New Ocean Provinces from the Geography of Biogenic Elements

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project Area: New Ocean Paradigm on Its Biogeochemistry, Ecosystem and Sustainable Use
• Project/Area Number: 24121003
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (Research in a proposed research area)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Review Section: Complex systems
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo (2014-2016); Fisheries Research Agency (2012-2013)
• Principal Investigator: SAITO HIROAKI 東京大学, 大気海洋研究所, 教授 (30371793)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 山下 洋平 北海道大学, 地球環境科学研究科(研究院), 准教授 (50432224) ; 石井 雅男 気象庁気象研究所, 海洋・地球化学研究部, 室長 (70354553) ; 橋濱 史典 東京海洋大学, 学術研究院, 助教 (80535807)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): TAKEMURA Toshihiko 九州大学, 応用力学研究所, 教授 (90343326)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-06-28 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 生元素 / 太平洋 / 生態系 / 炭酸系 / 栄養塩 / 溶存腐食物質 / 生態系サービス / 地理

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We carried out research cruises covering over the Pacific Ocean and examined the distribution of biogenic elements by means of newly developed high sensitivity methods which is one of the main factors controlling quantity and function of ecosystem services. We obtained maps of nutrients, dissolved organic phosphate, dissolved humic substances, pH, alkalinity, and other forms of biogenic elements. New ocean provinces of the Pacific Ocean are proposed based on the geography of biogenic elements. For parameters of carbonate system, we carried out database analysis and showed the interannual variability with proceeding of global warming and ocean acidification. Using the obtained data of biogenic elements and physical oceanographic parameters, we also make it possible to estimate various parameters on marine ecosystem services such as distribution of fisheries target species by means of generalized additive model.

Free Research Field

生物海洋学