Ocean micronutrients (Australian sector) -- IPY-GEOTRACES SR3 section and associated aerosol study

Project aim

Micronutrient trace elements exert an important influence on the growth and activity of microscopic life-forms in Southern Ocean surface waters. They in turn govern the drawdown of atmospheric carbon dioxide, a major factor in global climate change. This project joins with other international groups during the International Polar Year 2007-08 to carry out the first intensive circumpolar study of distribution and pathways of micronutrients in this important oceanic region.