Natural phenomena in the Antarctic do not occur independently of those in the global system. Processes in the atmosphere, ocean-geosphere and biosphere interact with each other to produce the unique Antarctic system.
The Center for Antarctic Environment Monitoring was established in 1995 with three aims:
- to study the processes and mechanisms of variability of Antarctic systems over decade periods.
- to determine the impact of global change on Antarctic systems.
- to understand the role of Antarctica in influencing global change.
To achieve these goals the Center focuses on three areas:
- Ocean-geosphere environments(K.Shibuya, K.Doi, S.Aoki): To monitor the related interaction between the ocean-ice sheet-atmosphere system with the underlying crust to clarify the role of marine-geophysical dynamics in influencing global change.
- Atmospheric environments(T.Yamanouchi, M.Shiobara, M.Taguchi, M.Hashida): To monitor the Antarctic atmosphere as a whole, from troposphere and stratosphere to ionosphere and magnetosphere, including interaction between the Sun and Earth, auroral physics, trace gases and material cycling, for a better understanding of the role of the Antarctic atmosphere in global change.
- Biosphere(M.Fukuchi, T.Hirawake): By monitoring ecosystem changes, to evaluate the impact of global change on the Antarctic biosphere and any biogenic feedback to the climate.
In order to undertake these research programs, the Center is developing close links among research groups within NIPR, and with other institutions both nationally and internationally.
The Center is also responsible for establishing the moni-toring data base, as well as for developing the necessary instrumentation and methodology for monitoring.
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