Skip to content
British Antarctic Survey British Antarctic Survey
  • About

    About BAS

    • Vision and Mission
    • Organisation
    • Leadership teams
    • Corporate & Innovation teams
    • BAS Strategy
    • Science teams
    • Cultural values
    • Safety Together
    • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
    • Diversity in UK Polar Science
    • National capability
    • History
    • Events

    Contact BAS

    Public information services

    Schools & education

    Awards

    Antarctica

    • The Antarctic Treaty
    • Britain in Antarctica
    • Environmental protection
    • Geography
    • Tourism
    • Wildlife
    • Discovering Antarctica
    • Polar fieldwork opportunities

    The Arctic

    • Britain in the Arctic
    • UK Arctic Research Station
    • Science of the Arctic
    • Business of the Arctic
    • Geography, wildlife and tourism
    • Discovering the Arctic
    • Arctic fieldwork opportunities
    • BAS-Arctic Working Group
  • Science

    BAS Science

    • Science Strategy
    • Science now – science summaries
    • Science into Policy
    • Science Impact

    Our research

    • Our research themes
    • Research projects
    • Research collaborations
    • Fellows
    • Polar research facilities
    • Cambridge research facilities
    • Funding and awards

    Applying BAS science to global challenges

    Opportunities for polar fieldwork

    • How to apply

    Opportunities for polar ship research

    UK National Committee on Antarctic Research

    Science and innovation

    • Aurora Innovation Centre
    • Digital Innovation
    • BAS Artificial Intelligence Lab
    • Our national capability
    • Technology, tools and methods
    • Towards Net Zero

    Science and society

    • Our research impact
    • Science briefings
    • Beyond the Ice topical commentary
    • Public engagement in research
    • Education
    • Our events

    Science, students and postgrads

    • NERC Doctoral Training Opportunities

    Science conferences and events

    Our science teams

    • Atmosphere, Ice and Climate team
    • Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptation team
    • Ecosystems team
    • Geology and Geophysics team
    • Ice Dynamics and Palaeoclimate team
    • Palaeo Environments, Ice Sheets and Climate Change team
    • Polar Oceans team
    • Space Weather and Atmosphere team

    Antarctic infrastructure modernisation

    • Infrastructure Project Management Teams

    Research Development and Support team

    Research outputs

    • Datasets
    • Research papers

  • Data

    Explore polar data

    • Find datasets
    • Data systems
    • Polar collections
    • Maps

    BAS publications

    BAS images

    Data as art

    UK Polar Data Centre

    • About the team
    • Data collaborations
    • Data deposit
    • Metadata guidance
    • Data citation and publishing
    • Support for research grants
    • Operational data management

     

     

    Data teams at BAS

    • Archives Service
    • BAS Library
    • Mapping and GIS
    • UK Polar Data Centre
    • Web & Applications

    Data centre contacts

  • Polar operations

    Sites and facilities

    • BAS Cambridge
    • Research stations
    • Research ship
    • Aircraft capability
    • Vehicles

    Polar Operations

    • Our operational strategy
    • Our operational teams
    • Operational collaborations
    • Safety Together

    Engineering and technology

    Pre-deployment training

    Polar fieldwork opportunities

    • How to apply

    Life in the polar regions

    • Camping and deep-field working
    • Food
    • Clothing
    • Health
    • Telecommunications
    • Virtual tours

    Information for Pilots

  • People
  • News and media

    News and media

    • News and Press Releases
    • Latest blogs
    • Latest events

    Resources for journalists

    • Science briefings
    • Picture galleries
    • Antarctic video gallery
    • Maps

    Media visits

    Beyond the Ice expert commentary

    Iceworld podcast

    Communications Team

    • Press Office contacts
    • Creative Services Contacts

     

     

  • Jobs at BAS

    Vacancies

    Jobs in Antarctica
    Register your interest in working with BAS (UKRI)

    Careers at BAS

    • Science
    • Engineering and technology jobs
    • Operational support
    • Field Operations
    • Mariners
    • Pilots

    Contact HR

    Work experience opportunities

    Opportunities for students

    Opportunities for collaboration

    Working for BAS

    • Our cultural values
    • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
    • Diversity in UK Polar Science
    • Employee benefits
    • Life in Cambridge
    • Life in the polar regions

  • Contact BAS
  • Search the site

BAS > Science

Category: Science

A group of people sitting in the snow.

2019/20 Antarctic field season begins

22 October, 2019

Getting ready to go south

Read more on 2019/20 Antarctic field season begins

A close up of a coral.

Krill’s influence on CO2 and global climate  

18 October, 2019

A new study involving British Antarctic Survey researchers highlights the influence of krill (Euphausia superba) on atmospheric carbon levels. It is published in the journal Nature Communications today (18th October …

Read more on Krill’s influence on CO2 and global climate  

Photo of a Sei Whale in the ocean

Stranded whales detected from space

17 October, 2019

A new technique for analysing satellite images may help scientists detect and count stranded whales from space. Researchers tested a new detection method using Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite images …

Read more on Stranded whales detected from space

A flock of penguins

Study recommends special protection of emperor penguins

9 October, 2019

In a new study published this week (Wednesday 9 October) in the journal Biological Conservation, an international team of researchers recommends the need for additional measures to protect and conserve …

Read more on Study recommends special protection of emperor penguins

A boat by the side of snow covered land

Ship is named with royal ceremony

26 September, 2019

The UK’s new polar research ship is formally named the RRS Sir David Attenborough today [Thursday 26 September] by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  In their first engagement of …

Read more on Ship is named with royal ceremony

A boat is docked next to a body of water.

MOSAiC Blog: Last preparations in Tromsø

18 September, 2019 Markus Frey

The BAS SSAASI-CLIM team arrived in Tromsø a few days ago to set up equipment onboard of RV Polarstern. On Friday 20 Sep 2019 the German ice breaker will embark …

Read more on MOSAiC Blog: Last preparations in Tromsø

Background pattern.

World Ozone Day 2019

16 September, 2019

Latest ozone news – world ozone day

Read more on World Ozone Day 2019

Warming up the Antarctic: Harder than you think

29 July, 2019 Melody Clark

Professor Melody Clark, Project Leader, discusses the trials and tribulations of undertaking research in Antarctica. Her latest paper published in Nature Communications shows that rising sea temperatures of just 1-2 …

Read more on Warming up the Antarctic: Harder than you think

Machine Learning Workshop 2019

Machine Learning for Environmental Sciences

21 July, 2019 Rachel Furner

Rachel Furner is a PhD student at British Antarctic Survey, which has recently opened up its new AI Lab, that aims to foster the application of various machine learning (and …

Read more on Machine Learning for Environmental Sciences

Tracking Guillemots with Project LOMVIA

11 July, 2019 Anne-Sophie Bonnet-Lebrun

The Project LOMVIA team continue their work tracking guillemots of the remote cliff of Látrabjarg, Iceland. Post-doctoral researcher Dr Anne-Sophie Bonnet-Lebrun explains more. Tagging and tracking seabirds Our fieldwork is …

Read more on Tracking Guillemots with Project LOMVIA

A close up of a snow covered mountain.

Discovery of rare lava lake on remote sub-Antarctic island

3 July, 2019

A team of scientists has discovered a rare lava lake on a remote and inaccessible sub-Antarctic island. This volcano in the South Sandwich Islands is only the 8th to be identified worldwide to have a persistent lava lake. 

Read more on Discovery of rare lava lake on remote sub-Antarctic island

A satellite in orbit above the Earth

Space weather causes radiation damage to satellites

1 July, 2019

The use of electric propulsion for raising satellites into geostationary orbit can result in significant solar cell degradation according to a new study. The extended journey results in greater exposure …

Read more on Space weather causes radiation damage to satellites

A rocky island in the middle of a body of water with bempton cliffs in the background.

Tracking seabird species in Iceland

27 June, 2019 Norman Ratcliffe

After the initial reconnaissance expedition in 2018, this June Project LOMVIA  – part of the NERC Changing Arctic Ocean Programme begins in earnest (read more about last year’s work here). …

Read more on Tracking seabird species in Iceland

A close up of an animal.

Marine life recovery following the dinosaurs’ extinction

19 June, 2019

A new study shows how marine life around Antarctica returned after the extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. A team led by British Antarctic Survey studied just under 3000 …

Read more on Marine life recovery following the dinosaurs’ extinction

Boaty McBoatface (Autosub Long Range) at its first Antarctic deployment into the Weddell Sea off RRS James Clark Ross

Boaty McBoatface sheds light on warming ocean abyss

18 June, 2019

The debut mission involving the autonomous submarine Autosub Long Range – affectionately  known as Boaty McBoatface –  has for the first time shed light on a key process linking increasing …

Read more on Boaty McBoatface sheds light on warming ocean abyss

A close up of an animal.

Antarctic species in the face of a changing ocean

17 June, 2019

A new study reveals how marine life around Antarctica will fare in an ocean which has declining levels of oxygen. Writing in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society …

Read more on Antarctic species in the face of a changing ocean

A flock of seagulls standing next to a body of water.

Fishing hotspots show where sub-Antarctic seabirds at risk

22 May, 2019

A new study highlights that sub-Antarctic seabirds are most at risk from unsustainable fishing during the southern hemisphere winter and in the south Atlantic and Southwest Indian Oceans. The link …

Read more on Fishing hotspots show where sub-Antarctic seabirds at risk

A penguin standing on a rocky beach.

Seal and penguin poo is major driver of Antarctic terrestrial biodiversity

13 May, 2019

A new study by BAS scientists and collaborators in the Netherlands shows that seal and penguin poo is key to Antarctic biodiversity on land. By studying concentrations of nitrogen-rich guano …

Read more on Seal and penguin poo is major driver of Antarctic terrestrial biodiversity

A penguin chick

“Catastrophic” breeding failure at one of world’s largest emperor penguin colonies

25 April, 2019

Researchers at British Antarctic Survey have discovered “catastrophic” breeding failure at one of world’s largest emperor penguin colonies.

Read more on “Catastrophic” breeding failure at one of world’s largest emperor penguin colonies

A view of a body of water.

Scientists to study methane emissions in North Sea

23 April, 2019

Scientists embark on a three-week flying campaign today (23 April) to study methane emissions from gas fields in the southern North Sea. Using specialised scientific equipment, on board one of …

Read more on Scientists to study methane emissions in North Sea

A construction site in the snow.

New mission for 1.5 million year climate record

9 April, 2019

This week a team of European researchers announces its plans for an ambitious mission to find the oldest ice on Earth (9 April 2019).  Antarctica’s ice has the potential to …

Read more on New mission for 1.5 million year climate record

A man walking across a snow covered slope.

Antarctic snowfall dominated by a few extreme snowstorms

25 March, 2019

A new study reveals the importance of a small number of intense storms around Antarctica in controlling the amount of snow falling across the continent.

Read more on Antarctic snowfall dominated by a few extreme snowstorms

Chart.

Scientists map ‘deepest’ parts of Southern Ocean

22 March, 2019

A team of researchers led by British Antarctic Survey has for the first time mapped the deepest part of the South Sandwich Trench in the Southern Ocean. This part of …

Read more on Scientists map ‘deepest’ parts of Southern Ocean

A group of people in a room.

“Core on deck” – Analysis begins

18 March, 2019 Claus-Dieter Hillenbrand

Dr Claus-Dieter Hillenbrand tells us more about what happens once a sediment core has been recovered from the seafloor.

Read more on “Core on deck” – Analysis begins

A view of a mountain.

Studying methane emissions in Bolivia

12 March, 2019 James France

Dr James France has just completed a week-long flying campaign using one of the BAS Twin Otters fitted with scientific instrumentation. Find out more about his experience.

Read more on Studying methane emissions in Bolivia

A large ship in a body of water.

Marine research expedition sets sail for the South Atlantic

12 March, 2019

A team of scientists set sail this week (12 March) for the remote South Atlantic islands of Tristan da Cunha and St Helena. This mission is part of BAS’ commitment …

Read more on Marine research expedition sets sail for the South Atlantic

A snow covered mountain.

Expedition to Larsen C ice shelf thwarted by sea ice

11 March, 2019

Sea-ice conditions have prevented the Research Icebreaker Polarstern from reaching the Larsen Ice Shelf and the calving areas of iceberg A68.

Read more on Expedition to Larsen C ice shelf thwarted by sea ice

A canyon with a mountain in the background.

Study shows melting ice sheets will disrupt climate

7 February, 2019

Water entering the oceans from melting ice sheets could cause extreme weather and a change in ocean circulation not currently accounted for in global climate policies, a new study published …

Read more on Study shows melting ice sheets will disrupt climate

A hand holding a fruit.

Parents help offspring adapt to climate change

30 January, 2019

Some parents in the animal kingdom can prepare their young for environmental change, helping them cope better in new conditions, a paper published today in Nature Scientific Reports reveals. Scientists …

Read more on Parents help offspring adapt to climate change

A boat on a body of water.

International research expedition heads to West Antarctica

28 January, 2019

An international team of scientists is travelling to the Amundsen Sea – one of the most vulnerable sectors of the Antarctic Ice Sheet – to answer vital scientific questions about …

Read more on International research expedition heads to West Antarctica

Scientists drill to record depths in West Antarctica

24 January, 2019

A team of scientists and engineers has for the first time successfully drilled over two kilometres through the ice sheet in West Antarctica using hot water. This research will help …

Read more on Scientists drill to record depths in West Antarctica

A close up of an animal.

Antarctic krill population contracts southward as polar oceans warm

21 January, 2019

The population of Antarctic krill, the favourite food of many whales, penguins, fish and seals, shifted southward during a recent period of warming in their key habitat, new research shows. …

Read more on Antarctic krill population contracts southward as polar oceans warm

A bird flying over a body of water.

New funding uses seabirds as sentinels of South Atlantic

21 January, 2019

British Antarctic Survey scientist Professor Richard Phillips has been awarded funding to use newly developed radar-detecting tags to track the interactions between wandering albatrosses and fishing vessels in the South …

Read more on New funding uses seabirds as sentinels of South Atlantic

A group of clouds

New study looks at risk to Antarctic marine life in future

17 January, 2019

A new study of the animals living in polar oceans reveals which are most at risk from climate change. The study is published today (17 January) in Frontiers in Marine …

Read more on New study looks at risk to Antarctic marine life in future

A snow covered mountain.

FEATURED PAPER: Himalayan winds

16 January, 2019

Around one billion people depend on water resources originating from the Hindu-Kush Karakoram Himalayan region, attributable to both rainfall and melting of snow and ice. The wind in the valleys …

Read more on FEATURED PAPER: Himalayan winds

A snow covered slope.

Scientists complete remote ice core drilling mission

10 January, 2019

A team of scientists and engineers from British Antarctic Survey and the University of Cambridge has successfully drilled over 650 metres in to an Antarctic ice cap to obtain an …

Read more on Scientists complete remote ice core drilling mission

A view of a snow covered mountain.

Opportunities for Antarctic research – Apply now

9 January, 2019

Applications to carry out small-scale research projects in the Antarctic in the 2019/20 season are invited from UK-based researchers. The Collaborative Antarctic Science Scheme (CASS) provides fieldwork opportunities for scientists …

Read more on Opportunities for Antarctic research – Apply now

A body of water with a mountain in the background.

The impact of ‘alien’ species in Antarctica

19 December, 2018

Of the known non-native or ‘alien’ species found in Antarctica, a non-biting species of midge currently presents one of the highest risks to terrestrial ecosystems, researchers have found. The preliminary …

Read more on The impact of ‘alien’ species in Antarctica

A body of water with a mountain in the background.

Funding to assess shipping emissions and climate hazards

13 December, 2018

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists have been awarded funding to enable them to assess the impact of emissions from shipping and to quantify and manage the risk of climate hazards. …

Read more on Funding to assess shipping emissions and climate hazards

A sea creature

Blog: A research cruise and my gateway to Antarctica

12 December, 2018 Nadescha Zwerschke

ICEBERGS2 – a research cruise and my gateway to Antarctica Nadescha Zwerschke is a marine biologist travelling on the RRS James Clark Ross to Antarctica I’ve only recently started my …

Read more on Blog: A research cruise and my gateway to Antarctica

A close up of a hand.

Increased snowfall in Antarctica buffers sea-level rise

10 December, 2018

A new study of snowfall across Antarctica provides vital information in the study of future sea-level rise. A team of scientists  from NASA and British Antarctic Survey (BAS), describes how …

Read more on Increased snowfall in Antarctica buffers sea-level rise

A flock of seagulls standing next to a body of water.

Seabird populations on Antarctic Peninsula unexpected

5 December, 2018

Results of a new study on Antarctic seabirds shows a larger percentage of their populations inhabit important nesting sites around Ryder Bay, close to British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Station than …

Read more on Seabird populations on Antarctic Peninsula unexpected

A group of people riding skis on top of a snow covered slope.

Ambitious UK-U.S. Antarctic research mission begins

19 November, 2018

A team of UK and U.S. polar scientists are about to embark on one of the largest joint Antarctic missions for more than 70 years. It’s the first field season …

Read more on Ambitious UK-U.S. Antarctic research mission begins

A group of people riding skis on top of a snow covered slope.

Discovery of high geothermal heat at South Pole

14 November, 2018

Scientists have discovered an area near the South Pole where the base of the Antarctic Ice Sheet is melting unexpectedly quickly. Using radar to look through three km of ice, …

Read more on Discovery of high geothermal heat at South Pole

A close up of a piece of paper.

Ice sheets growing from the base

7 November, 2018

Fresh water freezing onto the bottom of the Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets leads to the formation of spectacular plume-shaped features, according to new research published today (7th November) in …

Read more on Ice sheets growing from the base

A close up of a blue wall.

Watching whales from space

1 November, 2018

Scientists have used detailed high-resolution satellite images provided by Maxar Technologies’ DigitalGlobe, to detect, count and describe four different species of whales. Reported this week in the journal Marine Mammal …

Read more on Watching whales from space

A view of a snow covered mountain.

New Antarctic field season begins

30 October, 2018

Science and support teams from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are gearing up for the start of the Antarctic summer field season. A major focus for the season is the West …

Read more on New Antarctic field season begins

A bird standing on a dry grass field.

Monitoring penguins in the South Atlantic

25 October, 2018 Norman Ratcliffe

Norman Ratcliffe, a seabird biologist at British Antarctic Survey (BAS), studies the biology of seabirds and how this is impacted by climate change. Read this blog to find out about …

Read more on Monitoring penguins in the South Atlantic

A pile of food.

Scientists join policy makers to discuss conservation

22 October, 2018

BAS marine researchers join nearly 300 international delegates at the annual meeting of the Convention on the Conservation or Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) beginning in Hobart today. For the …

Read more on Scientists join policy makers to discuss conservation

A group of clouds in the sky over a body of water.

Funding success for British Antarctic Survey

12 October, 2018

New funding stream for sustainable observation and unique BAS British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientific capabilities

Read more on Funding success for British Antarctic Survey

A close up of a snow covered mountain.

Measuring glaciers in the Himalayan mountains

11 October, 2018

Technology pioneered in Antarctica could soon be providing much-needed data on the amount of ice in the glaciers of High Mountain Asia thanks to an ingenious helicopter-mounted, low-frequency radar developed …

Read more on Measuring glaciers in the Himalayan mountains

A flock of penguins in the water

Study of penguin colonies at Antarctic island shows decline

11 October, 2018

Results from a 21-year study into the breeding success of gentoo penguins at a well-known tourist site in Antarctica, reveal a 25% reduction in breeding pairs and a decrease of …

Read more on Study of penguin colonies at Antarctic island shows decline

A seal on a rock next to a body of water.

Fur seals in the Falklands – Part 1

9 October, 2018 Kayleigh Jones

Kayleigh Jones, a seal biologist at British Antarctic Survey, travelled to the Falkland Islands to spend 6 weeks studying South American fur seals. Read on to find out about her …

Read more on Fur seals in the Falklands – Part 1

A large boat in a body of water with a mountain in the background.

Increase in plastics reaching remote South Atlantic Islands

8 October, 2018

The amount of plastic washing up onto the shores of remote South Atlantic islands is 10 times greater than it was a decade ago, according to new research published today …

Read more on Increase in plastics reaching remote South Atlantic Islands

A view of a sunset.

Challenger Medal award

13 September, 2018

The prestigious Challenger Medal for excellence in marine science has been awarded to British Antarctic Survey (BAS) oceanographer Professor Mike Meredith. Presented every two years by the Challenger Society – …

Read more on Challenger Medal award

A boat sitting on top of a snow covered mountain.

BAS wins National Capability Funding

12 September, 2018

The British Antarctic Survey has been awarded National Capability funds for polar science which will strengthen UK national security, resilience, economic growth and societal benefit

Read more on BAS wins National Capability Funding

A body of water with a mountain in the background.

BAS scientist joins research ship ‘drifting’ past North Pole

29 August, 2018

UK scientists will join what could be the largest-scale Arctic research expedition ever planned when the German research ship, RV Polarstern, is deliberately lodged into sea ice to drift past …

Read more on BAS scientist joins research ship ‘drifting’ past North Pole

A view of a sunset.

Melt-rate of West Antarctic Ice Sheet highly sensitive to changes in ocean temperatures

13 August, 2018

Melting of ice shelves in West Antarctica speeds up and slows down in response to changes in deep ocean temperature, and is far more variable than previously thought, according to …

Read more on Melt-rate of West Antarctic Ice Sheet highly sensitive to changes in ocean temperatures

A close up of a half moon in the dark.

Million fold increase in the power of waves near Jupiter’s moon Ganymede

8 August, 2018

Understanding of how Jupiter’s magnetic field interacts with its moons and with intense particle radiation.

Read more on Million fold increase in the power of waves near Jupiter’s moon Ganymede

New magnetic anomaly map helps unveil Antarctica

17 July, 2018

The most comprehensive magnetic map of Antarctica ever produced is published this week (15 July 2018). The new map – which includes 3.5 million line-kilometres of magnetic anomaly data collected …

Read more on New magnetic anomaly map helps unveil Antarctica

A bird sitting on top of a penguin.

Science meetings on conservation of Southern Ocean

2 July, 2018

Science meetings of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) take place over the next two weeks (starting 2 July 2018) at the Cambridge Headquarters of …

Read more on Science meetings on conservation of Southern Ocean

SuperDARN (Super Dual Auroral Radar Network) Halley Radar

The Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) has been operating as an international co-operative organisation for over 20 years, and has proved to be one of the most successful tools …

sea ice header

FEATURED PAPER: Sea-ice loss impacts Northern Hemisphere

20 June, 2018

This study, led by scientists from the British Antarctic Survey, suggests that sea-ice loss in different regions of the Arctic, and of different amounts, leads to different effects on surface …

Read more on FEATURED PAPER: Sea-ice loss impacts Northern Hemisphere

A view of a snow covered mountain.

New maps show why glacier ice front suddenly shrank

15 June, 2018

Pine Island Glacier in West Antarctica is one of the fastest-flowing glaciers in Antarctica. Over the last eleven years, four major icebergs have broken off from its floating ice shelf. …

Read more on New maps show why glacier ice front suddenly shrank

A seal on the snow.

New insight into an enigmatic Antarctic apex predator

5 June, 2018

Scientists from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have, for the first time, tracked the lives of leopard seals as they migrate around Antarctica. The team followed these formidable predators as they …

Read more on New insight into an enigmatic Antarctic apex predator

A snow covered mountain.

Fungi respire millennium-old carbon from Antarctic soil

30 May, 2018

Fungi in Antarctic soils release carbon that is more than a thousand years old, a team led by scientists at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has found. This discovery sheds light on how carbon is released into the atmosphere as polar regions warm.

Read more on Fungi respire millennium-old carbon from Antarctic soil

Chart, radar chart.

Subglacial valleys and mountain ranges discovered near South Pole

24 May, 2018

Revealing Antarctica’s hidden world

Read more on Subglacial valleys and mountain ranges discovered near South Pole

Diagram.

European wind energy generation potential in a 1.5˚C world

17 May, 2018

The UK and large parts of northern Europe could become windier if global temperatures reach 1.5˚C above pre-industrial levels, according to a new study. This has implications for wind energy …

Read more on European wind energy generation potential in a 1.5˚C world

A large body of water with a reseach station in the background.

Special issue on how oceans are changing

14 May, 2018

The seas around the Antarctic Peninsula are biologically extremely rich, but are climatically sensitive, having experienced some of the fastest warming globally in recent decades. A special issue of the …

Read more on Special issue on how oceans are changing

A body of water.

“Hairdryer winds” cause ice melt during Antarctic winter

3 May, 2018

A new study involving scientists from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) suggests for the first time that warm winds are creating large surface melting of ice shelves in Antarctica during the …

Read more on “Hairdryer winds” cause ice melt during Antarctic winter

A train on a track with smoke coming out of it.

Prestigious international award for oceanographer

30 April, 2018

Professor Mike Meredith wins prize

Read more on Prestigious international award for oceanographer

A group of people on a rocky hill.

ISLAND SCIENCE: Living in Harmony

24 April, 2018 Victoria Warwick-Evans

Four people, two tents, a lot of smelly penguins and boil-in-the-bag army rations. That pretty much sums up life at Harmony Point, Nelson Island, South Shetland Islands during January and …

Read more on ISLAND SCIENCE: Living in Harmony

A large body of water with a reseach station in the background.

STATION SCIENCE: Baby its stressful down here!

9 April, 2018 Melody Clark

Stress levels and limpets

Read more on STATION SCIENCE: Baby its stressful down here!

A airplane that is covered in snow.

New study reveals increased snowfall in Antarctica over last two centuries

9 April, 2018

The first comprehensive study of snowfall across Antarctica provides vital information in the study of future sea-level rise. Presenting this week (Monday 9 April 2018) at the European Geosciences Union …

Read more on New study reveals increased snowfall in Antarctica over last two centuries

A flock of seagulls standing next to a body of water.

Warming oceans could put seabirds out of sync with prey

4 April, 2018

Seabirds may struggle to find food for their chicks as they are unable to shift their breeding seasons as the climate warms, a new study suggests. Rising sea temperatures in …

Read more on Warming oceans could put seabirds out of sync with prey

A large ship in the water.

SCIENCE AT SEA: Setting off for the Scotia Sea

15 March, 2018 Zoe Roseby

Zoë Roseby is a member of the science team from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) currently aboard the RRS Discovery. Read on to discover what the team will be investigating in …

Read more on SCIENCE AT SEA: Setting off for the Scotia Sea

A pile of food sitting on a rock.

Brachiopods resilient to past environmental change

14 March, 2018

A new study concludes that a seafloor dwelling marine invertebrate is more resilient to environmental change than expected. The paper, led by researchers at British Antarctic Survey, is published today …

Read more on Brachiopods resilient to past environmental change

A body of water with a mountain in the background.

STATION SCIENCE: Higher predator monitoring

5 March, 2018 Kieran Love

Kieran Love tells us what it is like to be the Zoological Field Assistant at King Edward Point Research Station (KEP) on South Georgia. So, what does being a zoological …

Read more on STATION SCIENCE: Higher predator monitoring

A group of people on a boat.

Research mission to Larsen C Ice Shelf thwarted by sea ice

2 March, 2018

Heavy sea ice conditions have thwarted a science mission from reaching the Larsen C Ice Shelf in Antarctica from which a large iceberg broke off in July 2017. A team …

Read more on Research mission to Larsen C Ice Shelf thwarted by sea ice

A large ship in the background.

SCIENCE IN THE SEA: The adventure begins

22 February, 2018 Rowan Whittle

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) palaeobiologist Dr Rowan Whittle is a member of the Larsen C Benthos research cruise onboard the RRS James Clark Ross. Rowan’s primary role is to assist …

Read more on SCIENCE IN THE SEA: The adventure begins

Signy_header

FEATURED PAPER: Record temperature at Signy

19 February, 2018

On 30th January 1982, a record high temperature of +19.8°C was measured at Signy Research Station – a record for any station south of 60°S. In this paper, we examined …

Read more on FEATURED PAPER: Record temperature at Signy

A boat that is floating in the water.

SCIENCE IN THE SEA: Studying Southern Right Whales

13 February, 2018 Layla Batchellier

Find out what the South Georgia Right Whale Expedition team have been up to during their first few weeks sailing in the waters around South Georgia. Firstly, Susannah Calderan tells …

Read more on SCIENCE IN THE SEA: Studying Southern Right Whales

A collection of small marine creatures

First expedition to newly exposed Antarctic ecosystem

12 February, 2018

A team of scientists, led by British Antarctic Survey (BAS), heads to Antarctica this week (14 February) to investigate a mysterious marine ecosystem that’s been hidden beneath an Antarctic ice …

Read more on First expedition to newly exposed Antarctic ecosystem

A group of people standing on top of a snow covered mountain.

Celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2018

11 February, 2018 Zoe Waring

To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11th February), Zoe Waring, the Marine Assistant at Rothera Research Station, has written a blog about her work at British …

Read more on Celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2018

A whale jumping out of the water.

SCIENCE IN THE SEA: Rolling, rolling, rolling

7 February, 2018 Jennifer Jackson

Whale ecologist Dr Jennifer Jackson, who is leading the first expedition to ‘health-check’ southern right whales since whaling stopped in the 1970s, describes how she and the team prepared for …

Read more on SCIENCE IN THE SEA: Rolling, rolling, rolling

A cat with its mouth open.

Sea butterflies repair shell damage from ocean acidification

25 January, 2018

A new study of tiny marine snails called sea butterflies shows the great lengths these animals go to repair damage caused by ocean acidification. The paper, led by researchers at …

Read more on Sea butterflies repair shell damage from ocean acidification

A person swimming in the water.

Life in the slow lane

19 January, 2018

A new study from British Antarctic Survey shows how five common Antarctic marine invertebrates (animals without a backbone) use less energy to feed, grow and reproduce than their temperate and …

Read more on Life in the slow lane

A person riding a wave on top of a mountain.

Lanternfish reveal how ocean warming impacts the twilight zone

12 January, 2018

A new study from the British Antarctic Survey shows how lanternfish, small bioluminescent fish, are likely to respond to the warming of the Southern Ocean. Lanternfish are one of the …

Read more on Lanternfish reveal how ocean warming impacts the twilight zone

A bird flying over a body of water.

Expedition to ‘health-check’ Southern Right Whales

10 January, 2018

An international team of researchers, led by British Antarctic Survey (BAS), travels to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia this month (January) to carry out the first scientific whale survey …

Read more on Expedition to ‘health-check’ Southern Right Whales

Krill are at the lower end of the Southern Ocean food chain

Managing the fishery for Antarctic krill: A brief review of important environmental and management considerations

8 January, 2018 by Philip Trathan

Read more on Managing the fishery for Antarctic krill: A brief review of important environmental and management considerations

A large body of water with a mountain in the background.

New Year Honours for British Antarctic Survey scientist

5 January, 2018

Our congratulations go to Dr Phil Trathan who has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Southern Ocean science and conservation. Dr …

Read more on New Year Honours for British Antarctic Survey scientist

A group of people on a boat in the water.

SCIENCE IN THE SEA – Part 4: Sea ice and science

28 December, 2017 Ryan Scott

Following the glider deployments our next destination was Rothera, the UK’s biggest Antarctic research station on Adelaide Island. Good progress was made until we hit the sea ice – 120 …

Read more on SCIENCE IN THE SEA – Part 4: Sea ice and science

A man water skiing behind a boat.

SCIENCE IN THE SEA – Part 3: Gliders galore!

20 December, 2017 Ryan Scott

It was finally time to deploy the gliders and I couldn’t be more excited! Autonomous vehicles are regarded as the future of oceanography, and I feel extremely lucky to be …

Read more on SCIENCE IN THE SEA – Part 3: Gliders galore!

A large orange truck in a parking lot.

SCIENCE ON THE ICE – Part 2: Setting up camp at Little Dome C

18 December, 2017 Robert Mulvaney

This Antarctic season BAS scientist Dr Robert Mulvaney is taking part in the ongoing hunt for the oldest ice record Beyond Epica. Using a variety of different techniques, he and …

Read more on SCIENCE ON THE ICE – Part 2: Setting up camp at Little Dome C

ISOL-ICE Lab Blog: Visiting IGE in Grenoble

15 December, 2017 Markus Frey

A new blog from the ISOL-ICE project team describes recent progress in the lab. Read the team’s earlier blog here. Holly Winton and Lisa Hauge have completed now with great success their …

Read more on ISOL-ICE Lab Blog: Visiting IGE in Grenoble

A close up of a coral.

Krill behaviour takes carbon to the ocean depths

15 December, 2017

A new study shows that Antarctic krill behave in a way that could accelerate the transport of atmospheric carbon to the deep ocean. Antarctic krill form some of the highest …

Read more on Krill behaviour takes carbon to the ocean depths

A snow covered mountain.

SCIENCE IN THE SEA – Part 2: Busy biologists!

12 December, 2017 Ryan Scott

First thing I learn as I begin my trip aboard the RRS James Clark Ross is that, scientist on research cruises need to be able to adapt quickly! Within two …

Read more on SCIENCE IN THE SEA – Part 2: Busy biologists!

A body of water.

Tiny ice losses at Antarctica’s fringes can accelerate ice loss far away

11 December, 2017

A thinning of small areas of floating ice at Antarctica’s coast can accelerate the movement of ice grounded on rocks hundreds of kilometres away, a new study involving scientists from …

Read more on Tiny ice losses at Antarctica’s fringes can accelerate ice loss far away

A snow covered mountain.

Collaborative Antarctic Science Scheme – Applications invited

4 December, 2017

Applications are invited for the Collaborative Antarctic Science Scheme (CASS) for Antarctic fieldwork in the 2018/19 field season. The closing date is 5th March 2018. CASS provides opportunities for UK-based …

Read more on Collaborative Antarctic Science Scheme – Applications invited

Page 4 of 6« First«...23456»

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

NERC is part of UK Research and Innovation

UKRI NERC Logo

British Antarctic Survey Logo

Contact us

British Antarctic Survey
High Cross, Madingley Road
CAMBRIDGE
CB3 0ET
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1223 221400 Reception

Tel: +44 (0)1223 637309 Comms Team

Contact us
Families and friends support
Location map

Follow us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • RSS
 

Site information

About this site
Privacy and cookies policy
Copyright
Site map
Access keys
For staff and external collaborators
Information for Pilots and Engineers
Send your feedback about this site
Accessibility statement

Athena SWAN Silver award
DWP Disability Confident Employer
ENEI: Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion
Vercida
Henpicked - Menopause Friendly employer

© NERC BAS 2025