Discovering Antarctica in the classroom
22 June, 2006
A new online interactive teaching tool is launched this week. For the first time teachers of Key Stages 3 & 4 Geography have access to a resource that covers the …
Archives: News
Rapid temperature increases above the Antarctic
30 March, 2006
A new analysis of weather balloon observations from the last 30 years reveals that the Antarctic has the same ‘global warming’ signature as that seen across the whole Earth, but …
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Salt and dust help unravel past climate change
23 March, 2006
Tiny amounts of salt and dust trapped in the Antarctic ice sheet for the last 740,000 years shed new light on changes to the Earth’s climate. The results, published this …
Countdown to International Polar Year
14 March, 2006
One year from now the biggest internationally coordinated research effort for 50 years will begin as thousands of scientists from 60 countries focus their attention on the Polar Regions. The …
Final report into the Interactions between humans and leopard seals now available
10 March, 2006
Following the tragic death of Kirsty Brown, who was attacked and drowned by a leopard seal in July 2003 a one-year study, sponsored by the Kirsty Brown Fund and hosted …
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Antarctica and National Science Week
8 March, 2006
Every year the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) coordinates science activities all over the UK to enable people of all ages to take part in science, engineering …
International Glaciological Society Symposium on Cryospheric Indicators of Global Climate Change
2 March, 2006
The cryosphere, consisting of snow cover, sea-, lake- and river-ice, glaciers, ice caps and ice sheets, and frozen ground including permafrost, is a fundamentally important part of the global climate …
Play Antarctica – 10th March – 30th April – For everyone aged 8+
28 February, 2006
The Unicorn, supported by Molecule Theatre, presents Play Antarctica, a musical journey based on the real-life expedition of musician Craig Vear into the Antarctic. Inspired by the great explorers of …
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West Antarctic Ice Sheet: Waking the Sleeping Giant?
19 February, 2006
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting in St. Louis on 16-20 February at the America’s Center convention site. SYMPOSIUM TITLE: Vital Organs in the Earth …
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El Nino events affect whale breeding
11 January, 2006
New research shows that global climate processes are affecting southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) in the South Atlantic. A thirty-year study by an international team of scientists found a strong …
Chief Scientist Shares his Antarctic Visit Online
9 January, 2006
Visitors to DEFRA’s website will be able to go on a virtual voyage with Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Howard Dalton from Monday (January 9th) when he travels to the Antarctic …
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New Year?s Honours for British Antarctic Survey Personnel
5 January, 2006
Her Majesty the Queen has approved the award of Polar medals for “outstanding achievement and service to British polar research” to British Antarctic Survey staff Andy Barker, Hugh Corr, Tony …
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Large Seismic Shock in Southern Ocean at Start of 2006
5 January, 2006
While many people were still getting over their new year celebrations, a large earthquake in the Southern Ocean sent shock waves around the world. The quake occurred at 6.10am on …
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Eruption update: Island in British Overseas Territory is growing in size
23 November, 2005
A rare volcanic eruption is expanding the size of an island in British Overseas Territory. Spectacular new satellite images show that Montagu Island, an erupting volcano in the South Sandwich …
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BAS and the IPY: An Interdisciplinary Vision
9 November, 2005
SciencePoles (www.sciencepoles.org) interviewed Professor Chris Rapley, Director of the UK’s British Antarctic Survey (BAS) – one of the world class research institutes for polar regions – on 27 October about …
Antarctica – musical images from the frozen continent
27 September, 2005
Antarctic is a beautiful new DVD/Book that describes through music, sound, film, photography and literature, composer Craig Vear’s three month journey into the mysterious frozen world of Antarctica. Craig Vear …
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20th Anniversary of ozone hole discovery: International Ozone Day
14 September, 2005
Friday (16 September) is International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. This year scientists at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) commemorate their discovery of the Antarctic ‘ozone hole’ 20 …
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Scientific breakthrough will help protect astronauts and spacecraft
7 September, 2005
7 September 2005 PR No. 13/2005 A breakthrough by a team of British, US and French scientists will help protect astronauts, spacecraft and satellites from radiation hazards experienced in space. Reporting …
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Early Drake Passage Opening Led to Global Change
30 August, 2005
New results shed light on how Antarctica became the icy, barren continent that we know today. British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists have discovered that 30-50 million years ago, South America …
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PRESS RELEASE: Futuristic design wins competition for new Antarctic Research Station
19 July, 2005
A futuristic design by Faber Maunsell and Hugh Broughton Architects has won the competition for the new British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Halley Research Station. In a very close-run contest, three …
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PRESS RELEASE: Halley Design Competition Announcement of winner – 19 July 2005 at RIBA London
6 July, 2005
Tension is mounting for three teams of architects and engineers who are competing for the design of the new British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Halley Research Station. The winning team will …
BAS Science Programmes 2005-2010
6 July, 2005
The BAS five-year research programme Global Science in the Antarctic Context (GSAC) comprises eight programmes totalling 19 projects. Carrying it out involves over 120 national and international collaborations. more…
Concept vehicle unveiled
20 June, 2005
An innovative concept for an Antarctic vehicle is unveiled this week at the Royal College of Art’s final year show. Working closely with experts from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), …
MBE for Captain Chris Elliott
15 June, 2005
We are delighted to announce that Captain Chris Elliott has been awarded an MBE in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list. This recognises nearly 40 years of distinguished service to …
Prince Charles presents Polar Medals
10 June, 2005
We are delighted to announce that HRH Prince Charles awarded polar medals to members of British Antarctic Survey (BAS) on 8 June 2005 at a special ceremony in Buckingham Palace. …
BAS at International Festival of the Sea.
1 June, 2005
The British Antarctic Survey’s Royal Research Ship James Clark Ross (JCR) will take part in this year’s International Festival of the Sea at Portsmouth Naval Base and Historic Dockyard over …
OBE awarded to BAS Deputy Director
27 May, 2005
We are delighted to announce that Dr John Dudeney, Deputy Director BAS received his OBE on Thursday 26 May. Dr Dudeney has been awarded an OBE for his services to …
Professor John Croxall elected a Fellow of the Royal Society
27 May, 2005
Professor John Croxall, CBE of the British Antarctic Survey has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge. Professor Croxall is Head of Conservation …
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Antarctica: an awakening giant?
19 May, 2005
The crucial role that Antarctica plays in global climate change and its future contribution to sea-level rise was highlighted today by Professor Chris Rapley, Director of British Antarctic Survey (BAS). …
Antarctic Peninsula glaciers in widespread retreat
21 April, 2005
The first comprehensive study of glaciers around the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula reveals the real impact of recent climate change. Results from the study by researchers at British Antarctic …
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Calling all women plumbers, electricians and carpenters
12 April, 2005
British Antarctic Survey (BAS), the world-leading scientific research centre, is launching a recruitment drive to attract tradeswomen to join its workforce on the frozen continent. As part of its annual …
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Carbon dioxide role in past climate revealed
11 April, 2005
Researchers at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the University of California, Santa Cruz have discovered that Earth’s last great global warming period, 3 million years ago, may have been …
Antarctic ice shelf retreats happened before
23 February, 2005
The retreat of Antarctic ice shelves is not new according to research published this week (24 Feb) in the journal Geology by scientists from Universities of Durham, Edinburgh and British …
APC honours former colleagues
23 February, 2005
Two former colleagues were among those honoured recently by the Antarctic Place-names Committee (APC). David Wynn-Williams and Kirsty Brown both had areas of the British Antarctic Territory named after them. …
Autosub trapped under the Antarctic ice shelf
21 February, 2005
Autosub, the Natural Environment Research Council’s unmanned, self-propelled research submarine, is trapped beneath Fimbul Ice Shelf, Antarctica close to South Africa’s SANAE base. The vehicle is some seventeen kilometres from …
Antarctic glaciers thinning fast
2 February, 2005
The contribution that rapid thinning of the Antarctic ice sheet is making to global sea-level rise is a cause for concern according to Director of British Antarctic Survey (BAS), Professor …
The Philharmonia Orchestra performs Antarctic Symphony
1 February, 2005
A unique collaboration between science and music makes a return to the Royal Festival Hall on Saturday 30 April as the Antarctic Symphony, by acclaimed British composer Sir Peter Maxwell …
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Albatross study provides new information vital to their conservation
13 January, 2005
Albatrosses are the world’s most threatened family of birds. New research offers the first hope of identifying migration and feeding patterns to reduce their unnecessary slaughter by long-line fisheries. The …
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BAS staff walk for diabetes in Antarctica
24 December, 2004
On 14 November, World Diabetes Day, around 29 people from the British Antarctic Survey and the South Georgia Government joined thousands of people across the globe in walking to raise …
Polar Medals awarded to BAS staff
17 December, 2004
Polar Medal awards announced today have included several BAS staff. Two members of staff have been awarded second clasps to their Polar Medals. These are: Professor John Croxall, CBE (Second …
BAS scientist presents the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2004
3 December, 2004
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientist, Professor Lloyd Peck presents this years Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2004 on the subject of the most extreme place on Earth: Antarctica. In a series …
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Three winning designs are announced for a new research station in Antarctica
24 November, 2004
Announcement at RIBA on 24 November 2004, 12.30pm (details below) Three winning concept designs for a new research station in Antarctica are announced today Wednesday 24 November, at the Halley …
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PRESS RELEASE: Exhibition showcases designs for new research station in Antarctica
15 November, 2004
Six concept designs, from teams short-listed in an international design competition to build a new research station in Antarctica, are unveiled today (Monday 15 November) at an exhibition at the …
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Antarctica Dispatches
11 November, 2004
10 November 2004 Email users and art gallery visitors around the UK can soon receive a daily drawing ?live? from Antarctica. Artist Simon Faithfull is embarking on an epic two-month …
New lecture series set to reveal what green politics hold for “the day after tomorrow”
4 November, 2004
Today one of the UK’s most senior figures in environmental politics will make the inaugural speech in a new lecture series entitled ‘Environment on the Edge’. Sir Crispin Tickell, former …
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Food shortages threaten Antarctic wildlife
1 November, 2004
1 November 2004 PR No 12/2004 *Under embargo until Wednesday 3 November, 18.00 (UK time) Antarctic whales, seals and penguins could be threatened by food shortages in the Southern Ocean. …
New structure found deep within West Antarctic Ice Sheet
23 September, 2004
21 September 2004 No. 13/2004 Scientists have found a remarkable new structure deep within the West Antarctic Ice Sheet which suggests that the whole ice sheet is more susceptible to …
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New signs of life found at the Poles
22 September, 2004
22 September 2004 PR No. 12/ 2004 Large colonies of micro-organisms living under rocks have been discovered in the most hostile and extreme regions of the Arctic and Antarctic – …
Premi? of a new electro-acoustic composition
15 September, 2004
Thursday 23 September 2004 Natural History Museum\’s Darwin Centre, 7.30pm 15 September 2003 PR No. 11/2004 A new electro-acoustic composition is premi?d at the Natural History Museum\’s Darwin Centre on …
Design Competition for new Antarctic Research Station – short-list announced
23 August, 2004
Six multi-disciplinary design teams are short-listed for an international competition to design a new scientific research station in Antarctica. The Halley VI competition attracted 86 entries in this unique project …
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PRESS RELEASE: Design Competition for new Antarctic Research Station – Launch
29 June, 2004
Operational Note – Media Briefing 10.30 am 29 June 2004, Royal Institute of British Architects 66 Portland Place, London. A major international competition to design a new scientific research station …
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Oldest Antarctic ice core reveals climate history
9 June, 2004
Press Release 09 June 2004 PR No. 7/2004 Secrets of the Earth’s past climate locked in a three-kilometre long Press Release 09 June 2004 PR No. 7/2004 Secrets of the Earth’s …
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Scientists listen to natural Dawn Chorus
29 April, 2004
International Dawn Chorus Day – Sunday 2nd May 2004 Scientists in the Antarctic listen to natural “Dawn Chorus” from Space 29 May 2004 PR No. 5/04 As nature lovers all …
Fancy working in Antarctica?
23 April, 2004
Press Release Fancy working in Antarctica? British Antarctic Survey brings \’Antarctica\’ to Birmingham The Buttermarket, Brindley Place, Thursday 29 April, 2.00 – 6.30pm 23 April 2004 PRNo 5/2004 Antarctica is …
Antarctic fish study may aid cardiac research
30 March, 2004
30 March 2004 A species of fish that lives in Antarctic waters may hold clues to climate change and lead to advances in heart medicine. Researchers from the University of …
Penguin camera reveals group behaviour
26 March, 2004
25 March 2004 PR No. 3/04 Scientists from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the National Institute of Polar Research, Tokyo, Japan have recorded the first observations of penguin behaviour underwater. …
Puzzling height of polar clouds revealed
26 January, 2004
26 January 2004 Scientists have discovered why icy clouds found at the edge of space are higher at the South Pole than at the North. The answer to this puzzle …
New laboratory opens in Antarctica
12 January, 2004
12 January 2004 No. 1/2004 A new £3 million laboratory was opened at the British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Rothera Research Station on Saturday (10 January 2004). Many of the staff …
Antarctic tragedy – Inquest verdict announced
17 November, 2003
A verdict of accidental death was recorded by the Coroner for the British Antarctic Territory, at the inquest (held on 14 November) into the death of marine biologist Kirsty Brown. …
Twin-Otter Aircraft damaged
10 November, 2003
7 November 2003 A British Antarctic Survey (BAS) aircraft was damaged as it landed at Rothera Research Station on Friday 7 November. No-one was injured. The aircraft was returning from …
British Antarctic Survey wins environment award
7 November, 2003
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), is winner of a national “Green Apple” Gold environmental award for the successful removal of an old waste dump from Antarctica. The Green Apple Awards …
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Solar contribution to ‘global warming’ predicted to decrease
1 October, 2003
1 October 2003 No. 10 /2003 New research on the sun’s contribution to global warming is reported in this month’s Astronomy & Geophysics. By looking at solar activity over the …
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BA Festival of Science – The Ozone Hole
12 September, 2003
14.00 ? 17.00. Lecture Theatre B03, Peel Building, University of Salford Embargo ? 09.30 hrs 12 September 2003 11 Sept 2003 PR No.9/2003 Satellite observations (NOAA) suggest that this year’s …
Kirsty Brown returns to the UK – Update
1 September, 2003
The body of marine biologist Kirsty Brown has returned to the UK. She was returned from the Falkland Islands to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire over the weekend. The funeral …
Kirsty Brown returns to the UK
27 August, 2003
It is expected that the body of marine biologist Kirsty Brown (see earlier press release) will return to the UK later this week. She will return from the Falkland Islands …
Antarctic Tragedy
23 July, 2003
Press Statement – 23 July 2003 It is with the deepest sorrow that British Antarctic Survey (BAS) reports the death of a marine biologist at Rothera Research Station on the …
International meeting on the Southern Ocean
14 July, 2003
The Role of the Southern Ocean in Global Processes: an Earth System Science Approach – 14-16 July 2003, London Embargoed until 08.30, 14 July 2003 Over 80 experts from around …
National Science Week – Chill Out Antarctica
10 March, 2003
****OPERATIONAL NOTE: PHOTO AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES **** ****09.30 AM THURSDAY 13 MARCH 2003 AT THE +DARWIN CENTRE, LONDON**** Media should arrive at the Queen?s Gate Entrance to the Darwin Centre …
Composeyourself competition winner makes cool music from hot science
10 March, 2003
An exciting piece of new music inspired by Antarctic science is being premi?d at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday 16 March. Performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, ?About Fish? …
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AAAS Annual Meeting ? Science as a Way of Life
17 February, 2003
Embargoed until Monday 17 February 2003 (10.30am Eastern, US: 15.30 GMT) 7 February 2003 PR No.1/2003 Animals in the oceans surrounding Antarctica are under increasing threat. Fishery management organisations and …
Arts and Science work together in Antarctica – British Antarctic Survey and Arts Council of England Fellowships
6 February, 2003
6 February 2003 British artists and writers have an opportunity to experience the Antarctic, thanks to a new partnership between The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the Arts Council of …
New competition composeyourself to make cool music from hot science
7 November, 2002
An exciting new national competition for music students is launched today (7 November). composeyourself celebrates the unique collaboration of National Orchestra Week (8-16 March 2003) and National Science Week (7-16 …
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Antarctic Scientists to visit Ireland for Science Week
17 October, 2002
Five British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists will give lectures to the public in Tralee, County Kerry during Irish Science Week, 10-17 November 2002. Together they will bring the message of …
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Polar pecking order and biodiversity
7 October, 2002
New research into how biodiversity is generated and maintained in the seas surrounding hostile Polar Regions is reported in this month?s Proceedings of the Royal Society (Biological Sciences). British Antarctic …
Antarctic Waves ? cool music from hot science
16 September, 2002
Pr Number 11/2002 **Antarctic Waves** has been nominated for two BAFTA Interactive Entertainment awards, in the Factual and Offline Learning categories. A unique ?toolkit? to make cool music from hot …
Antarctic Waves – cool music from hot science
10 September, 2002
PR No.10/2002 BA Festival of Science, 10 September 2002 Antarctic Waves was launched at a Science Year Conference – Learning about Science in Society, and at an all-day demonstration at …
BA Festival of Science – Frontiers in Polar Science
9 September, 2002
Environmental change in Antarctic lakes and seas: the chances for survival or extinction? Press Release No.9/2002 SCIENCE and The American Association for the Advancement of Science special seminar. 09.30 University …
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Antarctic seabirds and climate change
29 August, 2002
PR No. 8/2002 Recent changes in Antarctic seabird populations may be linked to environmental change according to scientists reporting in the journal Science this week. Researchers from the Cambridge-based British …
Worlds coolest Jubilee party – Pictures and Video
3 June, 2002
The world’s coolest street party took place today (Monday 3 June) at British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station, to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Twenty scientists and support staff ignited …
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Worlds coolest Jubilee party – In Antarctica (operational note)
27 May, 2002
Date: Monday 27 May 2002 WORLD’S COOLEST JUBILEE PARTY – IN ANTARCTICA The world’s coolest street party takes place on Monday 3 June at British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Rothera Research …
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Scientists predict slump in Falklands squid stocks
8 May, 2002
Record low numbers of highly-prized squid have devastated the Falkland Islands fishery this year. Less than 10,000 tonnes have been caught so far, making this the worst year since the …
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Human waste threatens global biodiversity
22 April, 2002
22 April 2002 PR Number 6/2002 Discarded human debris is encouraging colonization of exotic marine animals in the world’s oceans and threatening global biodiversity, particularly in the Southern Ocean. The …
Seeking Answers Beneath the ice: Dr Cynan Ellis Evans on Antarctic Sub-glacial Lakes
8 April, 2002
Date: 08 Apr 2002 Science writer Jean de Pomereu recently interviewed Dr Cynan Ellis Evans of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) for SciencePoles on the subject of Antarctic sub-glacial lakes. As …
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Satellite spies on doomed Antarctic ice shelf
19 March, 2002
PRESS RELEASE 19 March 2002 PR Number 5/2002 Satellite images have revealed the collapse of Larsen B ice shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula fulfilling predictions made by British Antarctic Survey …
Robot submarine reveals secret stash of key Antarctic food source under sea ice
5 March, 2002
05 March 2002 PR Number 4/2002 A robot submarine expedition under the Antarctic sea ice has discovered a major food reserve in the Southern Ocean. The findings, reported this week …
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World’s Coolest Golden Jubilee Street Party
4 February, 2002
04 February 2002 PR Number 3/2002 Plans are underway for the world’s coolest ‘street party’ to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee on June 3rd. Twenty scientists and support staff at …
Climate change causes extreme changes to Antarctic Lakes
21 January, 2002
21 January 2002 PR Number 2/2002 Results from a 20-year study reveal dramatic ecological changes to lakes in Antarctica caused by a 1?C temperature increase. The findings, reported this week …
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Antarctic Ice Core milestone – 2002m reached as year 2002 arrives
15 January, 2002
15 January 2002 PR Number 1/2002 In the first weeks of the New Year a team of European scientists drilled successfully through 2002 metres of ice at Dome Concordia, high …
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