Integrated Data Sets of the EU FP5 Research Project ORFOIS: Origin and fate of biogenic particle fluxes in the ocean and their interactions with atmospheric CO2 concentrations as well as the marine sediment

For a reliable simulation of the time and space dependent CO2 redistribution between ocean and atmosphere an appropriate time dependent simulation of particle dynamics processes is essential but has not been carried out so far. The major difficulties were the lack of suitable modules for particle dynamics and early diagenesis (in order to close the carbon and nutrient budget) in ocean general circulation models, and the lack of an understanding of biogeochemical processes, such as the partial dissolution of calcareous particles in oversaturated water. The main target of ORFOIS was to fill in this gap in our knowledge and prediction capability infrastructure. This goal has been achieved step by step. At first comprehensive data bases (already existing data) of observations of relevance for the three major types of biogenic particles, organic carbon (POC), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and biogenic silica (BSi or opal), as well as for refractory particles of terrestrial origin were collated and made publicly available.

Data Compilation of the Research Vessel METEOR (1964)

In 2008, the 50th anniversary of the IGY (International Geophysical Year), WDCMARE presents with this CD publication 3632 data sets in Open Access as part of the most important results from 73 cruises of the research vessel METEOR between 1964 and 1985. The archive is a coherent organized collection of published and unpublished data sets produced by scientists of all marine research disciplines who participated in Meteor expeditions, measured environmental parameters during cruises and investigated sample material post cruise in the labs of the participating institutions. In most cases, the data was gathered from the Meteor Forschungsergebnisse, published by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). A second important data source are time series and radiosonde ascensions of more than 20 years of ships weather observations, which were provided by the Deutscher Wetterdienst, Hamburg. The final inclusion of all data into the PANGAEA information system ensures secure archiving, future updates, widespread distribution in electronic, machine-readable form with longterm access via the Internet. To produce this publication, all data sets with metadata were extracted from PANGAEA and organized in a directory structure on a CD together with a search capability.

(Table 1) UK research stations, refuges and major depots between 1944 and 2010

Globally, areas categorically known to be free of human visitation are rare, but still exist in Antarctica. Such areas may be among the most pristine locations remaining on Earth and, therefore, be valuable as baselines for future comparisons with localities impacted by human activities, and as sites preserved for scientific research using increasingly sophisticated future technologies. Nevertheless, unvisited areas are becoming increasingly rare as the human footprint expands in Antarctica. Therefore, an understanding of historical and contemporary levels of visitation at locations across Antarctica is essential to a) estimate likely cumulative environmental impact, b) identify regions that may have been impacted by non-native species introductions, and c) inform the future designation of protected areas under the Antarctic Treaty System. Currently, records of Antarctic tourist visits exist, but little detailed information is readily available on the spatial and temporal distribution of national governmental programme activities in Antarctica. Here we describe methods to fulfil this need. Using information within field reports and archive and science databases pertaining to the activities of the United Kingdom as an illustration, we describe the history and trends in its operational footprint in the Antarctic Peninsula since c. 1944. Based on this illustration, we suggest that these methodologies could be applied productively more generally.

Oceanographic Data of the 37th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition from November 1995 to March 1996

The results of oceanographic observations on board the icebreaker "Shirase" and tidal observations at Syowa Station, Antarctica, are presented in this report. The oceanographic observations were carried out by the summer party of the 37th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-37) during the austral summer of 1995/1996. The tidal observations were carried out by the winter party of JARE-36 from February 1995 to January 1996.