The Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica is a vast remote ocean where
measurements and observations are hard to get. For his computer model,
Mazloff used all available measurements taken by ships, orbiting
satellites,
drifting floats, and even electronic transmitters strapped to elephant
seals, a project of Dan Costa, University of California, Santa Cruz.
The tags, which do not harm the animals,
record detailed information on where the animals go, how deep
they dive, and the ocean conditions in which they are swimming. These
data provide valuable information on animal behavior and ocean
conditions in regions that are difficult, if not
impossible, to get any other way.
(Photo by Dan Costa, University of California, Santa Cruz)[back]
|
