The Southern Ocean Time Series sub-facility provides high temporal resolution observations in sub-Antarctic waters.  Observations are broad and include measurements of physical, chemical and biogeochemical parameters from multiple deep water moorings in the sub-Antarctic Zone southwest of Tasmania.  The emphasis is on inter-annual variations of upper ocean properties and their influence on exchange with the deep ocean.  The continuous time-series provided permits investigation into issues of ocean physics and chemistry, climate change, carbon cycling and biogeochemical controls on marine productivity.  These moorings provide cost-effective observations and overcome the infrequent availability of ships in the region. 

The Southern Ocean Time Series site southwest of Tasmania is comprised of a number of elements including a deep ocean sediment trap mooring, a Pulse biogeochemistry mooring and an air-sea flux mooring (separately managed by the Air-Sea Flux Stations sub-facility).  Located in the sub-Antarctic Zone near 140^oE, 47^oS, the site is particularly vulnerable to the extreme weather events that typify the area including very large waves, strong currents and severe storms, presenting significant technical and engineering challenges during infrastructure development.  The Southern Ocean Time Series is an Australian contribution to OceanSITES and is one of the few comprehensive Southern Ocean sites globally.