The National Science Foundation will support a multi-institution effort between the Rutgers (IMCS, Rutgers Newark), Princeton , University of Hawaii , and WHOI to study how circulation patterns in the Ross Sea structure the biology and biogeochemical cycles. 
The Ross Sea is one of the most productive regions of the Southern Ocean but show dramatic changes in space and time that is difficult to sample using ships.  Therefore this project brings together scientists that will se a wide range geochemical, biological, and glider technologies to provide an unprecedented view of how much phytoplankton are present, which phytoplankton s present and how this biological material is transported into the deep sea.
The projects central hypotheses are that (1) intrusions of Modified Circumpolar Deep Water (MCDW) serve as a source of iron to surface waters of vast portions of the Ross Sea which is critical to stimulate phytoplankton blooms.  In addition to the exciting science the project will (2) integrate real-time links and dialogue with informal audiences through a partnership with Liberty Science Center; (3) develop a professional development program that will engage 30 teachers in a series of workshops before and after the cruise to equip them with the tools needed to bring the excitement of the cruise into their classrooms in real-time.