Historical population changes of Adélie penguins in the Ross Sea region, Antarctica, and its climatic forcings

Abstract

The atmospheric-oceanic circulation patterns, especially for the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), two major atmospheric circulation patterns in the Ross Sea region, have been reported to greatly affect climate and marine ecosystems. However, from a historical perspective, the influence of atmospheric-oceanic circulation patterns on penguin populations remains unclear in this region. Here, we analyzed two lacustrine sediment cores collected from abandoned penguin colonies at Inexpressible Island, Ross Sea, Antarctica, and by applying alternative geochemical indices, successfully reconstructed the populations of the Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) over the past ∼1500 years. We found that penguin population peaked during 750–1350 AD at Inexpressible Island, potentially due to habitat expansion in the warmer climate. After comparing with historical records of penguin populations at Cape Bird, Dunlop Island, and Cape Adare, all were found to have a common increase during the 750-1350 AD period in the Ross Sea. The population trend also coincided with extreme activities of El Niño and SAM (+). We inferred that the SAM-ENSO might promote influxes of Circumpolar and Modified Circumpolar Deep Waters into the Ross Sea. The enhanced influx of nutrient-rich deep water, together with a warmer climate may jointly enhance polynya efficiency and population increase of Adélie penguins. Our study indicates the potentially significant roles of ENSO and SAM in the regulation of Antarctic ecosystems.