The Munida Microbial Observatory Time-Series is a long-term ecological research site focused on time series analysis of microbial communities across the New Zealand Subtropical Frontal Zone
MOTS: a mixing zone for ecosystems and science. Providing a framework for understanding microbial community dynamics across an oceanic frontal zone.
The purpose of the MOTS (Munida Microbial Observatory Time-Series) project is to create a long-term ecological research site focused on time series analysis of microbial communities within the New Zealand Subtropical Frontal Zone. The project builds on long-term studies in the Munida transect by layering ecogenomics data.
For the past four years, chemical observations have been paired with biological data: total prokaryotic community composition (16S), eukaryotic community composition (18S), metagenomics, microbial abundance, and activity.
The aim of this research is to provide a comprehensive description of microbial contributions to marine ecosystems within two major water masses, as well as study the influence of oceanic fronts on microbial diversity and function.
Data is collected approximately every two months.