Antarctica
Articles tagged with Antarctica
Antarctica sea ice collapse driven by triple whammy of climate chaos, scientists find
A new study reveals Antarctica's sea ice collapse is driven by a triple whammy of climate chaos, resulting in record-breaking lows. The Southern Ocean's transformation led to the loss of vast areas of ice equivalent to Greenland, destabilizing global ocean currents and accelerating global warming.
Rapidly melting Antarctic ice shelves may cause global sea levels to rise far faster than expected – new study
A new study suggests that rapidly melting Antarctic ice shelves can lead to a significant increase in global sea levels. The researchers found that long, channel-like grooves on the underside of these ice shelves can trap warm ocean water, causing local melting and potentially weakening the structural strength of the ice shelf.
Newly documented trophic relationship confirmed through video evidence of Adélie penguins
Adélie penguins have been found to consume shelled pteropods as an opportunistic prey, highlighting a previously underdocumented trophic relationship in the Southern Ocean. The study provides valuable insights into the penguins' foraging behavior and its potential implications for the ecosystem.
Study explains Antarctic sea ice growth and sudden decline
A new study by Stanford University reveals that Antarctic sea ice extent grew for decades until 2016, when it declined abruptly due to the release of accumulated ocean heat. The researchers used data from autonomous floats in the global Argo array to analyze the relationship between wind-driven upwelling and sea ice variability.
Scientists reveal our best- and worst-case scenarios for a warming Antarctica
A new study reveals the best- and worst-case scenarios for climate change in Antarctica, highlighting the urgent need to reduce emissions. Under high-emissions scenarios, Antarctica's ice shelves, glaciers, and iconic species could collapse, driving sea level rise and devastating ecosystems.
How do clouds form in Antarctica? The first flight-based aerosol measurements in 20 years
Researchers conducted the SANAT flight campaign to study aerosols' role in cloud formation in Antarctica. They collected extensive data on aerosol frequency, transport processes, and chemical composition, revealing an unexpectedly high aerosol concentration in the interior.
Antarctica sits above Earth’s strongest “gravity hole.” Now we know how it got that way
A new study finds that Antarctica's gravity hole formed as a result of slow rock movements deep under the Earth's surface, which overlapped with major changes in the continent's climate system. The study suggests that future research could reveal how the shifting gravity may have encouraged the growth of ice sheets.
H5N1 causes die-off of Antarctic skuas, a seabird
The high pathogenicity avian influenza virus H5N1 has caused the death of over 50 skuas in Antarctica, marking the first documented case of wildlife mortality due to the virus on the continent. The study found that the virus was primarily affecting the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
A two-week leap in breeding: Antarctic penguins’ striking climate adaptation
A decade-long study found that Antarctic penguin species are adapting to a changing environment by advancing their breeding seasons. Gentoo penguins showed the greatest change, with an average advance of 13 days per decade, making them vulnerable to declining food availability and ecosystem collapse.
New map reveals features of Antarctic’s ice-covered landscape
Researchers have mapped Antarctica's subglacial topography using satellite data and physics of ice flow, revealing previously unseen geological structures. The detailed map improves ice sheet models and guides future geophysical surveys to reduce uncertainty in sea-level rise projections.
A delicate Antarctic balance crucial to global climate
Researchers have identified a delicate balance in Antarctic ocean processes that control the formation of dense water, which drives global ocean circulation and climate patterns. Melting ice shelves and changes to sea ice could lead to significant impacts on global climate.
Ocean current and seabed shape influence warm water circulation under ice shelves
Scientists at the University of East Anglia used an autonomous underwater vehicle to survey beneath the Dotson Ice Shelf, finding that the shape of the seabed is more important than current speed in influencing warm water circulation. This leads to melting at the underside of the ice shelf, contributing to sea level rise.
Antarctic mountains could boost ocean carbon absorption as ice sheets thin
New research reveals that Antarctic mountain peaks can significantly increase the supply of vital nutrients to the Southern Ocean, enhancing its ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide. Sediments from exposed rock surfaces contain higher concentrations of bioavailable iron, which fuels phytoplankton growth and absorbs CO2 through ...
Team studies beryllium-7 variations over Antarctic regions of the Southern Ocean
A Japanese research team studied beryllium-7 concentrations in the surface air over Antarctic regions of the Southern Ocean. Their findings showed that variations in beryllium-7 were connected to synoptic-scale disturbances, which also deposit other stratospheric materials onto the Antarctic ice sheet.
Antarctic glacier retreated faster than any other in modern history
A new study reveals that Hektoria Glacier on Antarctica's Eastern Peninsula experienced the fastest retreat recorded in modern history, losing eight kilometers of ice in two months. The glacier's flat bedrock enabled it to go afloat, causing rapid calving and significant ice loss.
While searching for the world’s oldest ice, scientists find sediment sneaking under the Antarctic ice sheet
Researchers used airborne radar to map an unexplored region in East Antarctica, discovering a subglacial sedimentary basin. The basal unit, a layer of ice, carried small amounts of material from a mountain range and left behind sediment, forming a novel kind of basin.
Compound from Antarctic microorganism can be used to produce food, cosmetics, and medicine
A bioactive compound produced by Bacillus licheniformis has antioxidant, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties. Its exopolysaccharide production is beneficial for producing biodegradable materials, and its functional properties surpass those of commercial xanthan gum.
Why the East Antarctic interior is warming faster and earlier than its coastal areas
A 30-year study reveals East Antarctica's interior is warming at a rate of 0.45-0.72°C per decade, faster than global average, driven by changes in the Southern Indian Ocean. This warming process may underestimate future Antarctic ice loss predictions.
Microalgae are more significant for carbon dioxide absorption in the Southern Ocean than previously thought
A study by Alfred Wegener Institute revealed that microalgae in the Southern Ocean played a significant role in reducing global atmospheric CO2 levels 14,000 years ago. The findings suggest that changes in sea ice extent had a direct impact on algal productivity and carbon transport to the deep sea.
Abrupt Antarctic changes could have ‘catastrophic consequences for generations to come’, experts warn
New research warns of impending abrupt Antarctic changes that could have devastating consequences for the region's wildlife, ocean ecosystems, and global climate. The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is at risk of collapse, leading to catastrophic sea level rise and warming in Australia and beyond.
Antarctica’s changing threat landscape underscores the need for coordinated action
A new report highlights emerging threats to Antarctic conservation, including extreme precipitation events, potential militarization, and global disruptions. The report identifies opportunities to strengthen and future-proof governance by responding to these threats with proactive measures.
New study illuminates how diatoms thrive in — and light up — the Southern Ocean
Researchers have identified diatoms as the dominant microorganisms in a previously mysterious area of the Southern Ocean. The study's findings suggest that diatoms are responsible for the high levels of reflectance observed in satellite images, providing new insights into carbon cycling and ocean biology.
Old aerial photos give scientists a new tool to predict sea level rise
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen analyzed old aerial photos to better understand mechanisms behind Antarctic ice shelf collapse. The study reveals that rising sea temperatures are a primary driver of collapse, contradicting previous assumptions.
Southern Ocean saltier, hotter and losing ice fast as decades-long trend unexpectedly reverses
Researchers have discovered a sudden rise in surface salinity south of 50° latitude, coinciding with a dramatic loss of sea ice around Antarctica. The findings suggest a dangerous feedback loop where less ice leads to more heat, which leads to even less ice.
Tiny ocean migrants play a massive role in Southern Ocean carbon storage
A groundbreaking study reveals that small zooplankton like copepods and krill enhance carbon sequestration through seasonal migrations. These tiny creatures store around 65 million tonnes of carbon annually in the deep ocean.
Sea ice plays important role in variability of carbon uptake by Southern Ocean
Longer winter sea ice duration is associated with a 20% increase in atmospheric CO2 absorption by the Southern Ocean. Sea ice protects the ocean from strong winds, allowing it to absorb more CO2 during winter.
MBARI research and technology play integral role in new Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences
International collaborations leveraging MBARI’s expertise and advanced technology better understand polar environments, including the Arctic seafloor and Southern Ocean. Researchers study seafloor processes, carbon and climate, and biodiversity in these regions.
Protected Antarctic oceanic life threatened by ships anchoring, first underwater videos show
A recent study has gathered the first video evidence of anchoring and chain damage in Antarctic waters, highlighting a critically understudied conservation issue. The research found that anchor impacts can cause localized destruction to seafloor habitats, leading to the loss of slow-growing, sessile species.
Noise pollution could cause stress to and disrupt the fauna of Antarctica, according to a study by Udelar and UPF
A study by Udelar and UPF found that noise pollution generated by human activity can be a significant stressor for Antarctic fauna. The researchers recorded sounds on Ardley Island and concluded that the power generator altered the island's soundscape, potentially affecting animal behavior and welfare.
Climate change: Penguin guano may help reduce effects of climate change in Antarctica
Measuring ammonia concentration near an Adelie penguin colony found increased levels when wind blew from the colony, suggesting a connection between penguin guano and climate change mitigation. The study suggests that penguin guano may help reduce the effects of climate change on Antarctica by contributing to increased cloud formation.
Study reveals healing the ozone hole helps the Southern Ocean take up carbon
A new study reveals that the negative effects of the ozone hole on the Southern Ocean's carbon uptake are reversible, but only if greenhouse gas emissions rapidly decrease. The study found that as the ozone hole heals, its influence on the ocean's carbon sink diminishes, while the influence of greenhouse gas emissions rises.
Satellites observe glacier committing “ice piracy”
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that one glacier in Antarctica is rapidly losing ice to its neighboring glacier due to changes in flow direction. This 'ice piracy' effect has been observed over less than 18 years, contrary to previous estimates of hundreds or thousands of years.
Study reveals how Tasman Sea temperatures influence Antarctic peninsula warming
A new study reveals that winter sea surface temperatures in the Tasman Sea play a key role in influencing Antarctic Peninsula temperatures. Higher-resolution climate models better simulate atmospheric wave trains triggered by Tasman Sea SST changes.
Tropical mountain ice cores help decipher climate riddles in Earth’s history
A new study compares tropical mountain ice cores to climate model simulations, revealing discrepancies in Earth's average temperature trends. Researchers found that ice core data and computer models match for polar regions like Greenland and Antarctica, but not for tropical mountains.
Antarctic ice loss accelerated in 2010–2020, then abruptly gained mass
A recent study revealed a record-breaking increase in Antarctic Ice Sheet mass between 2021 and 2023, with significant mass gain observed in four key glaciers. This shift counters decades of mass loss, driven by anomalous precipitation accumulation.
Revealing long-term changes in the marine environment and ecosystems of the Southern Ocean
A multidisciplinary survey in the eastern Indian sector of the Southern Ocean found that the southern boundary of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current has shifted southward, causing a change in water temperature and mac zooplankton composition. The survey also estimated the biomass of Antarctic krill in the area, with comparable results t...
Enhanced westerly winds lead to increased ocean heat transport to the East Antarctic Ice Sheet
Research finds that strengthened westerly winds enhance clockwise oceanic circulations, transporting warm seawater and causing accelerated ice sheet melting in East Antarctica. This study's findings improve future sea level rise projections.
Melting ice, more rain drive Southern Ocean cooling
Surface waters in the Southern Ocean have cooled by 60% since 1990, contrary to climate models. Freshwater inputs from melting ice sheets drive this phenomenon, limiting the exchange of cool surface waters with warmer waters below.
New study calls for uplisting emperor penguins to threatened on IUCN red list
Scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution develop a novel approach to assess extinction risk for emperor penguins, revealing they meet criteria for Vulnerable to Endangered under IUCN guidelines. This change highlights the elevated risk emperor penguins face due to future changes in their Antarctic habitat.
Snapshot of Antarctica’s past helps predict future climate
Researchers studied Aurora Subglacial Basin's subglacial hydrology, finding dynamic rivers that change over time. This new insight may alter predictions of rising sea levels and the role of subglacial water in ice dynamics.
Mere whiff of penguin poo pushes krill to take frantic evasive action
Antarctic krill exhibit sudden changes in behavior when exposed to the water-borne smell of penguin poo, showing increased speed, turns, and reduced foraging efficiency. This 'zigzagging' is an avoidance reaction that may increase their odds of survival in a swarm.
Thriving Antarctic ecosystems found in wake of recently detached iceberg
Researchers at Schmidt Ocean Institute have discovered vibrant communities of ancient sponges and corals in the wake of recently detached iceberg A-84. This observation sheds new light on the resilience and adaptability of Antarctic ecosystems.
AI reveals new insights into the flow of Antarctic ice
Researchers at Stanford University used machine learning to analyze high-resolution remote-sensing data of ice movements in Antarctica, gaining new insights into the fundamental physics governing the large-scale movements of the Antarctic ice sheet. The study reveals that most of the ice shelf is anisotropic, with different physical pr...
Climate affects microbial life around Antarctica
Research reveals that warmer conditions in Antarctic waters lead to changes in microbial community composition, with bacteria dominating over phytoplankton. This shift can decrease biological productivity and affect the global food web.
Japan’s Antarctic Meteorite Collection earns global recognition as IUGS Geo-collection
The National Institute of Polar Research's collection offers invaluable insights into the early solar system and planetary bodies. With over 13,000 classified meteorites, it advances global research on planetary evolution and solar system history.
Study: The ozone hole is healing, thanks to global reduction of CFCs
A new study by MIT confirms the Antarctic ozone layer is healing, with high statistical confidence that reductions in CFCs are the primary cause. The research uses fingerprinting to isolate the anthropogenic signal and rule out natural variability.
Melting Antarctic ice sheets will slow Earth’s strongest ocean current
Researchers find that melting Antarctic ice sheets are slowing the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), the world's strongest ocean current, by around 20% by 2050. This change in ocean properties and circulation patterns has implications for global climate indicators, including sea level rise and marine ecosystems.
Mega-iceberg from Antarctica on collision course with South Georgia: Harbinger of things to come?
Researchers from Utrecht University studied icebergs' routes during rapid ice cap deterioration and found evidence of ancient material from Antarctica near South Orkney Island. The study suggests that Antarctica had an ice cap in the late Eocene, and large icebergs could survive in warm ocean conditions.
Antarctica’s only native insect’s unique survival mechanism
The Antarctic midge employs a unique survival mechanism by undergoing quiescence in its first year and obligate diapause in its second. This adaptation allows the insect to quickly resume development when temperatures rise.
Model of Antarctica’s water enhances sea level forecasts
Researchers generated a dataset of water flow beneath the entire Antarctic Ice Sheet, improving projections of sea level rise. The model predicts higher degrees of glacier melt and mass loss by the end of the century.
Rare bird skull from the age of dinosaurs helps illuminate avian evolution
A new study describes a nearly complete bird skull from Antarctica, revealing insights into the early evolution of today's birds and avian diversity. The skull belongs to Vegavis iaai, an extinct duck-like bird that lived during the Late Cretaceous period.
Cretaceous fossil from Antarctica reveals earliest modern bird
A nearly complete 69-million-year-old skull from the Cretaceous Period has provided new insights into the evolutionary history of modern birds. The fossil, Vegavis iaai, exhibits traits consistent with those of waterfowl and is now considered one of the earliest known members of this group.
Otago scientists discover Antarctic fast ice secrets
Researchers analyzed over 30 years of data to discover key influences on fast ice thickness in McMurdo Sound. They found that storm events, air temperature, and winter wind speed cause annual fluctuations in thickness.
Mapping Antarctica’s hidden ice-free lands: a blueprint for conservation
A high-resolution map and hierarchical classification system of Antarctica's ice-free lands reveal nine Major Environment Units, 33 Habitat Complexes, and 269 Bioregional Ecosystem Types. This unprecedented level of detail provides a critical foundation for protecting biodiversity in the continent's fragile ecosystems.
Record-low Antarctic sea ice can be explained and forecast months out by patterns in winds
Researchers at the University of Washington used a global climate model to simulate how ocean and air temperatures affect sea ice in the Southern Ocean. They found that warm Southern Ocean conditions and patterns in winds can explain 70% of the record-low winter sea ice extent in 2023, with similar predictions made for 2024.
Will the Ross Ice Shelf melt? International team launches second attempt to drill for Antarctic climate clues
A team of scientists, including Binghamton University's Molly Patterson, is drilling into the Ross Ice Shelf to retrieve geological records and gain insights into the ice sheet's response to global warming. The project aims to provide crucial data for adapting to sea-level rise and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists embark on first study of Antarctica’s underwater avalanches
The Antarctic Canyon Experiment (ACE) aims to assess the causes and effects of turbidity currents, also known as underwater avalanches, in the Southern Ocean. Researchers hope to develop a better understanding of Antarctica's role in regulating Earth's climate and mitigating carbon emissions.
Political shadows cast by the Antarctic curtain
A Kobe University research team analyzes the political repercussions of a proposed underwater curtain to protect Antarctic ice sheets from melting. The team highlights concerns around authority, sovereignty, and security, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to avoid conflict.
One or many? Exploring the population groups of the largest animal on Earth
A team of researchers analyzed historical marking data from the Discovery Marking Program to investigate Antarctic blue whale population structure. They found frequent mixing among ocean basins, indicating a single circumpolar population. This study provides valuable insights into the conservation of this endangered species.