Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 03/31/2011 - 14:48
Forums
Seawater Property Changes in the Southern Ocean

Hello Mr. Botella,

I'm Emily Q. from Mr. Wood's 6th period class.  I was wondering if this is one of your most life changing experiences.  I know you are still on your expedition, but i was wondering if you have learned why the seawater property changes in the southern ocean.  One of the questions that has been on my mind is, do you miss your family?  Just wondering, but have you seen any sea life?  Please write back!! :)

-Emily Q. :D P.S. Hope you are having fun!!!

Thu, 03/31/2011 - 17:14

Juan Botella

Hi Emily, thanks fro writing. You are right in saying it is too early to know what
the long lasting impact will be of this expedition. At this moment it has
changed my life drastically. I do miss my family a lot. It is the hardest
thing of being away fro that long.
About sea water properties, we have not analyzed the data yet, but have the
hypothesis that we will observe changes int he amount of CO2 int he water
due to the increase of atmospheric CO2. We also believe we will observe a
reduction in pH levels, which would indicate the oceans are becoming more
acidic also due tot eh increase of CO2. We believe we will observe the
effects of more glacier melting on teh Amundsen Sea. It will take time for
us to determine if this is the case.
About the animals, I have seen the following flying birds: Skuas, Petreles
and Albatross. I have seen the following seals: Wedell, Leopard and
Crabeater. We saw from a far distance Minke whales and Orcas, and form a
very close distance Humpback whales. We have seen tons of Adélie penguins
and a few Emperor penguins. You can see pictures of all of them on the
journal
Thanks for writing,
Juan.