Ever wonder what secrets lie beneath the icy waves of Antarctica? 🌊❄️ Well, a team of marine biologists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) just brought back some microscopic marvels that could unlock mysteries of our ocean's tiniest inhabitants!
After an epic 161-day voyage covering over 81,000 nautical miles, the 40th Chinese Antarctic Expedition returned to Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province this April. Setting sail from Shanghai in November 2023, they embarked on a mission that's as cool as it sounds (literally!). 🧊🚢
The team collected more than 400 plankton samples from the Southern Ocean. These teensy creatures are so small that you need to magnify them up to 400 times just to see them! 🔬 But don't let their size fool you—they're a big deal. Plankton form the foundation of the ocean's ecosystem and play a vital role in keeping it stable.
\"We gathered samples containing phytoplankton and planktonic ciliates from key areas like the Antarctic Peninsula, Prydz Bay, and the Astronaut Sea,\" said Li Haibo, an assistant researcher at the CAS Institute of Oceanology. \"In total, we collected over 400 samples.\"
So, what's the scoop on planktonic ciliates? These tiny organisms are like the middlemen between the micro-food web and the classic food chain. Studying them helps scientists understand how plankton distribution and community structures relate to the environment. Pretty cool, huh? 🌟
The samples were collected from seven different water layers, ranging from just beneath the surface down to 200 meters deep. Talk about diving deep for science! 🐠🌊
This isn't the first rodeo for the CAS researchers. Since their 31st Antarctic expedition in 2014, they've been building up a treasure trove of samples and data. \"Through years of data analysis, we've started to map out how planktonic ciliates are distributed in relation to water masses in the Southern Ocean,\" Li explained. \"For example, some species of sand-shell ciliates hang out between 150 and 200 meters deep. We're digging in to find out why they prefer that depth.\"
The quest continues as these scientists dive deeper into understanding the microscopic life that plays a giant role in our oceans. Who knew something so small could make such waves? 🌊🔍
Reference(s):
Newly-returned Antarctic samples reveal secrets of microscopic ocean
cgtn.com
