MAP-IO: towards a marine observatory
MAP-IO (Marion Dufresne Atmospheric program-Indian Ocean, PI: Pierre Tulet) is a program led by the Laboratory of Cyclone Astmosphere (LACy), funded by the Reunion region, the FEDER, the FOF, the MOM and the CNRS and aims to create an observatory of atmospheric and oceanographic variables on the ship Marion Dufresne. A total of 19 sensors are installed since November 2020 and will operate autonomously and continuously. The data collected, especially during the TAAF rotations, will allow a seasonal observation, covering the area from Reunion Island to the French Southern Territories, and sometimes completed by oceanographic campaigns. A general presentation of the project and the sensors is available in the link
This observatory will provide information on ocean-atmosphere interactions, support to climate models in the southwestern 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 flow cytometer of Cytosense type, 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 able to observe phytoplankton in all its size range, and allows to take images to partially identify microphytoplankton cells. Acquisitions will be launched 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 proper functioning of the cytometer and, apart from the SWINGS framework where trained LACy staff is on board, there will be no operator. The data can be coupled to satellite data thanks to a collaboration with Séverine Alvain from LOG and Francesco d' Ovidio from LOCEAN, and will be valorized thanks to a collaboration with Lloyd Izard and Cédric Cotté (LOCEAN). A scientific committee for the valorization of the data and the long term strategy will be soon set up