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The swell has moderated significantly since yesterday and everyone is much more comfortable as the ship gently rolls its way home via the PULSE mooring at about 45S. People still busy packing, processing data and preparing results. The partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in the ocean and atmosphere will continue to be measured until we reach Tasmania. The region of greatest CO2 concentration in the surface waters was measured at the SubAntarctic front (-53.8 S), where oceanic pCO2 was up to 25% above atmospheric levels. The SubAntarctic zone is a region of uptake for atmospheric CO2 throughout the year, with the highest uptake over summer due to shallower mixed layers and increased biological production. It is now well known that even slight acidification of the ocean caused by rising atmospheric CO2 levels will make it hard for some animals to build or maintain calcium carbonate shells. The combination of benthic biologists and chemists on the voyage has provided an excellent opportunity for exploring the likely impact of ocean acidification on the sea-bed living animals around Antarctica. ETA Hobart, 0800hrs alongside Macquarie No. 4 wharf, Sunday 27 January 2008. Regards, Martin and Sarah.
Map
A map showing Australia and Antarctica. The map shows the journey of one voyage that has occured in the season, with each route highlighted in a distinct colour.