Sustained year-round oceanographic measurements from Rothera Research Station, Antarctica, 1997-2017

Oceanographic changes adjacent to Antarctica have global climatic and ecological impacts. However, this is the most challenging place in the world to obtain marine data due to its remoteness and inhospitable nature, especially in winter. Here, we present more than 2000 Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) profiles and associated water sample data collected with (almost uniquely) full year-round coverage from the British Antarctic Survey Rothera Research Station at the west Antarctic Peninsula. Sampling is conducted from a small boat or a sled, depending on the sea ice conditions. When conditions allow, sampling is twice weekly in summer and weekly in winter, with profiling to nominally 500 m and with discrete water samples taken at 15 m water depth. Daily observations are made of the sea ice conditions in the area. This paper presents the first 20 years of data collection, 1997-2017. This time series represents a unique and valuable resource for investigations of the high-latitude ocean's role in climate change, ocean/ice interactions, and marine biogeochemistry and carbon drawdown.

Automated summary

Obtaining marine data near Antarctica is extremely challenging due to its remote and inhospitable nature. However, the British Antarctic Survey Rothera Research Station has collected over 2000 Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) profiles and associated water sample data with year-round coverage. This valuable dataset spanning 20 years provides crucial insights into the role of the high-latitude ocean in climate change, ocean/ice interactions, and marine biogeochemistry and carbon drawdown.