Showing 11923 items
1 June, 2016 by Adrian Jenkins
Ocean-forced basal melting has been implicated in the widespread thinning of Antarctic ice shelves, but our understanding of what determines melt rates is hampered by our limited knowledge of the…Read more on A simple model of the ice-shelf-ocean boundary layer and current
1 June, 2016 by Andrew Orr
The glaciers within the Amundsen Sea Embayment (ASE), West Antarctica, are amongst the most rapidly retreating in Antarctica. Meteorological reanalysis products are widely used to help understand and simulate the…1 June, 2016 by Michael Meredith
The Southern Ocean is riddled with mesoscale eddies. Although just a few km in size, these loops and vortices are key parts of the climate system, and are important in…Read more on Understanding the structure of changes in the Southern Ocean eddy field
1 June, 2016 by Rob Shore
We perform a reanalysis of hourly mean magnetic data from ground-based observatories spanning 1997-2009 inclusive, in order to isolate (after removal of core and crustal field estimates) the spatiotemporal morphology…Read more on Decadal period external magnetic field variations determined via eigenanalysis
1 June, 2016 by Claire Tancell, Richard Phillips
Tracking of seabirds at sea is valuable for marine spatial planning. Many seabirds are of conservation concern, including albatrosses and large petrels (Procellariiformes) which face a major threat from mortality…1 June, 2016 by Steve Colwell
Determining the timing and impact of anthropogenic climate change in data-sparse regions is a considerable challenge. Arguably, nowhere is this more difficult than the Antarctic Peninsula and the subantarctic South…1 June, 2016 by Lloyd Peck, Melody Clark, Tejaswi Yarra
The calcareous shells secreted by bivalve molluscs display diverse and species specific structural compositions, which indicates possible divergent biomineralization processes. Thus, studying multiple mollusc species will provide a more comprehensive…29 May, 2016 by Sally Thorpe
Polar oceans are particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification due to their low temperatures and reduced buffering capacity, and are expected to experience extensive low pH conditions and reduced carbonate mineral…28 May, 2016 by Liz Thomas
Antarctic sea ice has been increasing in recent decades, but with strong regional differences in the expression of sea ice change. Declining sea ice in the Bellingshausen Sea since 1979…Read more on Ice core reconstruction of sea ice change in the Amundsen-Ross Seas since 1702 A.D.
27 May, 2016 by Michael Thorne, Melody Clark
Background Flatfish metamorphosis denotes the extraordinary transformation of a symmetric pelagic larva into an asymmetric benthic juvenile. Metamorphosis in vertebrates is driven by thyroid hormones (THs), but how they orchestrate…26 May, 2016 by Alistair Crame, Jane Francis, Rowan Whittle, Vanessa Bowman
Debate continues about the nature of the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) mass extinction event. An abrupt crisis triggered by a bolide impact contrasts with ideas of a more gradual extinction involving flood…19 May, 2016 by Keith Nicholls
Hauling out is an essential component of pinniped life-history. Haul-out behaviour may be affected by biological (e.g. sex, age and condition) and physical factors (e.g. food availability and environmental conditions),…16 May, 2016 by Thomas Bracegirdle
Climate models are the main tool for making quantitative estimates of how Antarctic climate may change over the 21st century. There is high agreement on some aspects of the predictions…Read more on Predicting Antarctic climate using climate models
16 May, 2016 by Clara Manno, Geraint Tarling, Victoria Peck
The effects of ocean acidification (OA) on the early recruitment of pteropods in the Scotia Sea, was investigated considering the process of spawning, quality of the spawned eggs and their…Read more on Pteropod eggs released at high pCO2 lack resilience to ocean acidification
16 May, 2016 by Hilmar Gudmundsson, Sebastian Rosier
The flow of many Antarctic ice streams is known to be significantly influenced by tides. In the past, modeling studies have implemented the tidal forces acting on a coupled ice…1 May, 2016
The migration of the great snipe Gallinago media was previously poorly known. Three tracks in 2010 suggested a remarkable migratory behaviour including long and fast overland non-stop flights (Klaassen et…1 May, 2016 by Clara Manno, Geraint Tarling, Victoria Peck
Scarred shells of polar pteropod Limacina helicina collected from the Greenland Sea in June 2012 reveal a history of damage, most likely failed predation, in earlier life stages. Evidence of…1 May, 2016 by Anna Belcher, Clara Manno, Geraint Tarling
Fecal pellets (FP) are a key component of the biological carbon pump, as they can, under some circumstances, efficiently transfer carbon to depth. Like other forms of particulate organic carbon…1 May, 2016 by Geraint Tarling, Natalie Ensor, Peter Ward, Victoria Peck
The polar oceans are experiencing some of the largest levels of ocean acidification (OA) resulting from the uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2). Our understanding of the impacts this is…1 May, 2016 by Katrin Linse
Despite increased research over the last decade, diversity patterns in Antarctic deep-sea benthic taxa and their driving forces are only marginally known. Depth-related patterns of diversity and distribution of isopods…1 May, 2016 by Kevin Newsham
Antarctica's extreme environment and geographical isolation offers a useful platform for testing the relative roles of environmental selection and dispersal barriers influencing fungal communities. The former process should lead to…1 May, 2016 by Kelly Hogan
Previous advances and retreats of Blomstrandbreen within the cold period known as the Little Ice Age, between approximately 1400 and 1920, are relatively well documented. The seafloor characteristics associated with…1 May, 2016 by Dag Arne Lorentzen, Lisa Baddeley
Structured particle precipitation in the cusp is an important source for the generation of F-region ionospheric irregularities. The equatorward boundaries of broad Doppler spectral width in Super Dual Auroral Radar…Read more on F-region ionosphere effects on the mapping accuracy of SuperDARN HF radar echoes
1 May, 2016 by Hilmar Gudmundsson, Jan De Rydt
Recent observations and modeling work have shown a complex mechanical coupling between Antarctica's floating ice shelves and the adjacent grounded ice sheet. A prime example is Pine Island Glacier, West…Read more on Coupled ice shelf-ocean modeling and complex grounding line retreat from a seabed ridge
1 May, 2016 by Andrew Meijers
An enhanced Altimetry Gravest Empirical Mode (AGEM), including both adiabatic and diabatic trends, is developed for the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) south of Africa using updated hydrographic CTD sections, Argo…Read more on Decadal-scale thermohaline variability in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean
1 May, 2016 by Martin Black, Teal Riley
Rare earth elements (REEs) generate characteristic absorption features in visible to shortwave infrared (VNIR-SWIR) reflectance spectra. Neodymium (Nd) has among the most prominent absorption features of the REEs and thus…1 May, 2016 by Kevin Hughes
The Ardley Cove area (located on the Maxwell Bay shoreline, Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica) is characterized not only by its high biodiversity, but also by a high density…1 May, 2016 by Richard Phillips
Niche divergence is expected for species that compete for shared resources, including migrants that occupy similar regions during the non-breeding season. Studies of temperate seabirds indicate that both spatial and…27 April, 2016 by Lloyd Peck
Most Southern Ocean life is specifically adapted to the unique Antarctic environment. This extensive region is characterized by low temperature, a glaciated coastline and distinct seasonality in sea-ice cover, light…Read more on Vulnerability of Southern Ocean biota to climate change
25 April, 2016 by Anje-Margriet Neutel, David Barnes
For more than a century ecologists have considered that competitive interactions between species are more intense at low latitudes 1 and 2. This is frequently invoked as either an explanation…Read more on Severity of seabed spatial competition decreases towards the poles
16 April, 2016 by Gareth Marshall
We investigate the impact that the four principal large-scale patterns of Southern Hemisphere (SH) atmospheric circulation variability have on Antarctic surface air temperature (SAT): (1) the southern baroclinic annular mode…14 April, 2016 by Peter Convey
Despite recent advances in polar marine biology and related fields, many aspects of the ecological interactions that are crucial for the functioning of Antarctic shallow water habitats remain poorly understood.…6 April, 2016 by Andy Smith, Ed King, Hamish Pritchard
We present a digital elevation model of the bed of Rutford Ice Stream, Antarctica, derived from radio-echo sounding data. The data cover an 18 × 40 km area immediately upstream of the grounding…1 April, 2016 by Gareth Marshall, Scott Hosking, John Turner, Thomas Bracegirdle, Tony Phillips
We investigate the relationship between atmospheric circulation variability and the recent trends in Antarctic sea ice extent (SIE) using Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) atmospheric data, ECMWF Interim…1 April, 2016 by Richard Phillips
Individuals within populations can use different resources, leading to ecological segregation and niche variation. This segregation could have direct impacts on the migratory strategy or breeding success, thus affecting the…1 April, 2016 by Richard Phillips
In this study, we investigate the numbers, productivity and territory distribution of the two species of skuas (brown Stercorarius lonnbergi and south polar Stercorarius maccormicki) breeding at Signy Island, South…1 April, 2016 by Dominic Hodgson, Stephen Roberts
Prydz Bay is one of the largest embayments on the East Antarctic coast and it is the discharge point for approximately 16 % of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. Geological…Read more on Rapid early Holocene sea-level rise in Prydz Bay, East Antarctica
1 April, 2016 by Richard Phillips
Aim Enhanced management of areas important for marine biodiversity are now obligations under a range of international treaties. Tracking data provide unparalleled information on the distribution of marine taxa, but…1 April, 2016 by Andrew Fleming, Martin Black, Peter Fretwell, Teal Riley
The thermal infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum has considerable potential for mineral and lithological mapping of the most abundant rock-forming silicates that do not display diagnostic features at visible…1 April, 2016 by Alexander Brearley
Despite the major role played by mesoscale eddies in redistributing the energy of the large-scale circulation, our understanding of their dissipation is still incomplete. This study investigates the generation of…1 April, 2016 by David Pearce
In this study, which was carried out within the ChEsSO consortium project (Chemosynthetically driven ecosystems south of the Polar Front), we sampled two hydrothermal vent sites on the East Scotia…1 April, 2016
In migratory animals, protandry (earlier arrival of males on the breeding grounds) prevails over protogyny (females preceding males). In theory, sex differences in timing of arrival should be driven by…1 April, 2016 by Geraint Tarling, Helen Peat, Simeon Hill, Sophie Fielding
The ability of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba Dana to withstand the overwintering period is critical to their success. Laboratory evidence suggests that krill may shrink in body length during this…Read more on Growth and shrinkage in Antarctic krill Euphausia superba is sex-dependent
1 April, 2016 by Claus-Dieter Hillenbrand
The spatial pattern and morphometry of bedforms and their relationship to sediment thickness have been analysed in the Marguerite Bay Palaeo-ice stream Trough, western Antarctic Peninsula. Over 17 000 glacial…1 April, 2016 by Claus-Dieter Hillenbrand
Mega-scale glacial lineations (MSGLs) are highly elongate subglacial bedforms associated with ice streaming. However, the link between MSGLs and rapid ice flow is largely qualitative, and there have been few…1 April, 2016 by Emily Shuckburgh
The effective diffusivity based on passive tracer advection is used to evaluate the long-term mixing properties for the period 1980–2012 in the lower stratosphere and upper troposphere (UTLS) using data…1 April, 2016 by Teresa Kyrke-Smith
We extend the one-dimensional polymer solution theory of bacterial biofilm growth described by Winstanley et al. (2011 Proc. R. Soc. A 467, 1449–1467 (doi:10.1098/rspa.2010.0327)) to deal with the problem of…1 April, 2016 by Fausto Ferraccioli
Topography, sediment distribution, and heat flux are all key boundary conditions governing the dynamics of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet (EAIS). EAIS stability is most at risk in Wilkes Land…1 April, 2016 by Catharine Horswill, Norman Ratcliffe, Philip Trathan, Richard Phillips
Intrapopulation variation in resource use occurs in many populations of generalist predators with important community and evolutionary implications. One of the hypothesised mechanisms for such widespread variation is ecological opportunity,…1 April, 2016 by Emma Cross, Lloyd Peck, Melody Clark, Simon Morley
This study investigated the effects of long-term incubation to near-future combined warming (+2 °C) and ocean acidification (−0.3 and −0.5 pH units) stressors, relative to current conditions (−0.3 °C and…1 April, 2016 by Mark Clilverd
The daily maximum relativistic electron flux at geostationary orbit can be predicted well with a set of daily averaged predictor variables including previous day's flux, seed electron flux, solar wind…28 March, 2016 by Nigel Meredith, Richard Horne, Sarah Glauert
“Peculiar” or “butterfly” electron pitch angle distributions (PADs), with minima near 90°, have recently been observed in the inner radiation belt. These electrons are traditionally treated by pure pitch angle…26 March, 2016 by Emilie Capron
Orbital tuning is central for ice core chronologies beyond annual layer counting, available back to 60 ka (i.e. thousand of years before 1950) for Greenland ice cores. While several complementary…24 March, 2016 by Carl Robinson, David Jones, Hilmar Gudmundsson
We have developed a new high-precision GNSS receiver specifically designed for long-term unattended deployments in remote areas. The receiver reports its status, and can be reprogrammed remotely, through an integrated…21 March, 2016 by Philip Trathan
We measured mercury concentration ([Hg]) and nitrogen stable isotope values (δ15N) in tail feathers that were replaced during the non-breeding period of streaked shearwaters Calonectris leucomelas that bred on 3…18 March, 2016 by David Pearce
In this study we assess global biogeography and correlation patterns among three components of microbial life: bacteria, microeukaryotes, and T4-like myoviruses. In addition to environmental and biogeographical considerations, we have…11 March, 2016 by Lloyd Peck, Simon Morley
Assessing the sensitivity of ectotherms to variability in their environment is a key challenge, especially in the face of rapid warming of the Earth's surface. Comparing the upper temperature limits…10 March, 2016 by David Pearce, Peter Convey
Planococcus rifietoensis M8T (=DSM 15069T = ATCC BAA-790T) is a halotolerant bacterium with potential plant growth promoting properties isolated from an algal mat collected from a sulfurous spring in Campania…8 March, 2016 by Mark Clilverd
The influence of solar variability on the polar atmosphere and climate due to energetic electron precipitation (EEP) has remained an open question largely due to lack of a long-term EEP…1 March, 2016 by Anje-Margriet Neutel, Michael Thorne
Stability of a dynamic equilibrium in a predator-prey system depends both on the type of functional response and on the point of equilibrium on the response curve. Saturation effects from…1 March, 2016 by Markus Frey
Variations in the stable oxygen isotope composition of atmospheric nitrate act as novel tools for studying oxidative processes taking place in the troposphere. They provide both qualitative and quantitative constraints…1 March, 2016 by Peter Convey
Studies of cryptogam responses to climate change in the polar regions are scarce because these slow-growing organisms require long-term monitoring studies. Here, we analyse the response of a lichen and…1 March, 2016
Weddell seals, Leptonychotes weddellii, are important apex predators in the food web of the Antarctic marine ecosystem. However, detailed information on their trophic relationships with cephalopods is scarce. Moreover, cephalopods…1 March, 2016 by Dani Jones, Huw Griffiths
Our understanding of how environmental change in the Southern Ocean will affect marine diversity, habitats and distribution remain limited. The habitats and distributions of Southern Ocean cephalopods are generally poorly…1 March, 2016 by Chester Sands, David Barnes, Louise Ireland, Oliver Hogg, Peter Enderlein, Simon Morley
The Southern Ocean archipelago, the South Orkney Islands (SOI), became the world's first entirely high seas marine protected area (MPA) in 2010. The SOI continental shelf (~44 000 km2), was…1 March, 2016 by Philip Trathan
Cephalopod beaks found in the diet of predators have been a major source of scientific information. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of DNA and contaminants analysis (total mercury…1 March, 2016 by David Pearce, Peter Convey
Pseudomonas sp. strain L10.10 (=DSM 101070) is a psychrotolerant bacterium which was isolated from Lagoon Island, Antarctica. Analysis of its complete genome sequence indicates its possible role as a plant-growth…1 March, 2016
Determining patterns in annual movements of animals is an important component of population ecology, particularly for migratory birds where migration timing and routes, and wintering habitats have key bearing on…Read more on Migration timing and routes, and wintering areas of Flammulated Owls
1 March, 2016 by Katrin Linse
We report the first comparative population genetics study for vent fauna in the Southern Ocean using cytochrome C oxidase I and microsatellite markers. Three species are examined: the kiwaid squat…1 March, 2016 by Michael Dunn
Climate change, fisheries' pressure on penguin prey, and direct human disturbance of wildlife have all been implicated in causing large shifts in the abundance and distribution of penguins in the…1 March, 2016 by Peter Convey
The Antarctic region comprises the continent, the Maritime Antarctic, the sub-Antarctic islands, and the southern cold temperate islands. Continental Antarctica is devoid of insects, but elsewhere diversity varies from 2…1 March, 2016 by Jennifer Jackson
Accurate estimation of historical abundance provides an essential baseline for judging the recovery of the great whales. This is particularly challenging for whales hunted prior to twentieth century modern whaling,…1 March, 2016 by Claus-Dieter Hillenbrand
Oxygen depletion in the upper ocean is commonly associated with poor ventilation and storage of respired carbon, potentially linked to atmospheric CO2 levels. Iodine to calcium ratios (I/Ca) in recent…Read more on Oxygen depletion recorded in upper waters of the glacial Southern Ocean
1 March, 2016 by Lucy Quinn
Many wildlife studies use chemical analyses to explore spatio-temporal variation in diet, migratory patterns and contaminant exposure. Intrinsic markers are particularly valuable for studying non-breeding marine predators, when direct methods…1 March, 2016 by Richard Phillips
The conservation status and taxonomy of the three gadfly petrels that breed in Macaronesia is still discussed partly due to the scarce information on their spatial ecology. Using geolocator and…Read more on Global spatial ecology of three closely-related gadfly petrels
1 March, 2016 by John Turner, Lloyd Peck, Peter Fretwell
Climate change can have major effects on the distribution of species. In marine ecosystems, the cold waters of the Arctic have restricted warmer water species from crossing between Eurasia and…Read more on Climate change and polar range expansions: Could cuttlefish cross the Arctic?
1 March, 2016 by Emilie Capron
Interglacials, including the present (Holocene) period, are warm, low land ice extent (high sea level), end-members of glacial cycles. Based on a sea level definition, we identify eleven interglacials in…1 March, 2016 by Markus Frey
Smart et al. (2014) suggested that the detection of nitrate spikes in polar ice cores from solar energetic particle (SEP) events could be achieved if an analytical system with sufficiently…18 February, 2016 by Max Holloway
Large freshwater lakes formed in North America and Europe during deglaciation following the Last Glacial Maximum. Rapid drainage of these lakes into the Oceans resulted in abrupt perturbations in climate,…10 February, 2016 by Alexandra Weiss, John King, Thomas Lachlan-Cope
Comprehensive aircraft observations are used to characterise surface roughness over the Arctic marginal ice zone (MIZ) and consequently make recommendations for the parameterization of surface momentum exchange in the MIZ.…3 February, 2016
Glaciers are known to harbor surprisingly complex ecosystems. On their surface, distinct cylindrical holes filled with meltwater and sediments are considered as hot spots for microbial life. The present paper…3 February, 2016
Aggregations of young animals are common in a range of endothermic and ectothermic species, yet the adaptive behavior may depend on social circumstance and local conditions. In penguins, many species…1 February, 2016 by Zhaomin Wang
Desertification is an international environmental challenge which poses a risk to portions of over 100 countries. Research into desertification and climate change has the potential to contribute to natural resources…1 February, 2016 by Emma Cross, Lloyd Peck
Surface seawaters are becoming more acidic due to the absorption of rising anthropogenic CO2. Marine calcifiers are considered to be the most vulnerable organisms to ocean acidification due to the…1 February, 2016
Edward Leicester Atkinson qualified at St Thomas's Hospital in 1906 and joined the Navy in 1908. He was a doctor and parasitologist on Captain Scott's Terra Nova expedition to the…Read more on Edward Leicester Atkinson (1881-1929): Antarctic explorer, scientist and naval surgeon
1 February, 2016
Murray Levick is best known for being one of the surgeons on Scott’s Terra Nova Antarctic expedition (1910–1913) and, as a member of the Northern Party of that expedition, spending…Read more on George Murray Levick (1876-1956), Antarctic explorer
1 February, 2016 by Andrew Fleming, Kevin Hughes, Louise Ireland, Peter Convey
Vegetation is sparsely distributed over Antarctica's ice-free ground, and distinct plant communities are present in each of the continent's 15 recently identified Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions (ACBRs). With rapidly increasing…1 February, 2016 by Kevin Newsham, Peter Fretwell
Soil fungi have pivotal ecological roles as decomposers, pathogens and symbionts1, 2. Alterations to their diversity arising from climate change could have substantial effects on ecosystems, particularly those undergoing rapid…Read more on Relationship between soil fungal diversity and temperature in the maritime Antarctic
1 February, 2016 by Richard Phillips
Aim Ecological niche modelling can provide valuable insight into species' environmental preferences and aid the identification of key habitats for populations of conservation concern. Here, we integrate biologging, satellite remote-sensing…1 February, 2016 by Roger Worland, Peter Convey
The Antarctic Peninsula is one of three regions of the planet that have experienced the highest rates of climate warming over recent decades. Based on a comprehensive large-scale resurvey, allowing…Read more on Vascular plant changes in extreme environments: effects of multiple drivers
1 February, 2016 by Johnnie Edmonston, Philip Trathan
Investigating the responses of marine predators to environmental features is of key importance for understanding their foraging behaviour and reproductive success. In this study we examined the foraging behaviour of…1 February, 2016 by Teal Riley
New geochronology from a thick (> 800m) basaltic succession along the eastern margin of the Antarctic Peninsula confirm a Middle Jurassic age (178 ± 1 Ma). This marginally postdates the…Read more on Evolution of the Antarctic Peninsula lithosphere: evidence from Mesozoic mafic rocks
1 February, 2016 by Andrew Orr, Daniel Bannister, James Pope, Scott Hosking, John Turner, Pranab Deb, Steve Colwell, Tony Phillips
Despite the recent significant climatic changes observed over West Antarctica, which include large warming in central West Antarctica and accelerated ice loss, adequate validation of regional simulations of meteorological variables…1 February, 2016 by Kevin Hughes, Peter Convey
The role of aerial dispersal in shaping patterns of biodiversity remains poorly understood, mainly due to a lack of coordinated efforts in gathering data at appropriate temporal and spatial scales.…Read more on Aerobiology over Antarctica – a new initiative for atmospheric ecology
1 February, 2016 by John Isles, Nigel Meredith, Richard Horne
Energetic electrons are an important space weather hazard. Electrons with energies less than about 100 keV cause surface charging while higher energy electrons can penetrate materials and cause internal charging.…