H-9 



RESEARCH PROGRAMMES 



(b) using phytoplankton as a forcing function, a krill model which includes the majo. 

 predators. 



At present, models are most useful for perspective, data organization, and indication of 

 information needs. When information on such aspects as the ecological role of detritus, spatial 

 variation in productivity, or stocks of fish and cephalopods, is more complete, then predictive 

 capability becomes an additional objective of both whole ecosystem models and sub-models. 



To make full use of the modelling process, it is necessary to bring the model builders 

 together with those concerned with field studies, experimental studies, and general biological 

 investigations. This will ensure that the models are useful and are indeed used to gain a better 

 understanding of the system as a whole. There seems to be a need for modellers and other 

 investigators to meet to exchange data, evaluate model results, refine model formulations for 

 improved realism, and redefine information needs. A feedback process between model 

 development and field studies will serve to develop the predictive capabilities of the various 

 models as they are updated, validated and improved. It can also serve to identify information 

 needs and provide some direction for future research. 



At the present state of the art of ecosystem modelling, the process of model building is as 

 useful as model results. Objectives for Antarctic models are: 



1 . Interaction among disciplines applied to Antarctic studies at both the conceptual and 

 data analysis levels. 



2. Focus for Antarctic research through organization of existing data and identification 

 of information needs from an ecosystem perspective. 



3. Descriptive ecology of the whole Southern Ocean at the level of interacting 

 populations through dynamic simulation. 



4. Feedback between model predictions and field and experimental research to refine 

 both models and research programmes. 



5. Ultimate development of a predictive model of Southern Ocean biology useful for 

 conservation of Antarctic living resources. 



SELECTED REFERENCES 



Green, K. A. 1975. Simulation of the pelagic ecosystem of the Ross Sea, Antarctica: A time varying 

 compartmental model. Texas A&M University, unpublished PhD thesis, 187 p. 



2.3 Physical, chemical and biological environments 



2.3.1 Review 



The broad features of the oceanography of the Southern Ocean have become well known 

 as a result of the Discovery Investigations (1925-39) and the cruises of the Ob and the 

 Eltanin in the late 1950's and 1960's. The knowledge accumulated from Antarctic investigations 

 has shown that the physical/chemical settings of the Antarctic seas are unique in the world 

 ocean. Their unique features are represented by: (a) the presence of pack ice around the 

 Antarctic continent and the seasonal waxing and waning of the pack ice zone; (b) the variability 



