Articles tagged with Antarctica
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers found evidence of historic marine life in Alaskan permafrost, revealing that the Beaufort Sea was not completely frozen over during the late Ice Age. This discovery improves scientists' ability to reconstruct past Arctic sea-ice conditions and inform future climate strategies.
A large section of the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica is expected to break away from the British Antarctic Survey's Halley Research Station in as little as a few months. The iceberg, measuring over 1,500 square kilometres, is part of the ice shelf's natural lifecycle, driven by changes in ice-shelf geometry.
A new study published in Lithosphere found that Permian volcanism contributed to increased atmospheric greenhouse gas content in Antarctica. The researchers analyzed age and isotopic data from zircon minerals, expanding the known distribution of Choiyoi-related deposits and highlighting the importance of subduction-related volcanism.
Dust particles from glacial outwash plains can serve as efficient nuclei for ice nucleation, contributing significantly to ice nucleation in Arctic low-level clouds. This study highlights the impact of high-latitude dusts on glaciation and adds to our understanding of climate regulation by clouds.
A new study reveals that a small number of intense storms around Antarctica control up to 60% of annual snowfall in some places. These extreme events are responsible for the marked differences in snowfall from year to year, with one event accounting for 44% of annual snowfall.
A landmark study reveals the Arctic Tern's remarkable migration route, including an 8,000km non-stop flight over the Indian Ocean. The birds' stop-off points are also revealed, highlighting key locations in the UK and beyond.
Researchers have discovered that tall ice-cliffs on glaciers can trigger massive calving events, which could lead to rapid sea-level rise. The study found that cliffs over 100 meters high are most susceptible to slumping, a process that accelerates calving without waiting for the melting of the front.
A long-term experiment in the Arctic deep sea reveals that sedentary animals colonize new habitats at a slow pace. The study found that it took up to 18 years for the first settlers to establish themselves, with only 13 species of multicellular invertebrates identified after four decades.
A team of scientists analyzed biodiversity patterns in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica, revealing that biotic interactions are essential for understanding ecosystem dynamics. The study found that biogeography and species interactions are stronger drivers of biodiversity than previously expected.
Researchers measured the area impacted by humans in Antarctica for the first time, finding that 81% of buildings are located within 0.44% of ice-free land, which supports diverse flora and fauna.
Belgica antarctica flies secrete a clear jelly around their eggs, acting as temperature and humidity buffer. The gel helps the eggs survive Antarctica's temperature fluctuations and dryness, allowing them to thrive in the continent's extreme environment.
A new study links sea ice loss in the Arctic to major climate events, including rapid warming of 16 degrees Celsius in Greenland. The research, published in PNAS, used ice cores and numerical model simulations to determine that sea ice changes played a critical role in past abrupt climate change events.
Scientists found that Arctic cod developed their antifreeze gene by assembling tiny fragments of noncoding DNA, which were later duplicated and edited to create a functional protein. The study reveals an unexpected mechanism for the evolution of new genes.
Researchers on an international ocean drilling expedition are studying the West Antarctic Ice Sheet's history to understand its role in future sea level rise. The study will help determine how changes in seawater and air temperature have affected ice gain or loss over millions of years.
Scientists discovered that Antarctic meltwater streams retain their chemical composition regardless of flow rate, with high levels of chemical weathering being the primary mechanism. This finding has implications for understanding stream behavior and predicting water quality changes in temperate watersheds.
Researchers from Leipzig's TROPOS Institute are part of a Spanish Antarctic expedition investigating the influence of sugar compounds on cloud formation above the ocean. The team aims to understand feedback mechanisms that influence climate change, with implications for ecosystems in polar regions.
Scientists have discovered an iguana-sized reptile, named Antarctanax shackletoni, with unique adaptations to the extreme Antarctic environment. The ancient creature, a carnivore that hunted early mammals and amphibians, provides insights into prehistoric Antarctica's rapid evolution and diversification after mass extinction events.
Researchers uncover fossilized remains of Antarctanax shackletoni, an iguana-sized reptile with unique adaptations for hunting and survival. The discovery provides insights into prehistoric Antarctica's rapid evolution and diversification following a mass extinction event.
A team of researchers, led by Julia Wellner and Karsten Gohl, will drill into the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to study its history and potential impact on sea level rise. The expedition aims to understand the past interplay between seawater and air temperature, which could provide insights into possible future behavior.
A recent study reveals that permafrost temperatures have risen globally, with continuous permafrost warming by 0.39°C and discontinuous permafrost by 0.20°C between 2007 and 2016. This increase in permafrost temperature has severe consequences, including the release of carbon dioxide and methane, which speed up global warming.
The world's permafrost soils have warmed by an average of 0.3 degrees Celsius between 2007 and 2016, according to a new global study. This warming poses significant threats to infrastructure and the environment, including increased carbon dioxide and methane emissions.
Researchers identified two new fungal species, M. hoshinonis and V. ellesmerensis, in a rapidly melting Arctic glacier. The discoveries highlight the critical role fungi play in decomposing organic material and could have catastrophic effects if glaciers melt due to climate change.
The Antarctic Ice Sheet has experienced a significant increase in mass loss over the past four decades, with West Antarctica being the primary contributor. The estimated rate of mass loss increased from 40 Gt/yr in the 1980s to over 250 Gt/yr in the 2010s.
A UCI/JPL study found Antarctica losing six times more ice mass annually now than 40 years ago, resulting in a half-inch rise in global sea levels. The accelerated melting is attributed to climate change and warm ocean water, with East Antarctica contributing significantly to the total ice mass loss.
A non-biting midge, Eretmoptera murphyi, is found to release large volumes of nutrients into the soil on Signy Island, affecting peat decomposition and biodiversity. The single introduced species can lead to a three- to four-fold increase in nitrogen relative to areas without its presence.
A new study has detected bacteria from humans in Antarctic and Subantarctic marine birds, revealing the fragility of polar ecosystems. The research highlights the risk of massive deaths and extinctions of local fauna populations due to pathogens introduced by human activity.
A new study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that ozone depletion above Antarctica increases snowfall, partially offsetting the continent's ice sheet mass loss. However, the gains in snowfall are outpaced by an even greater ice loss rate due to warming oceans.
Researchers discovered that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) sends messages to Antarctica, causing sudden changes in global climate conditions. The study found that a weakening AMOC could trigger abrupt climate shifts, affecting Asia's monsoons and carbon dioxide absorption.
Researchers documented two-part climatic connections between the North Atlantic Ocean and Antarctica, with rapid changes in climate caused by strengthening and weakening of an oceanic current that warms Greenland and Europe. The study reveals a fast atmospheric connection sending 'text messages' to Antarctica and a slower oceanic conne...
Researchers warn that Antarctica's ice sheet, which holds 190 feet of potential sea level rise, is under stress due to increasing meltwater on its surface. This could lead to the collapse of ice shelves and increased flow of ice into the ocean, contributing to global sea level rise.
Researchers found that Antarctica's mountains and valleys were formed by rivers, rather than glaciers, in a warmer era. The study suggests that this knowledge could aid in understanding how the ice sheet might respond to continued climate warming.
The Italian team aims to extract ice cores from glaciers threatened by global warming, providing centuries of historical climate data. The project involves an international governance to conserve and utilize the samples for future scientific analyses.
Scientists have used satellite gravity data from the GOCE mission to image the structure of the Earth's lithosphere, revealing large-scale tectonic features and complex patterns in ancient cratons. These findings improve our understanding of Antarctica's deep structure and its connection to the rest of the planet.
Scientists have discovered that winds blowing across Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf cause it to vibrate, producing a near-constant set of seismic tones. The vibrations can be used to monitor changes in the ice shelf from afar and may provide insights into climate change.
Researchers at Portland State University found that millions of cubic meters of buried ice have melted in the last decade, leading to unprecedented change over Antarctica's historic period. The culprit is believed to be meltwater, which can conduct heat and cause rapid changes.
A small ice-free oasis between sea ice-covered oceans and land ice sheets supported marine life for at least 5,000 years. This discovery sheds light on the vulnerability of Arctic ecosystems to rapid climate change.
Adding Arctic weather observations can help predict tropical cyclones' tracks and intensity more accurately, reducing extreme weather event risks. The study used radiosonde data from the Arctic to forecast three tropical cyclones, showing improved predictability with additional observations.
A new study reveals that East Antarctic Ice Sheet may melt under 2°C of sustained warming, posing a threat to global sea levels and human civilization. The research found that ice loss from the EAIS likely contributed to higher sea levels in the past.
A study by University of Washington researchers has discovered a new clue to the behavior of a region in West Antarctica, where a volcano under the ice sheet is leaving an almost 6,000-year record of glacier motion. The data suggests that the current thickening trend may be short-term and not indicative of long-term changes.
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev present marine magnetic data that shows motion between East and West Antarctica continued for another 15 million years than previously thought. This discovery has significant implications for understanding tectono-volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean.
A new study using data from diving robots reveals that Antarctic winter seas exhale significantly more carbon dioxide than previously believed. The Southern Ocean is currently near neutral with respect to removal of carbon from the atmosphere, contrary to previous studies.
Researchers have found that a 'flushing' of the deep Pacific Ocean caused by accelerated water circulation patterns led to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during deglaciation. This phenomenon could happen again, potentially amplifying human-caused climate change.
Researchers studying ocean temperatures in West Antarctica found a complex cycle of warming and cooling that affects ice shelf melting rates. The findings suggest that changes in deep ocean temperatures can lead to significant variations in ice sheet melting, with potential implications for global sea-level rise.
A new study identifies a disease affecting the starfish Odontaster validus, one of the most common species on the Antarctic sea floor. The disease has afflicted up to 10% of the population, causing tissue damage and altering the natural balance in marine ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have found significant mass loss in East Antarctica's Totten and Moscow University glaciers. If these glaciers fully collapse, they could add up to 16 feet to global sea levels.
New research reveals kelp from Kerguelen Islands drifted 20,000km to Antarctica, highlighting potential for drifting plastics to reach the continent. The study also suggests new species can colonize Antarctica as climate warms, challenging previous notion of its biologically isolated ecosystem.
A team of scientists found kelp drifting 20,000km to reach an Antarctic beach, exposing ecosystems to global warming. The discovery challenges the idea that Antarctica is isolated and has significant implications for how ecosystems will change.
A new study reveals that foreign kelp has drifted 20,000km to reach Antarctica, challenging the long-held notion of the continent's isolation. The discovery sheds light on the science of ocean drift and its implications for climate change.
Scientists have discovered an active volcanic heat source beneath the Pine Island Glacier in Antarctica, which plays a critical role in the glacier's movement and melting. The finding is significant as it suggests that volcanism is an additional factor contributing to ice sheet instability, alongside climate change.
A new study reveals that bedrock in West Antarctica is rising at an unexpectedly fast rate, potentially increasing the stability of the ice sheet against catastrophic collapse. This rapid uplift may be due to a hotter and more fluid mantle beneath the area.
A new study has revealed that the bedrock below West Antarctica's ice sheet is rising at an unprecedented rate, suggesting a much more fluid Earth mantle than previously believed. This discovery could impact our understanding of climate changes in Antarctica and have significant implications for global sea levels.
A new study reveals that the bedrock beneath West Antarctica's Ice Sheet is rising rapidly in response to ice melt, potentially stabilizing the ice sheet. This finding has significant implications for understanding and predicting sea level rise.
Mass losses in Antarctic Ice Sheet have increased globally sea levels by 7.6 mm since 1992, with West Antarctica experiencing largest change. The study, published in Nature, combined satellite surveys and gravitational data to produce the most complete picture of ice sheet change.
A recent climate assessment reveals that Antarctica's ice sheet has been losing mass at an unprecedented rate, contributing to a threefold increase in global sea level rise. The continent's ice losses have risen from 53 billion tonnes per year in the 1990s to 159 billion tonnes per year since 2012.
A team of scientists has discovered that warm ocean water and surface meltwater are destabilizing Antarctic ice shelves, increasing the chances of catastrophic ice loss events. This finding is concerning as ice shelves slow down ice flow into the ocean and control sea level rise.
An international group of Antarctic research scientists presents two plausible future scenarios for the continent over the next 50 years. One scenario highlights reduced sea level rise and intact ecosystems if greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, while the other depicts catastrophic consequences if emissions remain unchecked.
Satellite monitoring reveals Antarctica's glaciers, ice shelves, and sea ice are changing due to climate warming, threatening sea levels with a potential increase of over 50 meters. The continent's ice sheet holds enough water to raise global seas by more than 50 metres.
Scientists discovered that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet rebounded by up to 400 kilometers 10,000 years ago due to isostatic rebound. However, this process is too slow to prevent ice sheet melting and sea-level rise caused by current climate change.
A new study warns that Antarctica's ecosystem is under threat due to climate change, with a metre of global sea level rise predicted if drastic action is not taken. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing effective regulations could mitigate this impact.
Decades of satellite monitoring reveal Antarctic ice loss, with glaciers and ice shelves thinning due to warm ocean water, leading to increased sea level rise. The continent's ice cover has been impacted by climate variability, atmospheric, and ocean circulation changes.