Beyond oceanography: behavior as a tool to uncover ocean complexity. It is crucial that Australia remains a world leader in marine biology and ecology and continues to preserve the uniqueness of its marine environment through the development of integrated inter-disciplinary research projects. This project will open a new area of research at both the national and international levels through the first integrated approach of the behavioural mechanisms that rule the base of the ocean food web struc ....Beyond oceanography: behavior as a tool to uncover ocean complexity. It is crucial that Australia remains a world leader in marine biology and ecology and continues to preserve the uniqueness of its marine environment through the development of integrated inter-disciplinary research projects. This project will open a new area of research at both the national and international levels through the first integrated approach of the behavioural mechanisms that rule the base of the ocean food web structures and functions. The present work is also expected to open new perspectives in fields such as biological oceanography, microbial ecology, plankton ecology, behavioural ecology through the exploration of previously untapped areas of research.Read moreRead less
Building Australia's next-generation ocean-sea ice model. Ocean and sea ice models are used for predicting future ocean and climate states, and for climate process research. This project aims to bring the next generation of ocean-sea ice models to Australia and configure the models for our local priorities. The ultimate goal is to create a new coupled ocean-sea ice model for Australia that includes surface waves and biogeochemistry. The model will be optimised and evaluated on Australian facilit ....Building Australia's next-generation ocean-sea ice model. Ocean and sea ice models are used for predicting future ocean and climate states, and for climate process research. This project aims to bring the next generation of ocean-sea ice models to Australia and configure the models for our local priorities. The ultimate goal is to create a new coupled ocean-sea ice model for Australia that includes surface waves and biogeochemistry. The model will be optimised and evaluated on Australian facilities, and released for community use. These developments underpin future ocean state forecasts, sea ice forecasts, wave forecasts, decadal climate prediction and climate process studies. The project will benefit search and rescue, Defence and shipping operations, and will enhance future climate projections.Read moreRead less
Three-dimensional mapping and bio-physical coupling in the plankton microenvironment. The fate of carbon in the marine environment, and potential modification of global climate, is driven by organisms ranging in size from 0.1 to 100 µm interacting at mm to cm scales. This research will provide the first high-resolution 3D measurements of distributions, diversity and dynamics of these key organisms. Australia provides the unique opportunity to study these microscale patterns and processes in arch ....Three-dimensional mapping and bio-physical coupling in the plankton microenvironment. The fate of carbon in the marine environment, and potential modification of global climate, is driven by organisms ranging in size from 0.1 to 100 µm interacting at mm to cm scales. This research will provide the first high-resolution 3D measurements of distributions, diversity and dynamics of these key organisms. Australia provides the unique opportunity to study these microscale patterns and processes in archetypical examples of environments representative of the world's most significant marine ecosystems. These results will maintain Australia at the cutting-edge of marine environmental science, and provide the first application of novel sampling, analysis and modelling techiques to environments of the Australian economic exclusion zone.Read moreRead less
Microscale insights into ocean-scale processes: microbial behaviour as a driver of ocean biogeochemistry. Microscopic plankton regulate the ocean's chemical cycles, which ultimately support life on earth. However, the ecological interactions driving these processes are poorly understood. This project will use novel approaches to decipher the behaviours of marine microbes, providing a more complete perception of how ocean ecosystems operate and influence climate.
The role of pulsed water events in structuring marine benthic communities along the southern Australian coastline. Marked differences in benthic community structure have been observed that are associated with pulsed cold-water events, possibly driven by internal wave phenomena. Such events have the potential to act as very important controls on both regional and local patterns of benthic biodiversity. To date, however, their effects and mechanisms of action have never been examined in Australi ....The role of pulsed water events in structuring marine benthic communities along the southern Australian coastline. Marked differences in benthic community structure have been observed that are associated with pulsed cold-water events, possibly driven by internal wave phenomena. Such events have the potential to act as very important controls on both regional and local patterns of benthic biodiversity. To date, however, their effects and mechanisms of action have never been examined in Australia. The fundamental outcome from this project will be the first assessment of the occurrence, geographical extent and ecological consequences of pulsed water phenomena along the southern Australian coastline.Read moreRead less
Bluebottle dynamics: towards a prediction tool for Surf Life Saving Aust. Many Australians have had a painful bluebottle sting, yet little is known about bluebottles and what brings them to the coast. This project will shed new light on bluebottle dynamics, pathways, and distribution of the beachings. We will use an innovative combination of lab work, ocean surveys, statistical and hydrodynamic modelling to fill knowledge gaps and ultimately provide the framework for prediction.
In partnership w ....Bluebottle dynamics: towards a prediction tool for Surf Life Saving Aust. Many Australians have had a painful bluebottle sting, yet little is known about bluebottles and what brings them to the coast. This project will shed new light on bluebottle dynamics, pathways, and distribution of the beachings. We will use an innovative combination of lab work, ocean surveys, statistical and hydrodynamic modelling to fill knowledge gaps and ultimately provide the framework for prediction.
In partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), we will develop the first bluebottle risk prediction tool for our popular beaches.
Forewarned is forearmed. Forecasts will help mitigate bluebottle stings, lessen their public health burden, while having broad benefits for coastal communities.
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MICROSCALE PLANKTON AND PARTICLE DYNAMICS: COMPARING AND CONTRASTING AUSTRALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL SEAS. Microscopic phytoplankton are the basis of ocean ecosystems, but most predictions and measurements focus on processes that occur over kilometres. Our recent work shows that definite and regular submetre seascape topography exists. This grant will test the extent to which this seascape topography is the fundamental organisational unit of marine ecosystems and the extent to which it characteris ....MICROSCALE PLANKTON AND PARTICLE DYNAMICS: COMPARING AND CONTRASTING AUSTRALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL SEAS. Microscopic phytoplankton are the basis of ocean ecosystems, but most predictions and measurements focus on processes that occur over kilometres. Our recent work shows that definite and regular submetre seascape topography exists. This grant will test the extent to which this seascape topography is the fundamental organisational unit of marine ecosystems and the extent to which it characterises Australian coastal waters and open ocean water masses. This research takes a leadership role in defining and advancing our understanding of how marine ecosystems function. The project will bring over $200 million of Japanese infrastructure to Australia for 3 years.Read moreRead less
Microbial Oceanography: Community Heterogeneity Fuelled by Environmental Variability. The ocean is a crucial resource to Australia. This work will open a new area of research within Australian habitats, which will improve our understanding of how the base of the ocean food web functions, and build a new perspective from which to look at the microscopic plankton that influence fisheries yield and species invasions. Appreciating how microbial communities respond to environmental perturbations will ....Microbial Oceanography: Community Heterogeneity Fuelled by Environmental Variability. The ocean is a crucial resource to Australia. This work will open a new area of research within Australian habitats, which will improve our understanding of how the base of the ocean food web functions, and build a new perspective from which to look at the microscopic plankton that influence fisheries yield and species invasions. Appreciating how microbial communities respond to environmental perturbations will provide an improved vantage-point to predict future changes to the Australian marine environment. Leading international scientists will provide conceptual and technical expertise in an Australian based project, applying novel analytical tools not currently employed within oceanographic surveys within Australian waters.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE150100013
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$860,000.00
Summary
Laser ablation multiple split streaming. Laser ablation multiple split streaming: This geochemical facility with an innovative, world-leading micro-analytical capability intends to support research of fundamental and strategic problems at the frontiers of the Earth and Environmental Sciences. The facility aims to allow new insight into the age, composition, thermal history and structure of the Australian continent, as necessary for delineating mineral endowment and for tracing the sources of ore ....Laser ablation multiple split streaming. Laser ablation multiple split streaming: This geochemical facility with an innovative, world-leading micro-analytical capability intends to support research of fundamental and strategic problems at the frontiers of the Earth and Environmental Sciences. The facility aims to allow new insight into the age, composition, thermal history and structure of the Australian continent, as necessary for delineating mineral endowment and for tracing the sources of ore metals. It will provide a higher resolution record of climate and environmental change which will better inform assessment of the impacts, both locally and regionally. It is intended that the facility will amplify national and international scientific collaboration and create unique research opportunities for Australian-based scientists.Read moreRead less