parameters that control production and the community structure related to the variability observed. The main findings during the study period are: (1) As originally hypothesized, interannual variability in primary production correlates with ice extent during summer and, to a lesser extent, with the ice during the previous winter. (2) High ice years correlate with high nutrient years as well, with observed higher nutrient concentrations (silicic acid, nitrate+nitrite, and phosphate) throughout the water column. (3) Diatoms are involved in the highly productive periods, followed by cryptomonads and other small (< 5 microns in size) phytoflagellates. (4) Different from previously reported for Antarctic waters, not only netplankton (cells > 20 microns) but small nanoplankton also shows an onshore-offshore gradient with higher concentrations in the coast. Their growth and accumulation are favored by shallow mixed layers in inshore waters. (5) Different factors may be controlling phytoplankton community structure in the Northern and Southern part of the grid: krill grazing is prominent in the northern part and, due to selective grazing on diatoms, might be controlling their accumulation in the North. Conversely, diatoms are prominent in the southern part of the area where krill grazing is low. The rate primary production in this season was average, with an estimated annual production of 243.6 g C m-2 year-1 (integrated over 6 months) from a maximum of 354 g C m-2 year-1 measured in 1995-1996 and a minimum of 54.3 g C m-2 year-1 in 1998-1999. The grid also had an average daily production, with 625.3 mg C m-2 d-1 that compares to the 9-year mean of 650 mg C m-2 d-1. These results suggest the coastal Antarctic system is undergoing a second production cycle that started in 1999-2000. Remote Sensing Estimates of Pigment Biomass & Productivity: One of our goals is to estimate the spatial and temporal variability of primary production in the WAP region. The need to synoptically characterize physical and biological properties of this large, inhospitable and remote ocean over long time periods leads to the use of satellite data. We have used a multiplatform sampling approach (Smith et al., 1987; Smith et al., 2001) whereby surface shipboard observations are used to develop in-water bio-optical algorithms, and these algorithms are used with ocean color (SeaWiFS) satellite data to estimate pigment biomass (Dierssen and Smith, 2000). We then use a depth-integrated primary production model that was developed specifically for these waters to estimate primary production from the satellite derived chl-a data (Dierssen et al., 2000). These works have quantitatively demonstrated that phytoplankton in the Southern Ocean have a significantly different photoadaptive variable and model parameters than phytoplankton in temperate waters. Further, we find that the remotely sensed reflectance spectrum, as a function of chlorophyll concentrations, is significantly different from the SeaBAM data set collected from other regions of the world's oceans. Model studies (Dierssen & Smith, 2000) suggest that the shape of the Antarctic remote sensing reflectance spectra is consistent with waters that have very low backscattering. We hypothesize that low coefficients of backscattering are because concentrations of bacteria and viruses, the primary backscattering particulates, have been found to be an order of magnitude lower throughout the Southern Ocean when compared to most other oceanic regions (Karl et al., 1996). As described above, during this past year spectral backscattering, along with other IOP's, were measured in order to test this hypothesis. Collectively, this work provides a spatial and temporal assessment of pigment biomass for the WAP region and does so within the context of the entire Southern Ocean. Additionally, these SO algorithms will permit more accurate estimation of pigment biomass and resultant estimates of phytoplankton productivity by making use of ocean color satellite data. Prey: The main findings during this study period are: (1) Laboratory experiments show that the functional response of young Antarctic krill to variation in food availability is different when feeding in the water column or on surfaces. Feeding on surfaces shows a Type III functional response where there is a lag before ingestion increases whereas feeding in the water column lacks the lag This difference has implications for larval krill feeding on ice surfaces in their winter habitat. (2) The contrast of the salp and krill distributions showed a pattern unique to the LTER time series. In other years when salps have been found inshore on the 600.* line they were also present throughout the entire LTER study region; in 99Jan they were only found on the 600.* line. (3) Krill reproductive output was high this season, with numbers of embryos produced per female exceeding any other year in the time series. (4) The temporal pattern found in krill biomass near Palmer Station in previous seasons persists. Krill biomass increased from November to mid-January, then fell precipitously in early February to near zero values for several weeks before krill reappeared. Predators: The working hypothesis guiding the development of the sea bird component is that the spatial and temporal variance associated with sea ice development in the WAP region is a major determinant of ecosystem structure, affecting all food web components, including top- level predators such as Adelie Penguins. Findings to date are converging on the idea that long-term population trends of Adelie Penguins in the WAP reflect interactions between two scales of processes. Regional scale population trends are forced by a gradual decrease in the availability of winter sea ice, while local scale population trends are being forced by a gradual increase in spring snow accumulation. Both these processes can be linked directly to the effects of rapid climate warming, and both operate by producing a spatial and/or temporal mismatch between critical aspects of penguin life history and the availability of prey. Sea Ice: Sea ice observations have as a primary objective the understanding of the physical & climatic controls on interannual sea ice variability and the effects of this variability on the marine ecosystem. Passive microwave derived ice concentrations and sea-ice indexes continue to be updated and used to study the southern ocean and the WAP area. In addition, a collaborative NASA and NSF-funded effort to investigate the variability in sea-ice coverage and the ice-motion dynamics in the Palmer LTER region (Stammerjohn, Smith, Drinkwater & Liu, 1998; Stammerjohn et al, submitted) making use of high resolution SAR data was completed. These high resolution data show the large- scale sea-ice kinematics, while the derived sea-ice dynamics statistics illustrate the impacts of synoptic-scale storms on net covergence/divergence of sea ice cover. This work contrasted two dominant modes of atmospheric forcing in the WAP region that induce positive and negative sea-ice anomalies. Understanding the relative dominance of these two modes and their variability over time provides a mechanism for understand the documented long-term climate variability in this region. In addition, this work helps to understand the mechanisms linking synoptic to global scale variability observed in the region. Information Management: Two key elements comprised the information management results: (1) Group co-ordination and facilitation: Information management continued to support technology for centralized data storage and web delivery of content for public viewing of synthesis materials and data and for internal datasharing through project web pages. The development of at-sea capabilities was extended through availability of LTER procedure manuals and programs on CD for accessiblity in the field. (2) Network information management partnerships: The LTER information system was described in a multi-site manuscript (Baker, Benson, Henshaw, Blodgett, Porter and Stafford, Bioscience 2000) providing an overview of network information system considerations. LTER component modules were addressed through joint site work at LTER Information Manager Meetings including the August 2000 Information Manager Meeting in Snowbird, the 2001 Datatask Meeting in Phoenix, and the August All-Scientist Meeting in Snowbird. An NSF SUGR grant award built upon last year's LTER Network internship focus on redesign of a site description directory. This permits continuation of work Training and Development: B.3 Describe the opportunities for training and development provided by your project. The Palmer LTER program offers a variety of training and development opportunities. This year the sea bird component hosted three types of individuals in a variety of training and development programs. These included other researchers interested in collaborative studies, graduate students, and technicians interested in further development of their skills. Project generated data were used by other researchers to train their graduate students in the development of ecological concepts and models. The bio-optics group hosted one Teacher Experiencing Antarctica (TEA), an outreach to enhance K-12 teacher and science interaction and provided additional development opportunity for a Post Doc. Other PIs trained several undergraduates (REU's) and graduate students. The modeling project has led to many opportunities for training and development given that we are employing state-of-the-art analysis techniques, which require considerable technical understanding to employ the technique and in its interpretation. Most of the training has been internal to our program (e.g., training technicians within the group and students in the Pal LTER project). This training will also be extended to students at Columbia University, since Martinson is adding new chapters to his course (on Quantitative Methods of Data Analysis) that includes the new material (previously not taught, but often requested since so many of the climate based students are exposed to such analysis techniques when attending seminars, workshops and conferences). This academic year, training, support and field experience was provided by the prey group to a new graduate student in the interdisciplinary Marine Sciences Ph.D. program at UCSB. An REU student from 1999-2000 returned to the laboratory to extend her REU study into a Honor's degree in Biology. As part of her activities she prepared and presented a poster at the winter ASLO meeting. In addition three recent undergraduates from UCSB (June and December 2000) joined the research teams on the cruise and on station. Their participation in the field season with exposure to the operation of a multi-disciplinary projects provided them with valuable experience as they pursue their intended careers in marine science Outreach Activities: B.4 Describe outreach activities your project has undertaken. In conjunction with the LTER Network of sites, an NSF Schoolyard LTER supplemental grant was received to continue last year's focus on education outreach. A Teacher Experiencing Antarctica (TEA) internship was hosted first at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD (K.Baker) and then at the Institute for Computational Earth System Science, UCSB (R.Smith). TEA Bill Swanson participated in field work at Palmer Station with twin projects: atmospheric input to the Antarctic Ocean and video records from Palmer Station. Planning for integration of the Schoolyard LTER supplement efforts with the larger information management design began with All Scientist Meeting two Schoolyard Workshop meetings at which Palmer LTER IM presented. The Palmer LTER representative joined with scientist Richard Boone (BNZ) and educator Marianne Krasny (CAP) to apply successfully for funds to support a post Snowbird Schoolyard meeting in order to address an LTER science-education-information management partnership. Karen Baker was in charge of meeting logistics. The meeting was held at the San Diego SuperComputer Center in order to synergize with their NPACI outreach activities. A final report was prepared for presentation at the Spring LTER Coordinating Committee meeting. Another primary activity (Fraser) has been the Blue Ice Program, an international, web-based effort to bring Antarctic science to K-12 students and educators. The activity was divided into two components. (1) Data analysis, where the project provided data to K-12 classrooms to analyze and develop hypotheses and conclusions. The results were discussed via web interactions between students, teachers and project personnel. (2) Questions and Answers, where project personnel typically spent about one month each season fielding questions generated by students and educators studying Antarctic ecology. Outreach also included writing a newspaper article for the San Diego Union Tribune (Vernet) and question & answer interaction from the field with Santa Barbara Middle School (Smith). Journal Publications: Patterson, D.L., and S. Hunter, "Giant petrel Macronectes spp. band recovery analysis from the International Giant Petrel Banding Project 1988/98", Marine Ornithology, vol. 28, (2000), p. 69. Published Patterson, D.L., E.J. Woehler, J.P. Croxall, J. Cooper, S. Poncet, and W.R. Fraser, "Breeding distribution and population status of the Northern Giant Petrel Macronectes halli and the Southern Giant Petrel M. giganteus", Marine Ornithology, vol. 29, (2001), p. . Accepted Ross, R.M., L.B. Quetin, M. Vernet, K.S. Baker, and R.C. Smith, "Growth limitation in young Euphausia superba under field conditions", Limnology and Oceanography, vol. 45, (2000), p. 31. Published Fraser, W.R., J.C. Carlson, P.A. Duley, E.J. Holm, and D.L. Patterson, "Using kite-based aerial photography for conducting Adelie penguin censuses in Antarctica", Waterbirds, vol. 22, (1999), p. 435. Published Haberman, K.L., M. Vernet, R.M. Ross, L.B. Quetin, G.A. Nevitt, and W.A. Kozlowski, "Grazing by Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba Dana) on the prymnesiophyte Phaeocystis: an immunochemical approach", Marine Ecology - Progress Series, vol. , (2001), p. . Accepted Lascara, C. M., E. E. Hofmann, R. M. Ross, and L. B. Quetin, "Seasonal variability in the distribution of Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba, west of the Antarctic Peninsula", Deep-Sea Research, vol. 46, (1999), p. 951. Published Murray, A.E., K.Y. Wu, C.L. Moyer, D.M. Karl, and E.F. DeLong, "Evidence for circumpolar distribution of planktonic Archaea in the Southern Ocean", Aquatic Microbial Ecology, vol. 18, (1999), p. 263. Published Smith, R.C., K.S. Baker, M.L. Byers, and S.E. Stammerjohn, "Primary productivity of the Palmer Long Term Ecological Research Area and the southern Ocean ject", Journal of Marine Systems, vol. 17, (1998), p. 245. Published Carrillo,C.J., and D.M. Karl, "Dissolved inorganic carbon pool dynamics in northern Gerlache Strait, Antarctica", Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 104, (1999), p. 15873. Published Smith, R.C., E. Domack, S. Emslie, W. Fraser, D. Ainley, K.S. Baker, J. Kennett, A. Leventer, E. Mosley-Thompson, S.E. Stammerjohn, and M. Vernet, "Marine Ecosystems sensitivity to historical climate change: Antarctic Peninsula", BioScience, vol. 49, (1999), p. 393. Published Smith, R.C., "Book Review: exploring sea ice in Antarctica", BioScience, vol. 49, (1999), p. 577. Published Vernet, M., E.A. Sar, J.P. Szyper, M.E. Ferrario, and D.M. Karl, "Species-specific phytoplankton sedimentation rates in Antarctic coastal waters", Marine Ecology - Progress Series, vol. , (2001), p. . Accepted Baker, K.S., B. Benson, D.L. Henshaw, D. Blodgett, J. Porter, and S.G. Stafford, "Evolution of a Multi-Site Network Information System: the LTER Information Management Paradigm", BioScience, vol. 50, (2000), p. 963. Published Dierssen, H., M. Vernet, and R. C. Smith, "Bio-Optical properties and remote sensing ocean color algorithms for Antarctic Peninsula Waters", Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 105, (2000), p. 26301. Published Dierssen, H.M., and R.C. Smith, "Optimizing models for remotely estimating primary production in Antarctic coastal waters", Antarctic Science, vol. 12, (2000), p. 20. Published Hofmann, E. E., and C. M. Lascara, "Modeling the growth dynamics of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba", Marine Ecology - Progress Series, vol. 194, (2000), p. 219. Published Moline, M. A., and B. B. Prezelin, "Optical fractionation of chlorophyll and primary production for coastal waters of the Southern Ocean", Polar Biology, vol. 23, (2000), p. 129. Published Ross,R.M., L.B. Quetin, and K.L. Haberman, "Interannual and seasonal variability in short-term grazing impact of Euphausia superba in nearshore and offshore waters west of the Antarctic Peninsula", Journal of Marine Systems, vol. 17, (1998), p. 261. Published Prezelin, B.B., E.E. Hofmann, C. Mengelt, and J.M. Klinck, "The linkage between upper circumpolar deep water (UCDW) and phytoplankton assemblages on the west Antarctic Peninsula Continental Shelf", Journal of Marine Research, vol. 58, (2000), p. 165. Published Smith, R.C., K.S. Baker and M. Vernet, "Seasonal and interannual variability of phytoplankton biomass west of the Antarctic Peninsula", Journal of Marine Systems, vol. 17, (1998), p. 229. Published Christian, J.R. and D.M. Karl, "Ectoaminopeptidase specificity and regulation in Antarctic marine pelagic microbial communities", Aquatic Microbial Ecology, vol. 15, (1998), p. 303. Published Emslie,S.D., W. Fraser, R.C. Smith, and W. Walker, "Abandoned penguin colonies and environmental change in the Palmer Station area, Anvers Island, Antarctic Peninsula", Antarctic Science, vol. 10, (1998), p. 257. Published Ferrario, M.E., E.A. Sar and M. Vernet, "Chaetoceros resting spores in the Gerlache Strait, Antarctica Peninsula", Polar Biology, vol. 19, (1998), p. 286. Published Frazer, T.K., L.B. Quetin and R.M. Ross, "Abundance, sizes and developmental stages of larval krill, Euphausia superba, during winter in ice-covered seas west of the Antarctic Peninsula", Journal of Plankton Research, vol. , (1998), p. . Accepted Smith, R.C., K.S. Baker and S.E. Stammerjohn, "Exploring sea ice indexes for polar ecosystems studies", BioScience, vol. 48, (1998), p. 83. Published Smith, R.C., E. Domack, S. Emslie, W. Fraser, D. Ainley, K.S. Baker, J. Kennett, A. Leventer, E. Mosley-thompson, S.E. Stammerjohn and M. Vernet, "Marine Ecosystems snesitivity to historical climate change: Antarctic Peninsula", BioScience, vol. 49, (1999), p. 393. Published Bell, R.E. and D.M. Karl, "Evolutionary processes a focus of decade-long ecosystem study of Antarctic's Lake Vostok", EOS, vol. 80, (1999), p. 579. Published Karl, D.M., D.F. Bird, K. Bjorkman, T. Houlihan, R. Shackelford and L.M. Tupas, "Microorganisms in the accreted ice of Lake Vostok, Antarctica", Science, vol. 286, (1999), p. 2144. Published Karl, D.M. L.B. Quetin, and K.S. Baker, "Palmer LTER: Annual January Cruise for 1998 (LMGR98-8; LMG98-1)", Antarctic Journal of the United States, vol. , (1998), p. . Submitted Stammerjohn, S.E., R.C. Smith and K.S. Baker, "Palmer LTER: 1997 Seasonal Sea Ice Variability in Context", Antarctic Journal of the United States, vol. , (1998), p. . Submitted Quetin, L.B., and r.M. Ross, "Environmental variability and its impact on the reproductive cycle of Antarctic Krill", American Zoologist, vol. 41, (2001), p. 74. Published Salihoglu,B., W.R. Fraser, and E.E. Hofmann, "Factors affecting fledging weight of Adelie penguin (Phygoscelis adeliae) chicks: a modeling study", Polar Biology, vol. 24, (2001), p. 328. Published Smith, R.C., and S.E. Stammerjohn, "Variations of surface air temperature and sea ice extent in the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) region", Annals of Glaciology, vol. 33, (2001), p. . Accepted Smith, R.C., K.S. Baker, H.M. Dierssen, S.E. Stammerjohn and M. Vernet, "Variability of primary production in an Antarctic marine ecosystem as estimated using a multi-scale sampling strategy", American Zoologist, vol. 41, (2001), p. 40. Published Baker, K.S., W.A. Kozlowski, M. Vernet, J.L. Jones, L.B. Quetin, R.M. Ross, R.C. Smith and W.R. Fraser, "LTER: Annual Season Sampling at Palmer Station November 1997-March 1998", Antarctic Journal of the United States, vol. , (1998), p. . Submitted Baker, K.S., "Palmer LTER: 1997 Seasonal Air Temperature in Context", Antarctic Journal of the United States, vol. , (1998), p. . Submitted Klinck, J.M., "Heat and salt changes on the continental shelf west of the Antarctic Peninsula between January 93 and January 94", Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 103, (1998), p. 7617. Published Frazer, Thomas K., Lagdon B. Quetin and Robin M. Ross, "Energetic demands of larval krill, Euphausia superba, in winter", J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol., vol. , (2000), p. . Accepted Moline, M.A., O. Schofield, and N.P. Boucher, "Photosynthetic parameters and empirical modeling of primary production: a case study on the Antarctic Peninsula shelf", Antarctic Science, vol. 10, (1998), p. 45. Published Smith, D.A., E.E. Hofmann, C.M. Lascara and J.M. Klinck, "Hydrography and circulation of the west Antarctic Peninsula continental shelf", Deep Sea Research, vol. 46, (1999), p. 925. Published Dierssen, H.M., R.C. Smith and M. Vernet, "Glacial meltwater dynamics in coastal waters west of the Antarctic Peninsula", Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, vol. , (2001), p. . Submitted Stammerjohn, S.E., M.R. Drinkwater, R.C. Smith and X. Liu, "Sea-ice variability and drift dynamics in response to synoptic forcing in the western Antarctic Peninsula region", Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. , (2001), p. . Submitted Fraser, W.R. and E.E. Hofmann, "Krill-sea ice interactions, part I: a predator's perspective on causal links between climate change, physical forcing and ecosystem response", Marine Ecology - Progress Series, vol. , (2001), p. . Submitted Hofmann, E.E. and W.R. Fraser, "Krill-sea ice interactions, part II: a coupled ecological-environmental model", Marine Ecology - Progress Series, vol. , (2001), p. . Submitted Garibotti, M., I. Ferrario, R.C. Smith, R.M. Ross, L.B. Quetin and M. Vernet, "Marine phytoplankton community structure and spatial distribution West of the Antarctic Peninsula, January 1997", Polar Biology, vol. , (2001), p. . Submitted Christian, J.R. and D.M. Karl, "Ectoaminopeptidase specificity and regulation in Antarctic marine pelagic microbial communities", Aquatic Microbial Ecology, vol. 15, (1998), p. 303. Published Ferrario, M.E., I. Garibotti, and M. Vernet, "Palmer LTER: Microscopic analysis of ice assemblages in new-year sea ice in the Western Antarctic Peninsula, June-July 1999", Antarctic Journal of the United States, vol. , (1999), p. . Submitted Ross, Robin, "Review of Euphausiids of the World Ocean (CD-ROM) by E. Brinton, M.D. Ohman, A.W. Townsend, M.D. Knight & A.L. Bridgeman", Aslo Bulletin, vol. 9, (2001), p. 1. Published Moline, M.A., "Photoadaptive response during the development of a coastal Antarctic diatom bloom and relationship to water column stability", Limnology and Oceanography, vol. 43, (1998), p. 146. Published Dierssen, H.M. and R.C. Smith, "Case 2 Antarctic coastal waters: the bio-optical properties of surface meltwater (CD-ROM)", Proceedings Ocean Optics XV, 16-20 October, Musee Oceanographique, Monaco, vol. , (2000), p. 1. Published Bell, RE and DM Karl, "Evolutionary processes a focus of decade-long ecosystem study of Antarctic's Lake Vostok", EOS, vol. 80, (1999), p. 579. Published Hofmann, EE and J Priddle, "Interannual variability in the Southern Ocean: summary Report of a workshop, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 2-7 August 1999", Polar Record, vol. 36, (2000), p. 275. Published Karl, DM, DF Bird, K bJorkman, et al, "Microorganisms in the accreted ice of Lake Vostok, Antarctica", Science, vol. 286, (1999), p. 2144. Published Yuan, XJ and DG Martinson, "Antarctic sea ice extent variability and its global connectivity", Journal of Climate, vol. 13, (2000), p. 1697. Published John J Walsh, Dwight A Dieterle, Jason Lenes, "A numerical analysis of carbon dynamics of the Southern Ocean phytoplankton community: the roles of light and grazing in effecting both sequestration of atmospheeric CO2 and food availability to krill", Deep-Sea Research I, vol. 48, (2001), p. 1. Published Book(s) of other one-time publications(s): Baker, K.S., "Palmer LTER information management" , bibl. Proceedings of workshop, held at University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 8-9 August, '97), pp. 105-110, (1998). Proceedings Published of Collection: Michener, W., J. Porter, and S. Stafford, "The ecological sciences: a resource guide" Baker, K.S., "Technological underpinnings: software" , bibl. Proceedings of workshop, held at University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 8-9 August '97),pp. 25-31, (1998). Proceedings Published of Collection: Michener, W., J. Porter, and S.Stafford, "Data and information management in the ecological sciences: a resource guide" Henshaw, D.L., M. Stubbs, B.J. Benson, K.S. Baker, D. Blodgett, and J.H. Porter, "Climate database project: a strategy for improving information access across research sites" , bibl. Proceedings of workshop, held at University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 8-9 August, '97), pp. 123-127, (1998). Proceedings Published of Collection: Michener, W., J. Porter, and S. Stafford, "Data and information management in the ecological sciences: a resource guide" Karl, D.M., and F.C. Dobbs, "Molecular approaches to microbial biomass estimation in the sea" , bibl. pp. 29-89, Chapman and Hall, London, (1998). Book Published of Collection: Cooksey, K.E., "Molecular Approaches to the Study of the Ocean" Haberman, K., "Grazing by the Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba: Effects of phytoplankton type & food quality on ingestion, assimilation and growth of krill" , bibl. University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, (1998). Thesis Published of Collection: , "PhD Thesis" Fraser, W.R., "Palmer LTER: Evidence supporting a landscape effect on the long-term population trends of adelie penguins" , bibl. Sponsored by the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR), et al., New Zealand, 31 August-4 September 1998, (1998). Abstracts Published of Collection: , "SCAR Seventh International Biology Symposium" Haberman, K.L., R.M. Ross, and L.B. Quetin, "Selective grazing by the Antarctic krill, euphausia superba, in mixed phytoplankton assemblages" , bibl. AGU/ASLO 1998 Ocean Sciences Meeting, 9-13 February, San Diego, CA. , (1998). Abstract Published of Collection: , "EOS, Transactions, 79(1), S23" Hofmann, E.E., and J.M. Klinck, "Hydrographic variability of the waters overlying the West Antarctic Peninsula Continental Shelf" , bibl. AGU/ASLO 1998 Ocean Sciences Meeting, 9-13 February, San Diego, CA. , (1998). Abstracts Published Moline, M.A., H. Claustre, T. K. Frazer, J. Grzymski, K.L. Haberman, and O. Schofield, "Changes in phytoplankton assemblages in response to glacial melting along the Antarctic Peninsula: Alteration in the food web due to regional warming?" , bibl. AGU/ASLO 1998 Ocean Sciences Meeting, 9-13 February, San Diego, CA. , (1998). Abstract Published Quetin, L.B., R.C. Smith, K. Patterson, R.M. Ross, C. Wyatt-Evens, and H. Coe, "Palmer LTER: effects of ultraviolet radiation on the behavior of krill larvae (euphausia superba)" , bibl. Sponsored by the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR), et al., New Zealand, 31 August-4 September 1998, (1998). Abstract Published of Collection: , "SCAR VII International Biology Symposium, p. xx" Ross, R.M., L.B. Quetin, K.S. Baker, R.C. Smith, and M. Vernet, "Palmer LTER: interannual variability in growth rates of young Antarctic krill in relation to their food environment" , bibl. Sponsored by the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR), et al., New Zealand, 31 August-4 September 1998, (1998). Abstract Published of Collection: , "SCAR VII International Biology Symposium, p. xx," Smith, R.C., "The Palmer LTER: 1991-1998" , bibl. Christchurch, New Zealand, 31 August-4 September, moderated by Diana Wall,US , (1998). Abstract Published of Collection: , "Workshop on Long Term Ecological Research (SCAR), at the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR), et al., " Smith, R.C., S. Stammerjohn, and K.S. Baker, "Palmer LTER:climate variability in the Western Antarctic peninsula region" , bibl. Christchurch, New Zealand, 31 August-4 September, (1998). Abstract Published of Collection: , "Presented at the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR), et al." Smith, R.C., S.E. Stammerjohn, M.R. Drinkwater, and X. Liu, "Variability in sea-ice conditions and kinematics in the Palmer LTER study region west of the Antarctic Peninsula" , bibl. Held at Ventura, Harbortown Resort, 7-12 March. , (1999). Abstract Published of Collection: , "Gordon Conference on Polar Marine Science " Vernet, M., H. Dierssen, W. Kozlowski, K.S. Baker, and R.C. Smith, "Palmer LTER: Primary production West of the Antarctic Peninsula for 1992-1997 growth seasons" , bibl. Sponsored by the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR), et al., New Zealand, 31 August-4 September 1998. , (1998). Abstract Published of Collection: , "SCAR VII International Biology Symposium, p. xx," Moline, M.A., H. Claustre, T. K. Frazer, J. Grzymski, O. Schofield, and M. Vernet, "Changes in phytoplankton assemblages along the Antarctic Peninsula and potential implications for the Antarctic food web" , bibl. Proceedings of the VII Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR) Symposium., (2000). Book Chapter Submitted of Collection: Davidson, B., "Antarctic Ecosystems: Models for wider ecological understanding" Dierssen,H, R.C. Smith, and K.S. Baker, "Bio-optical properties of Antarctic coastal waters" , bibl. 9-13 November, Kona, Hawaii, (1998). Proceedings Published of Collection: Steve Ackley & Joan Cleveland, "SPIE14 - The International Society for Optical Engineering" Fraser, W.R., "The Sea is Warming, the Ice is Melting: Impacts on Seabirds. Is Climate Changing where the wild things are?" , bibl. 7-8 October, Washington, D.C., (1998). Talk Published of Collection: , "EPA Workshop" Emslie, S.D., W.R. Fraser, R.C. Smith, and W. Walker, "Paleoecology and conservation biology: abandoned penquin colonies and climate change" , bibl. Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia, 13-16 July 1998, (1998). Abstract Published of Collection: , "Society for Conservation Biology symposium" Fraser, W.R., "Evidence supporting a landscape effect on Adelie penguin demography" , bibl. Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia, 13-16July, 1998, (1998). Abstract Published of Collection: , "Society for Conservation Biology Symposium" Baker, K.S., "Web design elements survey" , bibl. Baltimore, Maryland, 30 July-1 August, , (1998). Report Published of Collection: Stafford, S., and D. Henshaw, "LTER Data Management report, LTER Information Managers 1998 Annual Meeting Report" Fraser, W.R., D.L. Patterson, P. Duley, and M. Irinaga, "Seabird research undertaken as Part of the NMFS/AMLR ecosystem monitoring program at Palmer Station, '97/98" , bibl. Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Antarctic Ecosystem Research Group, La Jolla, CA, (1998). Report Published of Collection: Martin, J., "Administrative Report LJ-98-07, United States AMLR Antarctic Marine Living Resources Program, AMLR 1997/98 Field Season Report: objectives, accomplishments and tentative conclusions, p. 159-161" NONE, "LTER Data Management, LTER Information Managers 1998 Annual Meeting Report" , bibl. Meeting held at Baltimore, Maryland, 30 July - 1 August, (1998). Report Published of Collection: Stafford, S., and D. Henshaw, , "" Dawson, B., "Teachers research experience in Antarctica" , bibl. 46th National Science Teachers Association Convention, Las Vegas,16-19 April, (1998). Abstract Published of Collection: , "National Science Teachers Association Conference (NSTA)" Dawson, B., "Cool, cool Antarctica" , bibl. 47th National Science Teachers Association Convention, Boston, 25-28 March, (1999). Abstract Published of Collection: , "National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)" Hofmann, E.E., and J.M. Klinck, "Thermohaline variability of the waters overlying the West Antarctic Peninsula Continental Shelf" , bibl. AGU Antarctic Research Series, pp. 67-81, (1998). Series Published of Collection: Jacobs, S.S., and R.F. Weiss, "Ocean, Ice, and Atmosphere: Interactions" Stammerjohn, S.E., R.C. Smith, M.R. Drinkwater, and X. Liu, "Variability in sea-ice coverage and ice-motion dynamics in the PAL LTER study region west of the Antarctic Peninsula" , bibl. 6-10 July, Seattle, Washington, (1998). Symposium Published of Collection: , "IEEE, International Geoscience & Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS'98) Digest, pp. 1434-1436" Vernet, Maria, "Effects of UV radiation on the physiology and ecology of marine phytoplankton" , bibl. Cambridge Environmental Chemistry Series, Cambridge, University Press(Chapter 9, 237-278 pgs.), (2000). Book Chapter Published of Collection: S. de Mora, S. Demers, and M. Vernet, "The effects of UV radiation in the marine environment" none, "The effects of UV radiation in the marine environment" , bibl. 324 pages, (2000). Book Published of Collection: de Mora, S, S. Demers and M. Vernet, "Cambridge Environmental Chemistry Series, Cambridge University Press, United Kingdom" Patterson, K.W., "Contribution of chromophoric dissolved organic matter to attenuation of ultraviolet radiation in three contrasting coastal area" , bibl. none, (2000). Thesis Published of Collection: none, "Dissertation, UCSB, CA" Prepared by Antarctic Support Associates and Palmer LTER, July, "CTD Operations Manual - Nathaniel B. Palmer" , bibl. none, (1999). Manual Published of Collection: none, "none" none, "LTER DATABITS" , bibl. Spring, (1999). Newsletter Published of Collection: Baker, K.S., and J. Brunt, "Information Management Newsletter of Long-term Ecological Research" none, "LTER DATABITS" , bibl. Fall, (1999). Newsletter Published of Collection: Baker, KS and D Steigerwald, "Information Management Newsletter of Long-term Ecological Research" Baker, K.S., "LTER Information Managers 1999 Annual Meeting Report" , bibl. Long-Term Ecological Research Network Office, (1999). Report Published of Collection: D. Henshaw, "LTER Data Management Report" Baker, K.S., D. Rawls, S. Bell, B. Dawson, M.A. Wallace, and W. Winn, "Proceedings of Palmer LTER Education Outreach Forum, held at NCEAS, Santa Barbara, CA, 25-28 July" , bibl. none, (1999). Report Published of Collection: none, "SIO Report No. 99-14, University of California, San Diego, SIO, La Joola, CA" Fraser, W.R., D.L. Patterson, P. Duley, and M. Irinaga, "Seabird research undertaken as part of the NMFS/AMLR ecosystem monitoring program at Palmer Station, '98/99" , bibl. 155-158 pages, (1999). Report Published of Collection: J. Martin, "Administrative Report LJ-99-10, US AMLR Antarctic Marine Living Resources Program, AMLR 1998/99 Field Season Report: objectives, accomplishments and tentaive conclusions" Quetin, L.B., "Chillin' with Krill" , bibl. P 4-5, (1999). Magazine Published of Collection: P.H. Taylor, "Coastal Discovery" Robin,R.M., and L.B. Quetin, "Reproduction in Euphausiacea" , bibl. Blackwell Science, Oxford, 150-181, (2000). Book Chapter Published of Collection: I. Everson, "Krill Biology, Ecology and Fisheries" Vernet, M and W.A. Kozlowski, "Ultraviolet radiation and the Antarctic coastal marine ecosystem" , bibl. Springer -Verlag, New York, (2001). Book Chapter Accepted of Collection: C.S. Cockwell, A.R. Blaustein, "Ecosystems and ultraviolet radiation" Karl,D.M. and J.E. Dore, "Microbial ecology at sea: sampling, subsampling and incubation considerations" , bibl. None, (2000). Book Chapter Published of Collection: J.H. Paul, "Methods in Marine Microbiology" Dierssen, H., "Ocean color remote sensing of chlorophyll and primary production west of the Antarctic Peninsula" , bibl. none, (2000). Thesis Published of Collection: none, "PhD Thesis, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA" Donna L. Patterson, "The effects of human activity and environmental variability on long-term changes in Adelie penguin populations at Palmer Station, Antarctica on Torgersen Island, Antarctic Peninsula" , bibl. Master of Science Thesis, (2000). Thesis Published of Collection: , "Montana State Univesity, Bozman, MN" Boone, R., K.S. Baker, M. Elser and P. Sprott, "Network-level coordination to assist schoolyard LTER" , bibl. LTER Network Office, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, (2001). Newsletter Published of Collection: P. Sprott, editor, "The LTER Network News, pg 7." Baker, K.S., "Field trip to Zones Ateliers - France" , bibl. LTER Network Office, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, (2001). Newsletter Published of Collection: P. Sprott, "The LTER Network News, p. 8" Fraser, W.R., D.L. Patterson, P. Duley, and M. Irinaga, "Seabird research undertaken as part of the NMFS/AMLR ecosystem monitoring program at Palmer Station, 1998/99, pg 155-158" , bibl. Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Antarctic Ecosystem Research Group, La Jolla, CA, (1999). Report Published of Collection: J. Martin, "Administrative Report LJ-99-10, United States AMLR Anatarctic Marine Living Resources Program, AMLR 1998/99 Field Season Report: objectives, accomplishments and tentative conclusions" Root, T., et.al., "Intergovernmental Panel on Coimate Change: Third Assessment Report, Working Group II (Chapter 5)" , bibl. none, (2001). Book Chapter Accepted of Collection: none, "Ecosystems and their services" Hamm, D., "Antarctic Journey" , bibl. UCSD, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA. 28-31 pgs., (2000). Magazine Published of Collection: , "Explorations: Global discoveries for tomorrow's world" Baker, K.S., "LTER Software Survey, 1999" , bibl. Presented at LTER Information Managers 1999 Annual Meeting, Spokane, Washington, 5-7 August., (1999). Presentation Published Baker, K.S., "LTER Data bits Newsletter Redesign and Publication" , bibl. Presented at LTER Information Managers 1999 Annual Meeting, Spokane, Washington, 5-7 August, (1999). Presentation Published Baker, K.S., "LTER Education Outreach Update, 1999" , bibl. Presentated at LTER Information Managers 1999 Annual Meeting, Spokane, Washington, 5-7 August., (1999). Presentation Published Baker, K.S., "SiteDB Development Update, 1999" , bibl. Presented at LTER Information Managers 1999 Annual Meeting, Spokane, Washington, 5-7 August., (1999). Presentation Published Baker, K.S., "LTER Site IM Network Office Exchanges, 1999" , bibl. Presented at LTER Information Managers 1999 Annual Meeting, Spokane, Wahsington, 5-7 August., (1999). Presentation Published Baker, K.S., B. Benson, J.W. Brunt, N. Gardiner, D.L. Henshaw, et al., "LTER Information Management: Paradigm Shift or Paradigm Stretch?" , bibl. Poster Presentation LTER All Scientists Meeting 2000, 2-4 August, Snowbird Utah, (2000). Poster Presentation Published Baker, K.S., B. Benson, J.W. Brunt, N. Gardiner, D.L. Henshaw, et al., "LTER Information Management: Paradigm Shift or Paradigm Stretch?" , bibl. Poster Presentation LTER All Scientists Meeting 2000, 2-4 August, Snowbird Utah, (2000). Poster Presentation Published Baker, K.S., D.S. Rawls, W.S. Swanson and M.A. Wallace, "Palmer LTER: Education Outreach and Sustained Partnerships" , bibl. LTER All Scientists Meeting, 2-4 August, Snowbird, Utah, (2000). Poster Presentation Published Carrillo, C.J., and d.M. Karl, "palmer LTER: Temporal and Spatial Variability of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon, Oxygen Saturation and Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide in Surface Waters West of the Antarctic Peninsula" , bibl. LTER All Scientists Meeting, 2-4 August, Snowbird, Utah, (2000). Poster Presentation Published Baker, K.S., P. Sprott, R. Boone, M. Elser, et al., "Long Term Ecological Research Schoolyard Education Partnership" , bibl. All-Hands Meeting, 25-28 Feb., San Diego, CA, (2001). Presented Poster Published of Collection: , "SDSC and NPACI" Churhc, M., C.J. Carrillo, K. Bjorkman, S. Kerr, J. Christina, M. Karner, L. Tupas, DF Bird, EF Delong, et al, "Palmer LTER: Microbial processes in an ice-dominated marine ecosystem" , bibl. LTER All Scientists Meeting, 2-4August, Snowbird, Utah, (2000). Poster Presentation Published of Collection: , "EOS" Dierssen, H.M., R.C. Smith and M. Vernet, "Long term observations of meltwater and biomass in Antarctic coastal waters" , bibl. ASLO Aquatic Sciences, 12-16 Feb., Albuquerque, NM, (2001). Presentation Published Ferrario, M.E., M. Vernet and I.A. Garibotti, "Analisis de la comunidad microalgal en hielo de la costa oeste de la Peninsula Antarctica" , bibl. Session VIII Congreso Latinoamericano sobre Ciencias del Mar (Colacmar), 17-21 October, (1999). Book Published Frazer, T.K., L.B. Quetin, and R.M. Ross, "Oxygen consumption rates of larval Antarctic kirll in winter and seasonal variability" , bibl. ASLO Aquatic Sciences, 12-16 Feb., Albuquerque, NM, (2001). Presentation Published karl, D.M., C.J. Carrillo, T. Houlihan, R.C. Smith and S.E. Stammerjohn, "Palmer LTER: The Southern Ocean carbon pump" , bibl. LTER All Scientists Meeting, 2-4 August, Snowbird, Utah, (2000). Poster Presentation Published Krasny, M. and K.S. Baker, "Learning from LTER Data in K-12 classrooms" , bibl. Co-organizers of a session in the Educational Programs/Populations workshop, LTER All Scientists Meeting, 2-4 August, Snowbird, Utah, (2000). Session Co-Organizers Published Oaks, S., L.B. Quetin, and R.M. Ross, "Growth of larval euphausia superba in the pack ice habitat: interannual and seasonal variability" , bibl. LTER All Scientists Meeting, 2-4 Aug., Snowbird, Utah., (2000). Poster Presentation Published Poehls, d.K., R.M. Ross and L.B. Quetin, "Palmer LTER: interannual comparison of lipid reserves for reproduction in the Antarctic krill, Euphausia Superba" , bibl. ASLO Aquatic Sciences, 12-16 Feb., Albuquerque, NM, (2001). Presentation Published Quetin, L.B. et al., "Palmer LTER: environmental variability and the reproductive cycle of Antarctic Krill" , bibl. LTER All Scientists Meeting, 2-4 Aug., Snowbird, Utah, (2000). Book Presentation Quetin, L.B., R.M. Ross, T.K. Frazer, M.O. Amsler, C. Wyatt-Evans, and S.A. Oakes, "Growth of larval Antarctic krill in the pack ice habitat: interannual and seasonal variability" , bibl. ASLO Aquatic Sciences, 12-16 Feb., Albuquerque, NM, (2001). Presentation Published Schneider, J., L.B. Quetin, R.M. Ross and K. Daly, "The swarm characteristics and regional distribution of krill in the eastern Ross Sea" , bibl. LTER All Scientists Meeting, 2-4 Aug., Snowbird, Utah, (2000). Poster Presentation Published Schneider, J., L.B. Quetin and R.M. Ross, "The use of aggregation characteristics to identify dominant Antarctic euphausiids" , bibl. ASLO Aquatic Sciences, 12-16 Feb., Albuquerque, NM, (2001). Book Published Smith, R.C. and D. Greenland, "Climage variability and ecosystem response (CVER) and quasi-quintennial scale (including ENSO)." , bibl. LTER All Scientists Meeting, 2-4 Aug., Snowbird, Utah, (2000). Presentation and co-chairs of workshop Published smith, R.C. and S.E. Stammerjohn, "Variations of surface air temperature and sea ice extent in the western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) region." , bibl. International Symposium on Sea Ice and Its Interactions with the Ocean, Atmosphere and Biosphere, Univ. of Alsaska, Fairbanks, 19-23 June., (2000). Poster Presentaion Published Smith, R.C., K.S. Baker, W.R. Fraser, D.M. Karl, R.M. Ross, L.B. Quetin and M. Vernet, "Palmer LTER: Potential ecological impacts from variations in polar climate" , bibl. LTER All Scientists Meeting, 2-4 Aug., Snowbird, Utah., (2000). Poster Presentation Published Stammerjohn, S., J. Ukita, R.C. Smith, and M. Colee, "Early winter snow and sea ice thickness in the western Antarctic Peninsula region" , bibl. International Symposium on Sea Ice and Its Interactions with the Ocean, Atmosphere and Biosphere, Univ. of Alaska, 19-23 June., (2000). Poster Presentation Published Ukita, J., SE Stammerjohn, TA Newberger, RC Smith and HR Krouse, "Early winter sea ice development in the western Antarctic Peninsula region" , bibl. International Symposium on Sea Ice and its Interatctions with the Ocean, Atmosphere and Biosphere, Univ. Alaska, 19-23 June., (2000). Poster Session Published Ukita, J., S.E. Stammerjohn and R.C. Smith, "Influence on sea ice conditions in the Western Antarctic Peninsula region" , bibl. 8th Scientific Assembly of International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences (IAMSA), Innsbruck Austria, 10-18 July., (2001). Presentation Published Vernet, M., W.A. Kozlowski, and K. Sines, "Palmer LTER: Variability in primary production in the Western Antarctic Peninsula" , bibl. LTER All Scientists Meeting, 2-4 Aug., Snowbird, Utah., (2000). Poster Presentation Published Petit, C.W., "Polar Meltdown" , bibl. none, (2000). News Article Published of Collection: none, "U.S. News & World Report, 128(8), 64-74." Culver, R., "Cold Temps, hot opportunities" , bibl. Salisbury State University Magazine, page 42., (1999). Magazine Published Dawson, B, "Off the ice and into the classroom: activity - classy penguins" , bibl. NSTA, 48th National Science Teachers Association Convention, Orlando, Fl., 6-9 April., (2000). Presentation/Outreach Published Dawson, B., "Classroom Antarctica, white fur, warm body: adaptations of polar bears to extreme temperatures" , bibl. NSTA, 48th National Science Teachers Association Convention, Orlando, FL., 6-9 April., (2000). Presentation/Outreach Published Dawson, B., "Arctic workshop, explorers of the polar regions" , bibl. NSTA, 48th National Science Teachers Association Convention, Orlando, FL, 6-9 April., (2000). Presentation/Outreach Published None, "Educational Workshop" , bibl. Sponsored by Palmer LTER Education Outreach, San Diego, CA., 13-17 March, (1999). Outreach workshop Published None, "Educational Forum" , bibl. Sponsored by Palmer LTER Education Outreach, NCEAS, Santa Barbara, 25-28 July., (1999). Outreach Workshop Published Ross, R.M., "Closing in on the krill" , bibl. The Toronto Star, (1999). News Article Published of Collection: P. Calamai, "" Price JT, TL Root, KR Hall, G Masters, L Curran, W Fraser, M Hutchins and N Myers, "Supplemental information for working group II, third assessment report, section 5.4 - Wildlife in Ecosystems" , bibl. Intergovernmental panel on Climate Change, WMO/UNEP, 79 pages., (2001). Report Published Dawson, B, "On the ice and into the classroom" , bibl. NSTA, 47th National Science Teachers Association Convention, Boston, 25-28 March, (1999). Presentation/Outreach Published Carrillo, C.J. D.M. Karl, "Seasonal and interannual variability of oxygen and carbon dioxide saturation in surface waters west of the Antarctic Peninsula" , bibl. Ocean Sciences Meeting, 24-28 January, San Antonio, Texas., (2000). Abstract Published of Collection: , "EOS, 80(49)" Dierssen, H.M., and R.C. Smith, "Case 2 Antarctic coastal waters: The bio-optical properties of surface meltwater" , bibl. Ocean Optics XV, 16-20 Oct., Musee Oceanographique, Monaco., (2000). Abstract Published Prezelin, BB, EE Hofmann, JM Klinck and C Mengelt, "The linkage between upper circumpolar deep water and phytoplankton assemblages on the West Antarctic Peninsula Continental Shelf" , bibl. Ocean Sciences Meeting, 24-28 Jan., San Antonio, TX., (2000). Abstract Published of Collection: , "EOS, 80(49)" Smith, RC, KS Baker, HM Dierssen, SE Stammerjohn, and M. Vernet, "Bio-optical modeling of primary production from seawifs ocean color data for the Western Antarctic Peninsula region" , bibl. Ocean Optics XV, 16-20 Oct., Musee Oceanographique, Monaco., (2000). Abstract Published none, "SCAR Workshop on Seabird population trends, Bozeman, Montana, 17-21 May." , bibl. Sponsored by NSF, SCAR and CCAMLR, (1999). Workshop Workshop of Collection: Woehler, E., "" Other Specific Products: Special Report Foreign Names Committee, Foreign Names Committee Report: The Foreign Names Committee held its 317th meeting on July 28th, adopting the term 'Southern Ocean' as a standard name for the body of water surrounding the continent of Antarctica. Proposal to consider adoption of this name for official use was received from Dr. David M. Karl, Professor of Oceanography at the University of Hawaii, 1999 Southern Ocean will be the standard name used in publications, for the body of water surrounding the continent of Antarctica. Proposal to consider adoption of this name for official use was r CD-ROM Smith, R.C., S.E. Stammerjohn, and K.S. Baker, PalmerLTER: Seasonal Process Sea Ice Cruise June-July 1999 (NBP99-06), SIO Report No. 00-02 (CDROM with photographs), University of California, San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, California, 2000. As an educational tool for showing experiences at sea on a research vessel; showing them the use of instruments and operations. Trunk Baker, K.S., Palmer LTER Education Outreach Trunk Collection of books, videos, maps, posters, manuscripts and artifacts relevant to polar research. Audio or video products Ross, R.M., 00:00:06 seconds of footage of krill swiming under ice, 1999. Supplied Cronkite Ward, Wahsington, D.C with this footage. Journal Sonier,D, Journal of the LTER Ice Cruise on the R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer; from 17 June 1999 to 17 July 1999. Sharing real-time with her experiences with her students back in the classroom via the www. Audio or video products Wallace, M.A., and B. Swanson, Video recordeing: Teachers Experiencing Antarctica (TEA) program - Palmer Station Partnership, Montwood High School, El Paso, Teaxas, 1999. Video of pictures from a workshop held at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla and NCEAS, Santa Barbara, July to share with students of their classrooms. Broshure - Palmer LTER This is a Broshure designed by Karen S. Baker, Data Manager, and printed by the LTER Network Office. The broshure depicts the Palmer LTER research at Palmer Station and on research vessels. We distribute the product at all the scientific meetings, workshops and data management meetings as well as those visiting Palmer Station; ie Tourists, NSF, Scientists, Raytheon Personnel, etc. . Internet Dissemination: http://www.icess.ucsb.edu/lter/ Contributions: Contributions within Discipline: E.1 Contributions within Discipline: The Palmer LTER is a multi-PI interdisciplinary program focused on understanding the marine ecology of the Southern Ocean in general and of the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) region in particular. As a consequence, our contributions are not only to several disciplines but also, through collaborative interactions, include significant contributions across traditional disciplinary boundaries. Mounting evidence shows that the Earth is experiencing a period of rapid climate change, and air temperature records from the last half-century confirm the rapidity of change in the WAP area. Both paleoecological records and current ecological research show ecological transitions, across a range of trophic levels, that have occurred in response to this climate change. Thus, the WAP region, which is the location of the Palmer LTER project, is proving to be an exceptional area to study ecological response to climate variability. The contributions and developments we have made for this project contribute considerably to our ability to better assess the degree and nature by which the polar regions covary with circumpolar variability and variability in the extrapolar regions. The importance of this is that it helps us understand how climate signals from one region of the Earth are influenced (and through what mechanisms) by the variations occurring in another, remote portion of the Earth. The findings to date and that can arise from this research will help us to better understand how the complex global climate system is linked and how it functions, so that we might better achieve regional climate predictions - and subsequent predictions on ecological response - based on global diagnostics. An important goal is to estimate the spatial and temporal variability of primary productivity in the WAP region and the Southern Ocean. The need to synoptically characterize physical and biological properties of this large, inhospitable and remote ocean over long time periods leads to the use of satellite data. We use a multiplatform sampling approach whereby surface shipboard observations are used to develop in-water bio-optical algorithms, and these algorithms are used with ocean color (SeaWiFS) satellite data to estimate pigment biomass. We then use a depth-integrated primary production model that was developed specifically for these waters to estimate primary production from the satellite derived chl-a data. This permits the estimation of both pigment biomass and phytoplankton productivity on temporal and spatial scale not possible by surface observations alone and which are specifically tuned for these important polar regions. The capacity of the world's ocean to sequester CO2 is an important societal issue. The Southern Ocean comprises nearly a quarter of the total global ocean surface, but remains poorly sampled relative to more accessible oceanic habitats. Palmer LTER scientists are studying the processes and corresponding rates regulating oxygen and carbon dioxide so as to better understand carbon and energy flow though this polar marine food web and as valuable parameters for studying ecosystem dynamics. They have shown that the magnitude and seasonal phasing of biological, chemical and physical processes can explain the temporal and regional variability that is observed. With the accumulating data set from the Palmer LTER we are able to assess changes in the zooplankton community composition and abundance over both long- and short-term temporal scales. Distinguishing whether the observed differences represent inherent variability in the system or trends in the zooplankton stocks is important to predictions of prey availability in the foraging region of the Adelie penguins and their reproductive success. Several aspects of this study provide information necessary to managing the Antarctic krill fishery as proposed by CCAMLR. One of the major uncertainties in predicting whether a local krill biomass can support a local penguin population is our lack of knowledge of variation in production:biomass ratios (P:B). The relationship found between production (growth) and phytoplankton community composition and abundance allows us to predict P:B under different environmental conditions, and improve our understanding of the importance of immigration/transport into a region. One of the project's major findings is that the demography of Adelie Penguins is in part controlled by factors associated with the landscapes on which they nest. This 'landscape effect', previously unknown and which may contribute to the factors that ultimately control the availability of prey and survival of post-fledging penguin chicks, must be taken into account when interpreting data related to the management of Antarctic marine living resources. Contributions to Other Disciplines: E.2 Contributions to Other Disciplines As noted above, this is a multi-PI interdisciplinary program. As a consequence, contributions are made within and across several disciplines including: marine ecology, paleoecology, physical, biological, optical & satellite oceanography, microbial ecology, ocean-atmospheric interactions, climatology and ecosystems modeling. The important bridge between data management and field science continues due to the attention of site and network information management personnel. In particular, our work has helped to transfer some of the new state-of-the-art climate analysis methodologies to the ecological community (and, in return, the latter community is developing state-of-the-art statistical techniques that the climate community then borrows, refines and applies). In our case, the Palmer LTER are attempting to determine covariability between climatically-sensitive variables and we are borrowing techniques developed and tested in the climate community for exactly this purpose. Contributions to Education and Human Resources: E.3 Contributions to Human Resource Development Graduate student training and training of undergraduates (REU) is an important aspect of our activities. Contributions to Resources for Science and Technology: E.4 Contributions to Resources for Research & Education These have been described in Section B.4 and include: NSF Schoolyard LTER educational outreach, Teacher Experiencing Antarctica (TEA) internship, Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), the Blue Ice Program and various news articles and interactions with K-12 classrooms. An important aspect of our contribution to students is the multidisciplinary exposure and training that we give. This provides our students with a broad, large scale perspective with which to pursue their future activities. Contributions Beyond Science and Engineering: E.5 Contributions beyond Science & Engineering One of the most pressing problems of public welfare facing society today is the issue of ecological response to climate variability. Because of the implications to climate change and ecosystem response, data and results originating with this project have been widely disseminated by the media and by environmental groups interested in educating the public about climate change and its consequences. Some of these data have also been incorporated into the most recent IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on climate Change) report. These reports are widely cited in may policy statements dealing with climate change issues. A contribution beyond science may come by allowing us to gain a useful skill in predicting ice conditions in the WAP region. This can have considerable advantage in Antarctic logistics, since the WAP region is relatively heavily traveled by ships (tourists as well as research supply vessels). Special Requirements for Annual Project Report: Unobligated funds: less than 20 percent of current funds Categories for which nothing is reported: Research and Education Activities Findings Special Reporting Requirements Animal, Human Subjects, Biohazards ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [FastLane Home Page] [Take you to the Project System Control Screen] We welcome comments on this system