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Ocean circulation off east Antarctica affects ecosystem structure and sea-ice extent

Author

Listed:
  • Stephen Nicol

    (Department of the Environment and Heritage)

  • Tim Pauly

    (Department of the Environment and Heritage)

  • Nathan L. Bindoff

    (Antarctic Co-operative Research Centre, University of Tasmania)

  • Simon Wright

    (Department of the Environment and Heritage)

  • Deborah Thiele

    (School of Ecology and Environment)

  • Graham W. Hosie

    (Department of the Environment and Heritage)

  • Peter G. Strutton

    (School of Biology, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide
    Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute)

  • Eric Woehler

    (Department of the Environment and Heritage)

Abstract

Sea ice and oceanic boundaries have a dominant effect in structuring Antarctic marine ecosystems. Satellite imagery and historical data have identified the southern boundary of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current1 as a site of enhanced biological productivity2. Meso-scale surveys off the Antarctic peninsula have related the abundances of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) and salps (Salpa thompsoni) to inter-annual variations in sea-ice extent3. Here we have examined the ecosystem structure and oceanography spanning 3,500 km of the east Antarctic coastline, linking the scales of local surveys and global observations. Between 80° and 150° E there is a threefold variation in the extent of annual sea-ice cover, enabling us to examine the regional effects of sea ice and ocean circulation on biological productivity. Phytoplankton, primary productivity, Antarctic krill, whales and seabirds were concentrated where winter sea-ice extent is maximal, whereas salps were located where the sea-ice extent is minimal. We found enhanced biological activity south of the southern boundary of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current rather than in association with it2. We propose that along this coastline ocean circulation determines both the sea-ice conditions and the level of biological productivity at all trophic levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen Nicol & Tim Pauly & Nathan L. Bindoff & Simon Wright & Deborah Thiele & Graham W. Hosie & Peter G. Strutton & Eric Woehler, 2000. "Ocean circulation off east Antarctica affects ecosystem structure and sea-ice extent," Nature, Nature, vol. 406(6795), pages 504-507, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:406:y:2000:i:6795:d:10.1038_35020053
    DOI: 10.1038/35020053
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    Cited by:

    1. Sebastien Moreau & Tore Hattermann & Laura Steur & Hanna M. Kauko & Heidi Ahonen & Murat Ardelan & Philipp Assmy & Melissa Chierici & Sebastien Descamps & Tilman Dinter & Tone Falkenhaug & Agneta Fran, 2023. "Wind-driven upwelling of iron sustains dense blooms and food webs in the eastern Weddell Gyre," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.

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