If and when the Thwaites Glacier melts, it will result in nearly 0.6 metres of sea level rise, but it holds back another three metres of sea level rise lurking within the Antarctic continent. Listen to The Conversation Weekly podcast.
The place where oceans turn into ice holds the key to understanding some of the complex interactions of Earth’s climate. Thankfully, we’re making progress.
A recent report reveals 72% of women stationed in Antarctica have experienced sexual harassment. This is a shockingly high number – but change is possible.
As nations pledge to preserve swaths of ocean within their territorial waters, a marine scientist explains why some marine protected areas shelter ocean life more effectively than others.
The front of Thwaites Glacier is a jagged, towering cliff.
David Vaughan/British Antarctic Survey
Thwaites Glacier’s ice shelf appears to be splintering, and scientists fear it could give way in the next few years. A polar scientist takes us on a tour under the ice to explain the forces at work.
The sun rises over Lake Crackenback on a cold morning in New South Wales.
Shutterstock
Scientists just grew plants in soil from the Moon, but Antarctica has long provided researchers with the perfect place to test their agricultural techniques for a future in space.
Co-author Chloe Gustafson and mountaineer Meghan Seifert install measuring equipment on an ice stream.
Kerry Key/Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
We compiled the first list of Antarctic species and where they were first found. This knowledge means we can now protect all of the icy continent’s species.
Layered ice sheets can be vulnerable to fracturing.
Eli Duke/Flickr
The SA Agulhas II is helping South Africa to become a leader in Antarctic science.
Scientists hunt for meteorites on the Nansen blue ice area in East Antartica, close to the Belgian Antarctic research station Princess Elisabeth.
BELARE 2019-2020 meteorite recovery expedition on the Nansen Ice Field
Scientists have crafted the world’s first “treasure map” to reveal Antarctica’s meteorites. These chunks of stone-like material could throw light on the mysteries of our early solar system.
A view of the bow of the Endurance.
Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust/National Geographic
Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research at the University of Technology Sydney and Chief Investigator of ARC Centre for Excellence in Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, University of Technology Sydney
Chief Investigator for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes; Deputy Director for the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science, Australian National University