Call for Expressions of Interest: Antarctica InSync Trace Metals & Microbes Working Group

Dear members of the GEOTRACES community,

We invite expressions of interest from those wishing to participate in a proposed Antarctica InSync Working group focused on trace metals and microbes in the Southern Ocean.

Antarctica InSync is a global initiative endorsed by UNESCO under the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Its goal is to synchronize year-round, circumpolar scientific observations across Antarctica and the Southern Ocean (2027 and 2030), linking ice, ocean, climate, and life to better understand and protect this critical region.

The programme is organised around seven interconnected scientific themes (https://www.antarctica-insync.org/science/), which provide a framework for collaboration. Working Groups (WGs) are being established through a bottom-up process led by the research community. Each WG contributes to one or more themes, and themes may include several WGs, depending on their scope and expertise.

Our proposed Trace Metals & Microbes Working Group aims to strengthen connections between chemical and biological oceanography, integrating modelling and observations to advance understanding of Southern Ocean biogeochemistry and facilitate year-round observations.

To initiate this effort, we’ve prepared a short draft proposal to stimulate ideas and discussion around the WG’s objectives.

A virtual planning meeting will be held on Wednesday, 22 October, 13:00–14:00 BST (UTC+1). If you’d like to join, please contact Thomas Ryan-Keogh (Thomas.Ryan-Keogh@noc.ac.uk) to receive the meeting link and draft document.

If you’re unable to attend, you are still welcome to contribute comments directly to the draft proposal. All feedback will be consolidated after the meeting.

Looking ahead, an international in-person workshop will be held 3–6 November at ESA ESRIN, Frascati, Italy, where white papers will be developed to identify critical gaps and define jointly observed circumpolar variables, aligned with existing standards and protocols. Rob Middag (rob.middag@nioz.nl) will present the first draft of our WG proposal at this Scientific Planning Meeting, with opportunities to refine it thereafter.

Kind regards,

Thomas Ryan-Keogh, Rob Middag & Kathrin Wuttig
Convenors, Trace Metals & Microbes Working Group