Antarctica: Environmental domains classification for the Ross Sea Region
Ice-free areas of Antarctica (most of which are soil forming) are the most biologically active and vulnerable terrestrial sites in the continent.
Much of the ice-free area in Antarctica occurs in the Ross Sea Region and as an Antarctic Treaty partner New Zealand is committed to the comprehensive protection of this region and its ecosystems.
Acheiving this goal requires an understanding of the biogeographic character of terrestrial ecosystems and to meet this need we are aiming to develop an environmental domains classification for the Ross Sea Region.
‘Environmental domains analysis (EDA) is a systematic environmental classification framework that allows similar environments (including small distinctive environments that are otherwise easily overlooked at the continental scale) to be grouped based on their environmental character regardless of their geographic location,’ says Dr Aislabie.
‘We will develop an environmental classification of the Ross Sea Region within the context of our Antarctic-wide classification. The Ross Sea Region classification will use a suite of environmental variables including climate, landform, soil, and biology data. We will gather and collate available data, along with those derived from our new research on soil attributes, climate and microbial diversity and abundance. As data are freely available for research purposes, Antarctica provides an ideal opportunity to develop the next-generation environmental domains analysis.’
Collectively the research will deliver improved understanding of inland and coastal Antarctic ecosystems. In particular we will provide a spatially explicit characterisation of the terrestrial environments of the Ross Sea Region, their biodiversity, and potential roles in ecosystem functioning and responses to environment change.