The Agulhas Current is a powerful western boundary current that plays a crucial role in global ocean circulation and climate regulation. It influences not only regional weather patterns and marine ecosystems but also global climate systems. Its interactions with other ocean currents and the atmosphere have far-reaching impacts, making it a critical area of study.
Understanding the Agulhas Current is essential for improving climate models and predicting changes that could affect weather, sea levels and marine biodiversity.
ASCA: Monitoring of the Agulhas Current
The Agulhas System Climate Array (ASCA) is a long-term monitoring project that seeks to track and understand the behaviour of the Agulhas Current. The ASCA transect is sampled annually aboard the S.A. Agulhas II by South African researchers, taking place from 18 to 28 June 2024.
SAPRI research coordinators Riesna R. Audh (left) and Jordan Van Stavel onboard the S.A. Agulhas II during the voyage.
By deploying various sensors and instruments such as a CTD (Conductivity, Temperature and Depth instrument), Argo floats, Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR), neuston, bongo and drift nets, we are able to collect valuable data on temperature, salinity, current velocity, biogeochemistry and biology, contributing to ongoing efforts to characterise and predict the current’s dynamics.
CTD (Conductivity, Temperature and Depth instrument) in the environmental hangar of the S.A. Agulhas II in between deployments.
The data collected through the ASCA project contributes to our broader understanding of climate change and its impacts and has the potential to aid in informing policy and conservation efforts. By monitoring the Agulhas Current, we gain insights that can help mitigate the effects of climate change, protect marine ecosystems and support sustainable development.
Preparation of Argo float deployment during the SEAmester VII voyage.
Argo float deployment by the African Marine Solutions (AMSOL) Bosun (or Deck Supervisor), Mr Lionel Alexander, aboard the S.A. Agulhas II.
SEAmester: South Africa’s class afloat
In conjunction with the scientific efforts of the ASCA project, the ten-day voyage runs in collaboration with SEAmester, South Africa’s floating university. SEAmester provides students with a unique platform to learn oceanographic principles, both theoretically and practically as part of the ASCA science.
The programme is designed to immerse students in real-world scientific research (the ASCA project), bridging the gap between classroom learning and hands-on fieldwork. As part of SEAmester, students also engage in a rigorous schedule of lectures, practical sessions and research projects, all aimed at deepening their understanding of oceanographic processes.
Map showing the ASCA-SEAmester cruise plan overlaid with the sea surface temperature.
Societal impact of SEAmester and ASCA
Programmes like SEAmester and ASCA have a profound societal impact. By providing students with hands-on experience and mentorship from leading scientists, SEAmester equips the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle complex environmental challenges. This exposure is invaluable, fostering a new wave of scientists who are passionate about marine research and committed to making a difference.
The ASCA science component also provides opportunities for capacity building, training and the advancement of research endeavours of new and established South African researchers and technicians.
The ASCA and SEAmester voyage provided an incredible capacity building opportunity for SAPRI research coordinators Riesna R. Audh and Jordan Van Stavel (as deputy chief scientists) to experience behind-the-scenes logistics of planning and participating in such a voyage.
“Participating in the SEAmester and ASCA voyage aboard the SA Agulhas II was an unforgettable experience that underscored the importance of oceanographic research and education,” Jordan explained.
Riesna added that this expedition not only advanced their scientific knowledge but also highlighted the critical role of collaborative efforts in addressing global environmental challenges.
As we continue to monitor and study the Agulhas Current, we pave the way for a more informed and sustainable future.
Acknowledgements
Jordan and Riesna would like to extend their thanks to the chief scientist of the voyage, Mr Gavin Louw (Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment), the ASCA project coordinator, Dr Tamaryn Morris (NRF-SAEON and SAPRI) and the captain and crew of the S.A. Agulhas II for another successful voyage. Their expertise is unmatched.
This article was originally published on the South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON) website authored by Riesna R. Audh and Jordan Van Stavel of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) (link).
