Oceanographic Research Vessel /font>MIRAIモ
during fiscal year 2003
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| Outline
of Research Cruises for Oceanographic Research Vessel /font>MIRAIモ during fiscal year 2003 |
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Cruise Code MR03-K04 :: Main Research Theme
:: Objectives Theme A The mean circulation and stratification of the global ocean depend strongly on Southern Ocean processes. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current is the primary means by which water, heat and other properties are exchanged among ocean basins. This unique circumpolar connection permits a global-scale overturning circulation (Antarctic overturn) to exist. Therefore observations in the mid and high latitude of the Southern Hemisphere are important to understand and to predict climate changes including global warming. The main purposes of this research cruise are to evaluate heat and material transports by the Antarctic Overturn System and to detect its long term changes through re-occupations of WHP lines around the Southern Hemisphere within a half year and through comparison with the past results of WHP and SAVE. Theme B Temporal changes of the air-sea exchange of green-house gases and the biogeochemical changes in the ocean have to be clarified for evaluation of the global warming and the prediction. The objectives of this research cruise are 1) to evaluate basin-scale biogeochemical changes around the Antarctic in the Southern Hemisphere by re-occupying WHP lines and 2) to elucidate the biogenic gas flux at the air-sea interface in the Southern Ocean where the biological activity is considerable. Theme C Past changes in the thermohaline circulation and biogeochemical cycles recorded in marine sediments provide important information to predict future global climate change. We intend to explore three of the most important themes in paleoceanography: 1) deepwater circulation, 2) biogeochemical cycles, and 3) phase lag or synchronization of the sea surface environment between the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. On the basis of our findings, we expect to be able to define the past environmental changes throughout the whole of the Southern Hemisphere since the last deglacial period. And we will collect the surface sediment cores for paleoproxy calibration. :: Outline of Observation Leg1, Leg2, Leg4, Leg5
:: Main Research Area Mid latitude of the Southern Hemisphere, West of Chili and the Southern Ocean south of the Indian Ocean
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Ports of Call
:: Remark(s) Land-to-land hydrographic observations with WHP criteria will be carried out on the Leg 1, 2, 4, and 5. Therefore, very large numbers of scientists and technicians from JAMSTEC, Marine Work Japan Co. and Global Ocean Development Co. will be on board. Also, there is a strong possibility for foreign observers and researchers to join legs to solve the possible EEZ problem. It is almost impossible to carry out any other observations than hydrography and underway measurements mentioned in the foregoing sections. Those who will apply cruises on these legs are hoped to be a PI of one of items nominated in section 6. All data derived from the theme A and from the theme B along WHP lines have to be quality controlled and opened through WHPO, JAMSTEC and JODC within two years after all legs. This cruise has an international aspect of an following up actions of the Sao Paulo Declaration announced by POGO (Partnership Of Global ocean Observation)-II in 2001. |
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[Appendix. Location of planned hydrographic station] PDF File |
C,
C and 
He/
He
75
(Leg-1)