17 June, 2015 by Markus Frey
During the 2011/12 and 2012/13 austral summers, HCHO was investigated for the first time in ambient air, snow, and interstitial air at the Concordia site, located near Dome C on…16 June, 2015 by David Jones, Hilmar Gudmundsson
Icebergs are a natural hazard to maritime operations in polar regions. Iceberg populations are increasing, as is the demand for access to both Arctic and Antarctic seas. Soon the ability…Read more on Tracking B-31 iceberg with two aircraft deployed sensors
15 June, 2015 by Paul Holland
An established rift in the Larsen C Ice Shelf, formerly constrained by a suture zone containing marine ice, grew rapidly during 2014 and is likely in the near future to…5 June, 2015 by David Pearce
Viruses constitute the most abundant biological entities and a large reservoir of genetic diversity on Earth. Despite the recent surge in their study, our knowledge on their actual biodiversity and…Read more on Biodiversity and distribution of polar freshwater DNA viruses
5 June, 2015 by Markus Frey
The regional climate model MAR was run for the region of Dome C located on the East Antarctic plateau, during Antarctic summer 2011–2012, in order to refine our understanding of…1 June, 2015 by Emma Boland, Emily Shuckburgh
We test the use of a measure to diagnose a sub-mesoscale isopycnal diffusivity by determining the best match between observations of a tracer and simulations with varying small-scale diffusivities. Specifically,…1 June, 2015 by Paul Rodhouse
Some 290 species of squids comprise the order Teuthida that belongs to the molluscan Class Cephalopoda. Of these, about 30–40 squid species have substantial commercial importance around the world. Squid…1 June, 2015 by Peter Convey
The diversity and distribution of Antarctic life has been strongly influenced by climatic events, in particular by large scale extension of ice sheets onto the continental shelf during repeated glacial…1 June, 2015 by Jonathan Kingslake
A model subglacial drainage system, coupled to an ice-dammed reservoir that receives a time-varying meltwater input, is described and analysed. In numerical experiments an ice-marginal lake drains through a subglacial…1 June, 2015 by Adrian Fox
We report on the activities related to the IAG Subcommission 1.3f “Regional Reference Frame for Antarctica”. Campaign-style GPS observations have been carried out since 1995. Based on the Bernese GNSS…Read more on The Antarctic Regional GPS Network Densification: Status and Results
1 June, 2015 by Roger Worland
Seasonal changes in the FA composition of triacylglycerols and phospholipids prepared from the whole body of non-diapausing and diapausing fifth instar larvae of Ostrinia nubilalis, Hubn. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) were determined…1 June, 2015 by Zhaomin Wang
Carbon (C) sequestration following afforestation is regarded as economically, politically, and technically feasible for fighting global warming, whereas the afforested area which will contribute more efficiently as sinks for CO2…Read more on Effects of regional afforestation on global climate
1 June, 2015 by Eugene Murphy, Emma Young, Mark Belchier, Michael Meredith
Understanding the key drivers of population connectivity in the marine environment is essential for the effective management of natural resources. Although several different approaches to evaluating connectivity have been used,…1 June, 2015 by Philip Trathan
The relationship between population structure and demographic history is critical to understanding microevolution and for predicting the resilience of species to environmental change. Using mitochondrial DNA from extant colonies and…1 June, 2015 by Geraint Tarling
Arctic primary production is sensitive to reductions in sea ice cover, and will likely increase into the future. Whether this increased primary production (PP) will translate into increased export of…1 June, 2015 by Melody Clark
Ocean Sampling Day was initiated by the EU-funded Micro B3 (Marine Microbial Biodiversity, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology) project to obtain a snapshot of the marine microbial biodiversity and function of the world’s…28 May, 2015 by Michael Meredith
Approximately 15 million km2 of the Southern Ocean is seasonally ice covered, yet the processes affecting carbon cycling and gas exchange in this climatically important region remain inadequately understood. Here,…Read more on The seasonal cycle of ocean-atmosphere CO2 flux in Ryder Bay, west Antarctic Peninsula
18 May, 2015 by Chester Sands, Huw Griffiths, Jennifer Jackson, Katrin Linse, Paul Geissler
Information regarding the echinoids in this dataset is based on the Agassiz Trawl (AGT) and epibenthic sledge (EBS) samples collected during the British Antarctic Survey cruise JR275 on the RRS…Read more on East Weddell Sea echinoids from the JR275 expedition
16 May, 2015 by Richard Horne
The presence of the plasmaspheric hiss emission around the Earth has been known for more than 50 years but its origin has remained unknown in terms of source location and…Read more on Identifying the source region of plasmaspheric hiss
16 May, 2015 by Michael Meredith
The impact of a mesoscale eddy on the magnitude and spatial distribution of diapycnal ocean mixing is investigated using a set of hydrographic and microstructure measurements collected in the Southern…Read more on Modification of turbulent dissipation rates by a deep Southern Ocean eddy
13 May, 2015 by Andrew Fleming, Alex Brisbourne, Hugh Corr, Paul Holland
The catastrophic collapses of Larsen A and B ice shelves on the eastern Antarctic Peninsula have caused their tributary glaciers to accelerate, contributing to sea-level rise and freshening the Antarctic…Read more on Oceanic and atmospheric forcing of Larsen C Ice-Shelf thinning
9 May, 2015 by Hilmar Gudmundsson, Jan De Rydt
We use repeat-pass SAR data to produce detailed maps of surface motion covering the glaciers draining into the former Larsen B ice shelf, Antarctic Peninsula, for different epochs between 1995…1 May, 2015
Background Complete and timely health information is essential to inform public health decision-making for maternal and child health, but is often lacking in resource-constrained settings. Electronic medical record (EMR) systems…1 May, 2015 by Paul Rodhouse
This paper explores the contribution that women past and present have made to cephalopod research. It includes short biographies of eight female cephalopod researchers who are now deceased: Jeanne Villepreux-Power,…Read more on The role of female cephalopod researchers: past and present
1 May, 2015 by Mark Clilverd, Roger Duthie, Roger Duthie
On 31 May 2013 several rising-tone electromagnetic ion-cyclotron (EMIC) waves with intervals of pulsations of diminishing periods (IPDP) were observed in the magnetic local time afternoon and evening sectors during…Read more on Electron precipitation from EMIC waves: a case study from 31 May 2013
1 May, 2015 by Mark Clilverd
Very low frequency (VLF) transmissions propagating between the conducting Earth's surface and lower edge of the ionosphere have been used for decades to study the effect of space weather events…1 May, 2015 by Jane Francis
A late Oligocene plant macrofossil assemblage is described from the Río Leona Formation, Argentinian Patagonia. This includes a fern, “Blechnum turbioensis” Frenguelli, one species of conifer, and sixteen angiosperm taxa.…Read more on The late Oligocene flora from the Río Leona Formation, Argentinian Patagonia
1 May, 2015 by Kevin Hughes, Peter Convey
Until recently the Antarctic continent and Peninsula have been little impacted by non-native species, compared to other regions of the Earth. However, reports of species introductions are increasing as awareness…1 May, 2015 by Katrin Linse
Based on a phylogenetic analysis of undescribed taxa within the Forcipulatacea, a new family of deep-sea forcipulatacean starfishes, Paulasteriidae fam. nov., is described from deep-sea settings. Paulasterias tyleri gen. et sp. nov. was observed at recently…1 May, 2015 by Emilie Capron
Polar ice cores provide exceptional archives of past environmental conditions. The dating of ice cores and the estimation of the age-scale uncertainty are essential to interpret the climate and environmental…1 May, 2015 by Lloyd Peck, Melody Clark
How ocean acidification affects marine life is a major concern for science and society. However, its impacts on encrusting biofouling communities, that are both the initial colonizers of hard substrata…Read more on Acidification effects on biofouling communities: winners and losers
1 May, 2015 by Peter Convey
The pravastatin-producing potential of rhizosphere soil microorganisms from mangrove forests has not been investigated in detail. In this study, a total of 20 Penicillium isolates were tested for pravastatin production.…1 May, 2015 by Lloyd Peck, Michael Thorne, Melody Clark, Simon Morley
1.This study examined the effects of long-term culture under altered conditions on the Antarctic sea urchin, Sterechinus neumayeri. 2.Sterechinus neumayeri was cultured under the combined environmental stressors of lowered pH…1 May, 2015 by Zhaomin Wang
Using an earth system model of intermediate complexity (EMIC), the McGill Paleoclimate Model-2 (MPM-2), this paper examines the climatic biogeophysical effects of afforestation in the southern hemisphere (SH) with a…Read more on Global warming caused by afforestation in the Southern Hemisphere
1 May, 2015 by Lloyd Peck
In the current context of environmental change, ocean acidification is predicted to affect the cellular processes, physiology and behaviour of all marine organisms, impacting survival, growth and reproduction. In relation…1 May, 2015 by Richard Phillips
The food and feeding ecology of albatrosses during the nonbreeding season is still poorly known, particularly with regard to the cephalopod component. This was studied in black-browed Thalassarche melanophris and…22 April, 2015 by Jaume Forcada
Quantifying prey consumption by top predators is a crucial component of ecosystem-based management in the Southern Ocean. In this study, we developed a bioenergetics model to estimate prey consumption by…20 April, 2015 by Helen Peat, Jeremy Robst, Michael Dunn, Mark Preston, Steven Bremner, Stacey Adlard, Vsevolod Afanasyev
A fully automated weighbridge using a new algorithm and mechanics integrated with a Radio Frequency Identification System is described. It is currently in use collecting data on Macaroni penguins (Eudyptes…17 April, 2015 by Mark Clilverd
We analyze observations of subionospherically propagating very low frequency (VLF) radio waves to determine outer radiation belt energetic electron precipitation (EEP) flux magnitudes. The radio wave receiver in Sodankylä, Finland…9 April, 2015
Two volcanic cones in the degraded caldera of East Diamante submarine volcano (Mariana Arc) were surveyed and sampled in April 2004 as part of the ‘Submarine Ring of Fire 2004’…9 April, 2015 by Philip Trathan
Spatial and temporal variability in marine biological productivity may drive heterogeneity in seasonal resources available for marine animals in temperate waters. Migratory seabirds are expected to adjust their annual cycle…8 April, 2015 by Huw Griffiths, Jennifer Jackson, Katrin Linse, Rowan Whittle
Philobryids (Bivalvia: Arcoida) are one of the most speciose marine bivalve families in the Southern Ocean and are common throughout the Southern Hemisphere. Considering this diversity and their brooding reproductive…6 April, 2015 by Liz Thomas, Thomas Bracegirdle
Ice cores provide a wealth of information about past climate and atmospheric circulation however a good understanding of the precipitation patterns, potential source regions and transport pathways is essential in…Read more on Precipitation pathways for five new ice core sites in Ellsworth Land, West Antarctica
2 April, 2015 by Melody Clark
A comparative thermal tolerance study was undertaken on two sister species of Euphausiids (Antarctic krills) Euphausia superba and Euphausia crystallorophias. Both are essential components of the Southern Ocean ecosystem, but…2 April, 2015 by Amelie Kirchgaessner, Thomas Lachlan-Cope
Measurements from four case studies in spring and summer-time Arctic stratocumulus clouds during the Aerosol-Cloud Coupling And Climate Interactions in the Arctic (ACCACIA) campaign are presented. We compare microphysics observations…1 April, 2015 by Richard Phillips
Studies of avian migration increasingly use stable isotope analysis to provide vital trophic and spatial markers. However, when interpreting differences in stable isotope values of feathers, many studies are forced…1 April, 2015 by Robert Larter
We present a new seafloor map for the northern Antarctic Peninsula (AP), including swath multibeam data sets from five national programs. Our map allows for the examination and interpretation of…1 April, 2015 by Mark Clilverd
The injection, and subsequent precipitation, of 20 to 300 keV electrons during substorms is modeled using parameters of a typical substorm found in the literature. When combined with onset timing from,…Read more on Substorm-induced energetic electron precipitation: Morphology and prediction
1 April, 2015 by Fausto Ferraccioli, Hugh Corr, Tom Jordan
Recent studies have aroused concerns over the potential for ice draining the Weddell Sea sector of West Antarctica to figure more prominently in sea-level contributions should buttressing from the Filchner-Ronne…1 April, 2015 by Scott Hosking
We investigate the ability of global models to capture the spatial patterns of tropical deep convection. Their sensitivity is assessed through changing horizontal resolution, surface flux constraints, and constraining background…1 April, 2015 by Katrin Linse
Radiation of dramatically disparate forms among the phylum Mollusca remains a key question in metazoan evolution, and requires careful evaluation of homology of hard parts throughout the deep fossil record.…Read more on How the mollusc got its scales: convergent evolution of the molluscan scleritome
1 April, 2015 by Andrew Orr, John King, Thomas Lachlan-Cope
Previously unknown foehn jets have been identified to the east of the Antarctic Peninsula (AP) above the Larsen C Ice Shelf. These jets have major implications for the east coast…Read more on Foehn jets over the Larsen C Ice Shelf, Antarctica
1 April, 2015 by Thomas Bracegirdle
A quantitative assessment of observed and projected environmental changes in the Southern Ocean (SO) with a potential impact on the marine ecosystem shows: (1) large proportions of the SO are…1 April, 2015 by Adrian Jenkins, James Jordan, Paul Holland, Satoshi Kimura
It has been suggested that the presence of frazil ice can lead to a conditional instability in seawater. Any frazil forming in the water column reduces the bulk density of…Read more on On the conditional frazil ice instability in seawater
1 April, 2015 by Mark Clilverd
Pulsating auroras show quasi-periodic intensity modulations caused by the precipitation of energetic electrons of the order of tens of keV. It is expected theoretically that not only these electrons but…1 April, 2015 by Lloyd Peck, Michael Thorne, Melody Clark, Victoria Sleight
Mollusc shell is built up by secretion from the mantle and is the result of a controlled biological process termed biomineralisation. In general mollusc shells are well characterised however, the…1 April, 2015 by Xin Yang
Mercury emissions from biomass burning are not well characterized and can differ significantly from year to year. This study utilizes three recent biomass burning inventories (FINNv1.0, GFEDv3.1, and GFASv1.0) and…Read more on Model study of global mercury deposition from biomass burning
31 March, 2015 by David Barnes
Hermit crabs are important components of Arctic benthic systems, yet baseline data on their densities and distribution patterns in this rapidly changing region are still scarce. Here we compile results…27 March, 2015 by Richard Phillips
Hybridization in natural populations provides an opportunity to study the evolutionary processes that shape divergence and genetic isolation of species. The emergence of pre-mating barriers is often the precursor to…27 March, 2015 by Carlos Martin Garcia, Hilmar Gudmundsson, Hugh Corr, Robert Mulvaney
Ice cores contain a record of snow precipitation that includes information about past atmospheric circulation and mass imbalance in the polar regions. We present a novel adjoint method to reconstruct…25 March, 2015 by Iain Staniland, Philip Trathan
Strategies employed by wide-ranging foraging animals involve consideration of habitat quality and predictability and should maximise net energy gain. Fidelity to foraging sites is common in areas of high resource…25 March, 2015 by Clara Manno, Geraint Tarling, Gabriele Stowasser, Peter Enderlein, Sophie Fielding
The northern Scotia Sea contains the largest seasonal uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide yet measured in the Southern Ocean. This study examines one of the main routes by which this…16 March, 2015 by Peter Fretwell
Ice shelves in West Antarctica have been shown to melt where warm circumpolar deep water enters a sub-shelf cavity. A bathymetric reconstruction of Totten Glacier in East Antarctica suggests that…10 March, 2015 by Xin Yang
A prominent feature of recent climatic change is the strong Arctic surface warming that is contemporaneous with broad cooling over much of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Longer global surface…Read more on An atmospheric origin of the multi-decadal bipolar seesaw
9 March, 2015 by Richard Phillips
Migratory behavior, routes and zones used during the non-breeding season are assumed to have been selected to maximize fitness, and can lead to genetic differentiation. Yet, here we show that…6 March, 2015 by Richard Phillips
Species distribution models (SDMs) are increasingly applied in conservation management to predict suitable habitat for poorly known populations. High predictive performance of SDMs is evident in validations performed within the…4 March, 2015 by Mark Belchier, Philip Trathan
Predatory interaction of marine mammals with longline fisheries is observed globally, leading to partial or complete loss of the catch and in some parts of the world to considerable financial…Read more on The impact of predation by marine mammals on Patagonian toothfish longline fisheries
2 March, 2015 by Richard Phillips
We describe the migration routes and non-breeding areas of Common Terns (Sterna hirundo) from the Azores Archipelago, based on ringing (banding) recoveries and tracking of three birds using geolocators. Over…1 March, 2015 by Richard Hindmarsh, Richard Hindmarsh
Many ice-sheet reconstructions assume monotonic Holocene retreat for the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, but an increasing number of glaciological observations infer that some portions of the ice sheet may be…1 March, 2015 by Hua Lu, John Turner, Thomas Bracegirdle, Tony Phillips
The Eliassen–Palm (E-P) flux divergences derived from ERA-40 and ERA-Interim show significant differences during northern winter. The discrepancies are marked by vertically alternating positive and negative anomalies at high latitudes…1 March, 2015 by Dominic Hodgson
A global overview of glacier advances and retreats (grouped by regions and by millennia) for the Holocene is compiled from previous studies. The reconstructions of glacier fluctuations are based on…1 March, 2015 by Michael Meredith
The accumulation of carbon within the Weddell Gyre, and its exchanges across the gyre boundaries are investigated with three recent full-depth oceanographic sections enclosing this climatically-important region. The combination of…Read more on Carbon dynamics of the Weddell Gyre, Southern Ocean
1 March, 2015 by Carlos Martin Garcia
Ice rises situated in the ice-shelf belt around Antarctica have a spatially confined flow regime with local ice divides. Beneath the divides, ice stratigraphy often develops arches with amplitudes that…1 March, 2015 by John Isles, Nigel Meredith, Richard Horne
Relativistic electrons (E > 1 MeV) cause internal charging on satellites and are an important space weather hazard. A key requirement in space weather research concerns extreme events and knowledge…1 March, 2015 by Dave Munday
The date of inception of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current is debated due to uncertainty in the relative opening times of Drake Passage and the Tasman Seaway. Using an idealized eddy-resolving…1 March, 2015 by Richard Phillips
Long-term pair bonds occur in diverse animal taxa, but they are most common in birds, and can last from a few years to a lifetime. In many of these species,…1 March, 2015
Global climate is changing, with heterogeneous effects on the biological world including direct impacts on plant phenology. The resilience and future dynamics of ecosystems will depend on their responsiveness to…1 March, 2015 by Geraint Tarling, Gabriele Stowasser, Peter Ward, Ryan Saunders
Gymnoscopelus braueri, Gymnoscopelus fraseri and Gymnoscopelus nicholsi are common in the Southern Ocean mesopelagic fish community. However, their ecology is poorly understood in the region. This study investigated spatial and…1 March, 2015 by Mark Clilverd
Post-storm relativistic electron flux enhancement at geosynchronous orbit has shown correlation with very low frequency (VLF) waves measured by satellite in situ. However, our previous study found little correlation between…28 February, 2015 by Richard Horne
During geomagnetically active conditions upflowing field-aligned electrons which form part of the Birkland current system have been observed at energies of up to 100 eV. If the first adiabatic invariant…27 February, 2015 by Amelie Kirchgaessner, Andrew Orr, John King, Thomas Lachlan-Cope
We compare measurements of the turbulent and radiative surface energy fluxes from an automatic weather station (AWS) on Larsen C Ice Shelf, Antarctica with corresponding fluxes from three high-resolution atmospheric…