MAP-IO (Marion Dufresne Atmospheric programme-Indian Ocean, PI: Pierre Tulet) is a programme led by the Laboratoire de l'Astmosphere des Cyclones (LACy), funded by the Réunion region, the ERDF, the FOF, the MOM and the CNRS, and aims to create an observatory of atmospheric and oceanographic variables on the Marion Dufresne. A total of 19 sensors have been installed since November 2020 and will operate autonomously and continuously. The data collected, particularly during the TAAF rotations, will be used for seasonal observation, covering the area from Reunion Island to the French Southern Territories, and sometimes supplemented by oceanographic campaigns. A general presentation of the project and the sensors can be found in the link
This observatory will provide information on ocean-atmosphere interactions, support for climate models in the south-western Indian Ocean and part of the Southern Ocean, and data banking in a poorly covered area.
The MIO is directly involved in this project with the installation of an automated Cytosense flow cytometer, under the scientific and technical responsibility of Melilotus Thyssen and in collaboration with Gérald Grégori (MIO, PRECYM platform) and Séverine Alvain (LOG). This measuring instrument is capable of observing phytoplankton across its entire size range, and can take images to partially identify microphytoplankton cells. Acquisitions will begin this year as part of the SWINGS campaign (https://swings.geotraces.org/). This installation is a real challenge because, unlike previous installations, it is not possible to remotely control the correct operation of the cytometer and, apart from the SWINGS framework where trained LACy staff are on board, there will be no operator. The data can be linked to satellite data thanks to collaboration with Séverine Alvain from LOG and Francesco d'Ovidio from LOCEAN, and will be exploited thanks to collaboration with Lloyd Izard and Cédric Cotté (LOCEAN). A scientific committee will be set up in the near future to oversee the development of the data and long-term strategy.