Articles tagged with Antarctica
This year's Antarctic ozone hole measured slightly larger than last year's at 9.4 million square miles, but still smaller than in previous years. The protective ozone layer has gotten larger since satellite measurements began in 1979, primarily due to human-produced chlorine and bromine chemicals.
The Mosaic map reveals subtle changes in terrain that indicate the direction ice is flowing now and where it has gone in the past. The digital elevation model complements this view with elevation measurements over more of the continent than ever surveyed before, yielding new information about how topography drives ice flow.
Researchers have expanded the view of climate history by analyzing new ice cores that provide a record of atmospheric conditions up to 650,000 years. The study suggests that current conditions are a distinct anomaly and may be linked to human influence on greenhouse gases.
The American Geosciences Institute announced the winners of its Earth Science Week 2005 contests. James Pugh won the Visual Art Contest with his drawing 'Volcanologists: It's a Hot Job,' while Robert Kendle took home the Essay Contest prize for his essay on paleontology and geoscientist aspirations.
Researchers warn that the breakdown of major ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica could significantly speed up sea level rise, potentially doubling current projections. The study suggests that these mechanisms should be carefully considered in future climate models to ensure accurate sea level rise predictions.
A new study suggests that the opening of the Drake Passage, a shallow gateway between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, led to the formation of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. This current cut off Antarctica from warm southward flowing currents, causing it to freeze and become desolate.
A University of Colorado study found that freeze-dried microbial mats in an Antarctic streambed revived quickly after water was reintroduced, demonstrating the persistence and adaptability of life in extreme environments. The research, led by Professor Diane McKnight, sheds light on the resilience of microorganisms in polar ecosystems.
The Larsen ice shelf collapse was caused by a combination of long-term thinning and short-term increases in surface air temperature, exceeding natural regional climate variation during the Holocene period. Researchers attribute the collapse to climate warming in the Antarctic Peninsula, which is more pronounced than elsewhere.
A NASA-led NRL study found that space shuttle exhaust can form Antarctic polar mesospheric clouds, contributing to a remarkable 10-20% of clouds observed during one summer season. The discovery challenges the interpretation of PMC trends in terms of global climate change.
The space shuttle Columbia's exhaust plume caused a significant increase in polar mesospheric cloud activity over Antarctica, forcing scientists to rethink their role in monitoring global climate change. The clouds formed at an altitude of about 52 miles due to the high concentrations of water vapor released into the atmosphere.
Scientists investigated Antarctic icebergs' detachment from the main continental ice sheet, finding that ice fracturing occurs in episodes and may be tied to seasonal changes. The studies used satellite data, GPS equipment, and seismometers to monitor rifts on East Antarctica's Amery Ice Shelf.
The University of Houston's Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture is designing a research facility on the Greenland Summit. The UH team will conduct site evaluations and initiate tests of an experimental scale mockup station to refine the design.
A new study found that 87% of the 244 marine glaciers have retreated over the last 50 years, with the trend moving southward from the warmer northern tip of the peninsula. The glacier retreat is linked to atmospheric temperature increases, and may affect sea level rise if ice shelves continue to break up.
Researchers have found that Canada's Arctic ice caps and glaciers are thinning at lower elevations due to increased melting. The study suggests that these changes contribute significantly to global sea level rise, with an estimated 0.065 millimeters per year added to sea levels during the 1995-2000 period.
A team of Hamilton College undergraduates, led by Dr. Domack, embarked on a three-year expedition to study the paleohistory of the Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica. The research aims to understand the response of the Antarctic Peninsula to modern warming and its impact on the environment.
A study suggests that high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere led to rapid cooling and the formation of Antarctica's ice sheet. Fossil evidence from deep-sea core samples indicates cold-loving plankton were present in the waters east of Antarctica, contradicting theories that warm ocean currents kept the continent ice-free.
Researchers found that increased solar radiation affects calcium and sodium deposition in Antarctica, indicating a link between solar activity and climate. This discovery sheds light on the Earth's climate system without accounting for human impacts.
A research team has found evidence of microbes living in a rock glacier for the first time, challenging previous assumptions about these environments. The discovery was made in Colorado and is similar to recent findings in Antarctica, where scientists had previously discovered life in inhospitable regions.
A University of Colorado at Boulder research team has discovered evidence of microbial activity in a rock glacier, a barren environment previously thought to be devoid of life. The discovery includes traces of dissolved organic material and high levels of nitrates, suggesting microbes metabolize nitrogen within the glacier.
Scientists at Ohio State University discovered ancient fossils of arthropods composed of tiny bacteria fossils, providing evidence of exceptional preservation. The bacteria self-fossilized, replicating the body of the animal and preserving its shape and texture.
Researchers found that low ozone levels and increasing greenhouse gases contribute to cooler South Pole temperatures, but may cancel each other out in the future.
Researchers detect distinctive fold in the ice, suggesting rapid movement and 'drawn down' towards the bottom of the ice sheet thousands of years ago. The finding implies that the centre of the ice sheet is more mobile than previously thought, requiring rethinking of existing models.
Researchers have found that rock-dwelling micro-organisms can photosynthesise and store carbon just as much as plants in the polar regions. The discovery suggests that even the most inhospitable places may harbor surprising habitats for life, including other planets like Mars.
Satellite data shows Antarctic glaciers speeding up by up to five times their previous speed after the Larsen B ice shelf collapse. This acceleration is linked to climate warming and could have significant effects on sea-level rise.
Astronomers have successfully taken high-quality images using a ground-based telescope at Dome C, Antarctica, which rivals the capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope. The site offers excellent seeing conditions and low atmospheric interference, making it an attractive alternative to space-based astronomy.
Researchers uncover a new Martian meteorite, MIL 03346, found in Antarctica's Miller Range Icefield, bearing witness to significant segments of Mars' volcanic and environmental history. The specimen is the seventh recognized member of the nakhlites group, offering a critical 'reality check' for interpreting Mars data.
Climate modeling reveals that Antarctica's isolation allows the Gulf Stream to dictate warm conditions over Europe. The Antarctic circumpolar current separates the continent from warm subtropical waters, reducing its impact on global climate.
Experts are conducting a comprehensive census of marine life in the Arctic Ocean, which is experiencing rapid changes due to melting ice caps. The project aims to record and inventory biodiversity in the three main layers of the water column and study the effects of climate change on aquatic life.
The oldest Antarctic ice core has been analyzed, revealing eight ice ages and warmer periods over the past 740,000 years. The study's findings suggest that without human influence, the present warm period could last at least another 15,000 years.
The new EPICA ice core provides a complete record of the past interglacial period, allowing scientists to study it in detail. This will help separate human-caused impacts from natural climate fluctuations, providing valuable insights into climate change and its effects.
Researchers used advanced technology to study Weddell seals' hunting habits and physiological adaptations. They discovered that these extreme athletes can survive for hours by catching and eating prey, providing insights into conservation efforts.
Researchers from Hamilton College are conducting a three-year project in Antarctica to test the hypothesis that the Larsen B Ice Shelf system has been stable since its formation 10,000 years ago. They will analyze sediment cores and deploy sediment traps to measure debris input from surging glaciers.
The EarthDial Project features a global network of sundials, including ones in the US, Spain, Malaysia, Honduras, and Antarctica. The web site provides a palpable sense of time on the globe, with shadow angles changing like clock hands in different time zones.
A team of researchers discovered two new dinosaur species in Antarctica, one a carnivorous theropod and the other a sauropod. The theropod's primitive characteristics suggest it may have thrived in Antarctica due to its unique environment.
The UN University report highlights concerns over unregulated bioprospecting in Antarctica, threatening environmental consequences and ownership disputes. Despite the potential for breakthroughs in cancer treatment and industrial compounds, efforts to exploit extremophiles need international regulation.
Researchers found that prehistoric Inuit whalers dramatically altered high Arctic pond ecosystems through their hunting practices over 800 years ago. The team's study revealed a significant increase in moss growth and nutrients in the water, coinciding with deposits of nutrient-rich whalebones and other refuse.
Scientists are studying sulfur oxidation processes and high levels of atmospheric nitric oxide at the South Pole. They aim to understand natural phenomena to differentiate them from human-caused processes in more complex regions.
A research team led by Luann Becker found evidence of a large impact at the end-Permian boundary in Antarctica, suggesting it triggered the Great Dying, a time of mass extinctions. The team discovered shocked quartz, metallic grains, and breccia layers with similar characteristics to other mass extinction sites.
The study reveals a 20% faster rate of Arctic sea ice loss over the last two decades compared to the previous three decades. In contrast, Antarctica experienced a dramatic loss followed by a gradual expansion of its sea ice cover since the mid-1970s.
A new study reveals a significant increase in Arctic summer melt season length, threatening polar bears' survival and global climate stability. The research uses radar data from European and American satellites to measure changes in Arctic sea ice thickness, shedding light on the impact of global warming.
The Ward Hunt Ice Shelf's sudden break-up in 2002 led to the loss of a freshwater lake with unique biological communities. The rupture was attributed to long-term warming and climate changes.
The AMPS system uses a tailored computer model, Polar MM5, to provide detailed forecasts for the extreme polar environment. Meteorologists have successfully used AMPS in emergency rescues from Antarctica since 2001, including a recent medical evacuation and ship rescue.
New research suggests that hot spots on Mars could be the key to finding signs of water and life on the planet. The study, led by Dr Hoffman, compares similarities between Antarctica's Mt Erebus ice towers and potential Martian structures, proposing a new focus for the search.
Researchers have observed a steady decline in atmospheric mercury levels since the mid-1990s, with concentrations remaining relatively constant. The findings highlight the need for further research on the sources of mercury emissions, including both natural and manmade components.
The study reveals that photochemical effects dominate the winter-to-spring ozone increase, while stratospheric sources account for a small fraction of the observed ozone. Local ozone production is found to be more significant than the amount delivered from aloft during late spring.
A UMass study suggests that greenhouse gases were the primary driver behind the rapid formation of Antarctica's ice sheet, contradicting a long-held theory on plate tectonics. The researchers used computer simulations to recreate the world 34 million years ago and found that a drop in carbon dioxide levels triggered the glaciation.
Case Western Reserve University's ANSMET team will conduct six-week Antarctic expedition to recover rare Martian meteorites, expanding planetary science research capabilities.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography used satellite and radar technologies to monitor the height and thickness of Antarctica's ice shelves. They successfully measured the effect of tides on ice shelf height, allowing for more accurate tracking of climate-related changes.
Researchers analyzed seismic activity from six stations in West Antarctica, discovering a significant number of small earthquakes. The study confirms that West Antarctica is prone to earthquakes due to its rift-like nature.
Researchers from Oregon State University and others have found that Antarctica's ice sheets played a significant role in causing the Earth's sea level to rise by up to 70 feet in less than 500 years. This finding highlights the pressing need for better understanding of Antarctica's huge ice sheets and their stability.
An international team conducted genetic tests of bacteria thriving in Antarctica's Dry Valleys, a frigid desert with no recent rainfall. The research aimed to understand how these microbes survive and shed light on the possibility of life on other planets.
Scientists discover mercury released into polar environments when sun rises, entering snowpack and potentially affecting food webs. The 'mercury sunrise' phenomenon contributes to increasing mercury levels in Arctic seabirds and marine mammals.
A 'volcanic ozone hole' is likely to occur over the Arctic within the next 30 years due to high volcanic activity coinciding with cold winters. This could lead to a significant increase in springtime ozone loss over the Arctic, threatening more populated areas.
Researchers at NSF Longterm Ecological Research in Antarctica found a cooling trend on the continent, contradicting global warming expectations. The study indicates that most of the continent is cooling, posing challenges to climate models and potentially affecting unique ecosystems.
Giant icebergs, unprecedented ice conditions, are posing a significant threat to Antarctic penguin colonies. The Adelie colony at Cape Crozier is expected to fail this year due to the destruction of their breeding area, while Emperor Penguin colonies are also struggling to raise chicks.
New geologic evidence from Antarctic mud deposits suggests that the continent experienced periods of extreme warming and cooling long before the invention of cars. These findings indicate a more complex climate history than previously thought, with cycles of warming and cooling caused by variations in solar activity.
A new study from University of Colorado at Boulder shows that global temperatures have risen one degree Fahrenheit over the past 100 years, causing snow and ice to decline around the world. The Arctic region is particularly sensitive to temperature changes, with sea ice extent decreasing by about 3 percent per decade.
Marietta Cleckley, a high school biology teacher from New York, joins Texas A&M University researchers at McMurdo Station to study human impact on the Antarctic environment. She will conduct field activities and teach students remotely via the World Wide Web.
Dr. Baerbel K. Lucchitta's research finds that some Martian outflow channels display similar characteristics to those on the Antarctic sea floor, carved by ice streams. The study suggests an ancient ocean may have existed in Mars' northern plains.
Researchers found a record warming event in Antarctica around 19,000 years ago, with temperatures rising up to 18 degrees Fahrenheit in just a few decades. This event may have been the trigger for the end of the last ice age and rivalled strong warming events in the Northern Hemisphere.