南大洋对全球气候系统以及当地独特的生态系统的重要性不言而喻。那里路途遥远,后勤保障困难,因此是地球上数据采集最少的地区之一。设计和执行一套观测物理、生物化学以及生态过程的系统,是一项令人望而生畏的挑战。以2006年在澳大利亚霍巴特、2007年德国不来梅以及2008年俄罗斯圣彼得堡召开的会议为基础,南极研究科学理事会与海洋研究科学理事会 The importance of the Southern Ocean to the global climate system and the unique ecosystem of the region is self-evident. There are long distances and logistical difficulties, making it one of the least data-intensive areas on Earth. Designing and implementing a system of observing physical, biochemical, and ecological processes is a daunting challenge. Based on the meetings held in Hobart, Australia in 2006, Bremer in 2007 in Germany and St. Petersburg, Russia in 2008, the Antarctic Research Council of Science and the Scientific Council for Oceanography