The Southern Hemisphere atmosphere is significantly cleaner than the anthropogenically influenced Northern Hemisphere, yet long-term measurement platforms remain scarce. From conception, the RV Investigator was designed as a world-class platform to help fill this dearth of atmospheric observations. Modeled after the Kennaook / Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station—a premier site in the WMO’s Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) program—the vessel features a suite of permanent instrumentation for continuous underway measurements of a broad range of key atmospheric components.
Recognized as the world’s first mobile GAW station, its capabilities include measurements of greenhouse gases, tropospheric ozone, radon, and microphysical and optical aerosol properties, alongside a research-grade weather radar. Over its first decade of operation, this facility has represented a step-change in our understanding of the Southern Hemisphere’s marine atmosphere. By providing high-quality, freely available data from the ice edge to the equator, the Investigator has delivered significant national benefit and earned a global reputation for excellence. This presentation showcases how ten years of dedicated atmospheric observations have addressed critical gaps in climate and environmental science, cementing the vessel's role as a vital piece of Australia’s national research infrastructure.