The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation's (CSIRO) research vessel (RV) Investigator embarked today on its most extensive journey in ten years, heading to the Southern Ocean and the sea-ice edge.
This 60-day mission, steered by the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP) and CSIRO, is dedicated to advancing our understanding of climate change impacts.
The expedition's primary goal is to explore the intricate relationship between various elements of the Southern Ocean ecosystem and their collective influence on global climate patterns.
Dr Steve Rintoul, Co-Chief Scientist from CSIRO and AAPP, highlighted the Southern Ocean's critical role in regulating climate change, due to its substantial absorption of heat and carbon dioxide.
Far-reaching implications for global climate
Named MISO (Multidisciplinary Investigations of the Southern Ocean), the voyage seeks to unravel how ocean physics, biogeochemistry, plankton dynamics, aerosols, and cloud interactions contribute to climate modulation.
The research team will investigate the Southern Ocean's current state and its potential changes, which could have far-reaching implications for global climate, Antarctic ecosystems, and the Antarctic Ice Sheet's stability.
A recent study has indicated a possible slowdown in the Antarctic waters' "overturning circulation," a key driver of global ocean currents.
This change could disrupt the distribution of heat, carbon and nutrients worldwide.
Dr Annie Foppert, co-chief scientist from the AAPP at the University of Tasmania, noted the critical importance of understanding how melting Antarctic ice influences deep ocean currents and, consequently, climate patterns.
Our #RVInvestigator sets off today on the longest voyage in its 10-year history to the Southern Ocean and sea-ice edge.The aim of the 60-day voyage is to improve our ability to anticipate the impacts of future climate change.https://t.co/wnHXPIlKRs@Ant_Partnership pic.twitter.com/YIB5MJ2gCL
— CSIRO (@CSIRO) January 4, 2024
Deep-diving robots
The voyage will also feature cutting-edge technology, deploying deep-diving robots to collect data up to six kilometres below the ocean surface, significantly enhancing our comprehension of the deep ocean's dynamics.
Additionally, the mission will focus on cloud formation processes in the Southern Ocean.
Scientists from the University of Tasmania and the Bureau of Meteorology will examine the role of phytoplankton in aerosol production, a key factor in cloud formation and climate regulation.
Dr Marc Mallet, a researcher from the University of Tasmania, emphasised the importance of this research in refining climate models and projections.
10-year initiative
The RV Investigator will travel 9,260 kilometres from Hobart, reaching the Antarctic ice edge and returning to Fremantle in early March.
This voyage is a crucial part of the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership, a collaboration funded by the Australian Government to explore the Antarctic region's role in the global climate system.
The partnership is a 10-year initiative led by the University of Tasmania, involving the Australian Antarctic Division, CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology.