ANDEEP-SYSTCO

Atmosphere, ocean and seafloor: putting the pieces of the Antarctic deep-sea ecosystem together

The Antarctic deep-sea ecosystem is surely one of the least known places in the world. How do species interact? What impact does the atmosphere have on plants and animals in the ocean? What is happening on the seafloor, a few thousand meters below the surface? ANDEEP-SYSTCO (Project ID No. 66) tries to put the intricate jigsaw puzzle named "Antarctic deep-sea ecosystem" together. The main objective will be to gain a better idea of how conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems in Antarctica can be achieved.During an expedition to the Weddell Sea with the research vessel "Polarstern" in winter 2007/2008, scientists from different fields and nations will start this thrilling adventure.