An unprecedented autumn Antarctic expedition found abundant plankton in deep ocean layers, challenging seasonal norms. Scientists link this to deep convection in the Ross Sea's polynya, shaping marine life and revealing a crucial "dark ecosystem" previously unknown in colder months.
An international scientific expedition to the Antarctic during autumn has documented an increased presence of small planktonic organisms in the deep and bottom ocean layers. This observation contrasts with the typical spring and summer distribution of these organisms, which are usually found in the upper ocean.
The expedition noted a balanced distribution of water properties and planktonic life across vertical ocean layers, particularly in the Ross Sea's polynya area. These findings suggest the significant influence of deep convection, driven by ice formation processes in the polynya during the colder months, on seawater properties and biological distribution.
Observations were collected during the first human expedition to Antarctica in autumn, which yielded over 3,000 chemical analysis samples and 2,500 biological analysis samples. Scientists from Shanghai Jiao Tong University presented these results.
The expedition, conducted between March and April, coincided with a period of declining Antarctic productivity. Approximately 50 researchers from nine countries—China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand—operated in the autumnal Ross Sea, with temperatures ranging from -20 °C to -28 °C, conducting continuous observations for 20 days.
This research was part of China's 41st Antarctic expedition and represents the first multinational collaborative study focused on the autumnal ecosystem of the Antarctic marginal seas. The initiative was led by the School of Oceanography at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Polar Research Institute of China.
Zhou Meng, dean of the School of Oceanography, highlighted the limited prior research in Antarctica beyond the summer season due to climatic and marine challenges. The scarcity of autumn and winter observational data has restricted understanding of natural processes during these periods.
The Ross Sea is significant for Antarctic studies, as it is a key location for the formation of Antarctic Bottom Water, the densest water mass in the Southern Ocean. This region contributes to global heat and salt circulation and climate patterns. Zhou also noted the Ross Sea's high biological productivity and its role in the burial of organic carbon in the deep sea.
Zhang Zhaoru, assistant chief scientist and professor at the school, stated that deep convection processes in the polynya during autumn facilitate the transport of surface ocean particles to deeper layers. This process may contribute to carbon burial.
The research team also identified signals of deep water intrusion and ice shelf meltwater in the polynya, processes relevant to the generation of Antarctic Bottom Water through deep ocean convection. Additionally, the team observed variations in nutrient concentrations in the polynya, indicating biological activity prior to the expedition.
Zhou commented that these ecological processes in the Ross Sea polynya provide essential data for understanding biogeochemical cycles in the Antarctic marginal sea.
Scientists propose the existence of an "active dark ecosystem" in the Antarctic marginal sea during the autumn and winter, potentially lasting eight to nine months. This ecosystem includes organisms such as krill, fish, birds, and mammals.
The research aims to address questions regarding the origin of organic matter and energy in this dark ecosystem, the impact of processes like ice formation and deep convection on organism transport and carbon flux, and how winter processes influence planktonic population structures and subsequent spring productivity.
The research contributes to the international community's knowledge of biological adaptation and survival strategies in the Southern Ocean's challenging autumn environment and offers experience for future winter Antarctic expeditions.
SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket carrying the SXM-10 satellite for SiriusXM early Saturday, marking another success despite rising political tensions.
A groundbreaking discovery about the mysterious Oort cloud, the outermost region of our solar system, has emerged from the creation of the American Museum of Natural History's new Hayden Planetarium show, "Encounters in the Milky Way."
Scientists have identified a long-lost group of hunter-gatherers who vanished from Colombia’s highlands 2,000 years ago, reshaping our understanding of ancient human migrations in South America.
Elon Musk has officially stepped down from his role in the Trump administration, bringing an end to his involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting initiative he helped lead.
Researchers have developed a new testing method that could diagnose brain tumors within hours, potentially allowing treatment to begin during surgery.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure, according to local authorities.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
The World Bank is pushing for “radical” debt transparency from developing countries to prevent future financial crises, warning that hidden debts are fueling instability.
Canada warns the U.S. to reach a trade deal by 21 July or face new steel and aluminium tariffs, as PM Carney vows to protect Canadian workers from U.S. measures.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has alleged that Meta Platforms offered signing bonuses as high as $100 million to OpenAI employees in an attempt to recruit top talent, underscoring the intensifying competition among tech firms for artificial intelligence expertise.
The Trump Organization has unveiled "Trump Mobile," a $499 smartphone and wireless service aimed at conservative consumers, marking its entry into the highly competitive telecom market.
Scientists at the South China University of Technology have engineered a new ceramic material that pushes the boundaries of heat resistance, a development with major implications for hypersonic flight, rocket engines, and energy production.
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has announced a landmark shift in its electoral process, declaring that the general elections scheduled for mid-2026 will be conducted using a fully digital system.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has announced Finland's ambition to host a European AI gigafactory. The move aims to boost national growth by building on the success of the LUMI supercomputer, with telecommunications giant Nokia poised to lead the project's business consortium.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure, according to local authorities.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
The World Bank is pushing for “radical” debt transparency from developing countries to prevent future financial crises, warning that hidden debts are fueling instability.
Canada warns the U.S. to reach a trade deal by 21 July or face new steel and aluminium tariffs, as PM Carney vows to protect Canadian workers from U.S. measures.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment