ROAVERRS – Antarctic ecosystem studies
Lead Scientist/Project Manager: Jim Barry

The MBARI ROAVERRS Antarctic research project is a continuing project in support of external project number E-0930, funded by the National Science Foundation. The project investigates linkages between the atmosphere, upper ocean and benthic habitats of the Southwest Ross Sea, Antarctica. Barry’s contribution to this multi-institutional, cross-disciplinary proposal focuses on variability in the structure and productivity of benthic communities, in relation to the vertical flux of organic material. Currently, we are involved in analysis of samples collected from the previous Antarctic cruise (November, December, 1998). Progress on sample processing is good in all areas (video analysis, infaunal sample analysis, microbial abundance and productivity).