Marine research in the Latitudinal Gradient Project along Victoria Land, Antarctica

• Published in: Scientia Marina
• Main Authors: Paul Arthur Berkman, Riccardo Cattaeno-Vietti, Mariachiara Chiantore, Clive Howard-Williams, Vonda Cummnigs, Rikk Kvitek
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas 2005
• Subjects: latitudinal gradient project; victoria land; antarctic; global climate change; interdisciplinary cooperation; Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling; SH1-691; Antarctic; Victoria Land; New Zealand; Italica; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.2005.69s257; https://doaj.org/article/85684c054e794d42ac52a887fbbef1b6

This paper describes the conceptual framework of the Latitudinal Gradient Project that is being implemented by the New Zealand, Italian and United States Antarctic programmes along Victoria Land, Antarctica, from 72°S to 86°S. The purpose of this interdisciplinary research project is to assess the dynamics and coupling of marine and terrestrial ecosystems in relation to global climate variability. Preliminary data about the research cruises from the R/V “Italica” and R/V “Tangaroa” along the Victoria Land Coast in 2004 are presented. As a global climate barometer, this research along Victoria Land provides a unique framework for assessing latitudinal shifts in ‘sentinel’ environmental transition zones, where climate changes have an amplified impact on the phases of water.