The frozen wilderness of Antarctica may seem remote, but it plays a vital role in keeping the climate and ecosystems of our planet stable.
Why Antarctica matters to everyone
Its vast ice sheets act as Earth’s natural thermostat, reflecting sunlight and regulating ocean currents and global weather patterns.
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists observe how melting ice influences temperature, storms, sea level change, and wildlife across the world. These factors shape everything from agricultural cycles to coastal communities and governmental policy. In this way, Antarctica is not only one of the drivers of global climate change but also its barometer.
Beyond climate
Beyond climate, Antarctica offers unique insights into the history and future of our planet. Ice cores drawn from its glacial ice capture hundreds of thousands of years of atmospheric data. These help our scientists understand how greenhouse gases and temperatures have changed over time. These help our scientists understand how greenhouse gases and temperatures have changed and are correlated over time.
The shape and strength of the Earth’s electromagnetic field is also perfect for studying space weather. These are phenomena like solar radiation, which affect satellites, aviation, and even defence systems.
Formidable success stories
And it was here that BAS scientists first discovered the ozone hole, sparking one of humanity’s greatest environmental success stories. The more we learn from Antarctica, the clearer it becomes that protecting its fragile systems is essential for safeguarding life across Earth.
Learn all about our research
Learn about our people, our projects, our facilities, the RRS David Attenborough and much more. You can also find our latest job vacancies, should you wish to join our team.
