About AMT
The main deliverable of AMT is an unique time series (1995-2012)
of spatially extensive and internally consistent observations on
the structure and biogeochemical properties of planktonic
ecosystems in the Atlantic Ocean that are required to validate
models addressing questions related to the global carbon cycle.
Data sets include:
- Vertical CTD profiles and continuous
underway data
- Optical characteristics of the water
column
- Biogeochemical measurements on water
samples including nutrients, pigments, dissolved gases and
particulate carbon and nitrogen
- Primary, new production and respiration
measurements
The programme received funding through NERC's Oceans 2025
programme as a Sustained Observatory within Theme 10, which is
coordinated and led by Plymouth Marine Laboratory in collaboration
with the National Oceanography Centre. This has secured the
continuation of these measurements along the transect for 5 cruises
from 2008 to 2012.
Since 1995 AMT has been scientifically led and coordinated by
the Plymouth Marine Laboratory. This has involved a total
of 21 research cruises with over 200 scientists from 15
countries, 200 refereed publications and 70 PhD theses.
AMT continues to contribute to science and policy development
including the social and economic understanding of the marine
environment and services it delivers.