Polar Oceans team

We study the polar oceans, how they affect ice shelves and regional climate. 

What we do

The team’s research reduces uncertainty in future climate predictions and informs government planning.

Our two research groups (Open Oceans and Shelf Seas) focus on:

• the rapidly-changing regions of West Antarctica and Greenland
• other polar areas where the current rates of change appear slower but which may be susceptible to dramatic changes in future
• the broader deep ocean areas of both the Arctic and the Southern Ocean.

British Antarctic Survey has unique capability in these research areas, including leadership of interdisciplinary teams that work across the boundaries of glaciology, oceanography and climate science.

Team priorities 

Ocean-driven ice melt 

We study how oceans influence ice shelf and ice sheet stability. 

Water mass renewal 

Our team investigates how polar oceans exchange heat and carbon with the atmosphere. 

Reducing climate uncertainty 

We run models to simulate polar changes and their global impacts. 

Technology, innovation and training 

Our team uses ship-based and autonomous platforms, ice shelf instruments, and in-house technology. 

We conduct numerical modelling and dynamical analyses. 

Influencing and leading international programmes 

Our team collaborates internationally and contributes to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assessments. 

Stakeholder engagement 

We brief UK government departments and engage with business partners. 

Featured project

DEFIANT

The recent extreme swings in Antarctic sea ice extent emphasise the need to increase our knowledge of the drivers and climate implications of Antarctic sea ice loss.

1. Tracking hidden groundwater with radar technology

   ApRES and groundwater investigated whether a technique developed to measure the basal meltrate of ice shelves can be used to monitor groundwater in arid and semi-arid regions.

   Read more of: Tracking hidden groundwater with radar technology

   

2. Ocean forcing of ice-sheet change

   The OFIC project studied how ocean heat drove ice loss in rapidly retreating parts of the Antarctic ice sheet.

   Read more of: Ocean forcing of ice-sheet change

   

3. The UK Earth System Modelling project (UKESM-BAS)

   UKESM-BAS contributes to the UK Earth System Model by coupling the BISICLES ice sheet model with global climate models to improve sea level rise projections, and by developing satellite-based techniques to assess sea ice predictions.

   Read more of: The UK Earth System Modelling project (UKESM-BAS)

   

4. North Atlantic climate system integrated study

   ACSIS focussed on understanding changes occurring across the North Atlantic climate system in the ocean, the atmosphere, the cryosphere and the interactions between these constituent components.

   Read more of: North Atlantic climate system integrated study

   

5. Southern Ocean Carbon and Heat Regulation

   Understanding the Ocean Regulation of Climate by Heat, Carbon Sequestration and Transports

   Read more of: Southern Ocean Carbon and Heat Regulation

   

6. Antarctic Bottom Water in the Orkney Passage

   DynOPO investigated the flow of Antarctic Bottom Water through the Orkney Passage, a submarine valley connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Weddell Sea. The project tested whether winds over the Weddell Sea regulate the volume and temperature of this deep, cold water mass by altering turbulent mixing.

   Read more of: Antarctic Bottom Water in the Orkney Passage

   

7. A23 repeat section

   Understanding Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) and its affect on global ocean circulation.

   Read more of: A23 repeat section

   

8. Rothera Time Series

   Earth System indicators in Antarctica

   Read more of: Rothera Time Series

   

9. The Environment of the Arctic Climate, Ocean and Sea Ice

   TEA_COSI assesses Arctic Sea-ice which has an important impact on currents and ocean circulations around the globe

   Read more of: The Environment of the Arctic Climate, Ocean and Sea Ice

   

10. iSTAR-A Ocean2Ice Processes and variability

    iStar-B strives to better understand ocean and ice interaction, processes and variability

    Read more of: iSTAR-A Ocean2Ice Processes and variability

    

11. iSTAR-B Ocean circulation and melting beneath the ice shelves of the south-eastern Amundsen Sea

    iStar-B studies ocean circulation and melting beneath the ice shelves of the south-eastern Amundsen Sea

    Read more of: iSTAR-B Ocean circulation and melting beneath the ice shelves of the south-eastern Amundsen Sea

    

12. Biogeochemical processes in polar ecosystems

    BIOPOLE studies how climate change is affecting the release of nutrients from the polar regions, and their redistribution around the world’s oceans.

    Read more of: Biogeochemical processes in polar ecosystems

    

13. Tracking Antarctica’s Ice Fluctuations

    The recent extreme swings in Antarctic sea ice extent emphasise the need to increase our knowledge of the drivers and climate implications of Antarctic sea ice loss.

    Read more of: Tracking Antarctica’s Ice Fluctuations

    

14. Measuring ocean-ice interactions from space

    The European Space Agency (ESA) Southern Ocean-Ice Shelf Interactions (SO-ICE) project is a collaborative research project bringing together the ESA Polar+ Ice Shelves and 4D Antarctica projects, and the European Commission Southern Ocean Carbon and Heat Impact on Climate (SO-CHIC) project, in order to improve understanding of the processes controlling ice-ocean interactions in Antarctica.

    Read more of: Measuring ocean-ice interactions from space

    

1. Making waves: researchers set out to uncover secrets of Antarctica’s underwater tsunamis

   An international team of researchers, led by British Antarctic Survey (BAS), is setting out to discover how glacier calving around Antarctica can trigger powerful underwater tsunamis. 

   Read more of: Making waves: researchers set out to uncover secrets of Antarctica’s underwater tsunamis

   

2. Thriving ecosystem discovered following iceberg calving

   Scientists have discovered vibrant communities of ancient sponges and corals on the newly exposed seafloor following the calving of the giant A-84 iceberg.

   Read more of: Thriving ecosystem discovered following iceberg calving

   

3. World’s largest iceberg grounds near sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia

   The world’s largest and oldest iceberg A23a has finally come to a standstill as it appears to have run aground near the sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia. 

   Read more of: World’s largest iceberg grounds near sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia

   

4. Declining Antarctic sea ice generating more ocean heat loss and storms

   A new study shows that the ongoing decline in Antarctic sea ice is leading to more heat loss from the ocean to the atmosphere and an increase in storm activity. The research, led by the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC), focuses on the record-low sea ice cover in Antarctica during the winter of 2023.

   Read more of: Declining Antarctic sea ice generating more ocean heat loss and storms

   

5. Role of polar ice sheets in climate tipping points

   Polar ice sheets are critical for climate projections, according to new research published today in the journal Nature Communications Earth & Environment. Improving understanding of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets is essential for reducing the uncertainty around climate tipping points, and vital for guiding projections for a rapidly changing future climate.

   Read more of: Role of polar ice sheets in climate tipping points

   

6. Underwater tsunamis focus of new study

   An international research team, led by British Antarctic Survey (BAS), has been awarded £3.7M to advance a ground-breaking study on how underwater tsunamis are triggered by glacier calving around Antarctica.

   Read more of: Underwater tsunamis focus of new study

   

7. Sounds of Antarctica come to life in new album

   Today marks the release of The Seventh Continent, a new album from the international Sounds of Space Project that offers a unique aural journey to Antarctica.

   Read more of: Sounds of Antarctica come to life in new album

   

8. Regional data highlights emerging climate change signals

   A greater understanding of how climate change impacts at a regional level is vital to developing effective climate policies that protect communities from escalating risks.

   Read more of: Regional data highlights emerging climate change signals

   

9. Antarctic photo nominated in competition

   The Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition celebrates the power of photography in capturing scientific phenomena happening all around us, and the role great images play in making science accessible to a wide audience.

   Read more of: Antarctic photo nominated in competition

   

10. Next phase of national climate science partnership

    Leading UK climate science organisations are driving forwards a national alliance focused on climate solutions for society, led by new co-directors including Professor Michael Meredith from British Antarctic Survey.

    Read more of: Next phase of national climate science partnership

    

11. Scientists track rapid retreat of Antarctic glacier

    Scientists are warning that apparently stable glaciers in Antarctica can change rapidly and lose large quantities of ice as a result of warmer oceans.

    Read more of: Scientists track rapid retreat of Antarctic glacier

    

12. Increased West Antarctic Ice Sheet melting ‘unavoidable’

    The West Antarctic Ice Sheet will continue to increase its rate of melting over the rest of the century, no matter how much we reduce fossil fuel use, according to British Antarctic Survey (BAS) research published this week in the journal Nature Climate Change.

    Read more of: Increased West Antarctic Ice Sheet melting ‘unavoidable’

    

13. Deep ocean waters in Antarctica are shrinking and warming

    Antarctic Bottom Water is the coldest, densest water mass on the planet and plays a pivotal role in regulating the ocean’s ability to store heat and capture carbon. In a […]

    Read more of: Deep ocean waters in Antarctica are shrinking and warming

    

14. The changing Southern Ocean: Heat and carbon

    A series of studies on the Southern Ocean, which encircles Antarctica, reveal how it is changing. A special issue of the Journal Proceedings of the Royal Society, led by the […]

    Read more of: The changing Southern Ocean: Heat and carbon

    

15. Extreme snowfall in West Antarctica driving sea-level rise

    A new study highlights how extreme snowfall events significantly alter the amount of ice lost by the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. A team of scientists from British Antarctic Survey, along […]

    Read more of: Extreme snowfall in West Antarctica driving sea-level rise

    

16. New close-up view of melting beneath Thwaites Glacier

    The rapid retreat of Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica appears to be driven by different processes under its floating ice shelf than researchers previously understood. Novel observations from where the […]

    Read more of: New close-up view of melting beneath Thwaites Glacier

    

17. Underwater tsunamis created by glacier calving

    Scientists on a research vessel in Antarctica watched the front of a glacier disintegrate and their measurements ‘went off the scale’. As well as witnessing disruptions on the ocean surface, […]

    Read more of: Underwater tsunamis created by glacier calving

    

18. Glaciers in the spotlight on BBC’s Our Frozen Planet

    How much water the mountain glaciers of the Himalayas contain and how the mighty Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica will contribute to global sea-level rise form part of the final […]

    Read more of: Glaciers in the spotlight on BBC’s Our Frozen Planet

    

19. BBC’s Frozen Planet II: science into television

    In 2011, Frozen Planet gave BBC viewers an unprecedented insight into life in the Poles. The final episode featured British Antarctic Survey (BAS) glaciologist Dr Andy Smith using explosives to […]

    Read more of: BBC’s Frozen Planet II: science into television

    

20. Funding addresses environmental challenges

    British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists will investigate critical challenges facing the UK, thanks to new funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). A £47m investment to several UK research […]

    Read more of: Funding addresses environmental challenges

    

21. New link between greenhouse gases and sea-level rise

    Researchers have used advanced ocean modelling techniques to reveal how greenhouse gas emissions contribute to warmer oceans and resulting melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.

    Read more of: New link between greenhouse gases and sea-level rise

    

22. Study underway as Antarctic sea ice extent at record level

    A £5m project funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) to investigate the complex changes seen in sea ice around the Antarctic begins this month (March 2022) as the […]

    Read more of: Study underway as Antarctic sea ice extent at record level

    

23. Heat source melting Greenland Ice Sheet discovered

    A new study has found that the world’s second-largest ice sheet is generating huge amounts of heat. Researchers including BAS oceanographer Dr Keith Nicholls have observed extremely high rates of melting at the bottom of the Greenland Ice Sheet.

    Read more of: Heat source melting Greenland Ice Sheet discovered

    

24. Warming Western Antarctic Peninsula waters impact plankton community

    Warming water and receding sea ice in the Western Antarctic Peninsula is changing the local plankton community with potential consequences for climate change, according to an international team of researchers. […]

    Read more of: Warming Western Antarctic Peninsula waters impact plankton community

    

25. IPCC: Polar scientists welcome Climate Change Assessment 

    CAMBRIDGE: British Antarctic Survey welcomes the publication of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group 1 component of its Sixth Assessment Report.  This assessment brings together the latest advances in […]

    Read more of: IPCC: Polar scientists welcome Climate Change Assessment 

    

26. Antarctic glacier is ripping apart at ice front, causing it to gain speed

     For decades, the ice shelf helping to hold back one of the fastest-moving glaciers in Antarctica – Pine Island Glacier in West Antarctica – has gradually thinned. Analysis of satellite […]

    Read more of: Antarctic glacier is ripping apart at ice front, causing it to gain speed

    

27. The world’s largest iceberg

    An enormous iceberg has calved from the western side of the Ronne Ice Shelf, in Antarctica. The iceberg, newly named A-76, measures around 4320 sq km in size and is […]

    Read more of: The world’s largest iceberg

    

28. Scientists reconstruct past history of largest ice shelf on Antarctic Peninsula

    For the first time, geological records have been used to reconstruct the history of Larsen C Ice Shelf in Antarctica.  The ice shelf is the largest remaining remnant of a […]

    Read more of: Scientists reconstruct past history of largest ice shelf on Antarctic Peninsula

    

29. End of giant iceberg A-68

    The mission to determine the impact of the giant A-68a iceberg on the important marine ecosystem of sub-Antarctic South Georgia is a success.

    Read more of: End of giant iceberg A-68

    

30. New autonomous robotic for RRS Sir David Attenborough

    A new unmanned robotic vehicle on the RRS Sir David Attenborough will help scientists to understand the impact of glaciers on sea-level rise.

    Read more of: New autonomous robotic for RRS Sir David Attenborough

    

31. Potential for life in lakes isolated beneath Antarctic ice

    In a study published in Science Advances, researchers from Imperial College London, the University of Lyon and the British Antarctic Survey have shown Antarctic subglacial lakes may be more hospitable […]

    Read more of: Potential for life in lakes isolated beneath Antarctic ice

    

32. Celebrating International Day of Women & Girls in Science 2021

    Today is International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), a celebration of women and girls in science led by UNESCO and UN-Women. “International Day of Women and […]

    Read more of: Celebrating International Day of Women & Girls in Science 2021

    

33. Giant iceberg mission begins

    A research mission to determine the impact of the giant A-68a iceberg on one of the world’s most important ecosystems departs from Stanley in the Falkland Islands today (2 February […]

    Read more of: Giant iceberg mission begins

    

34. Fellowship success for leaders of the future

    UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced its latest round of Future Leaders Fellowships today (23 April 2020). Congratulations to Dr Dan Jones and Dr Clara Manno of British Antarctic […]

    Read more of: Fellowship success for leaders of the future

    

35. New report reveals state of the planet

    MONACO: Hundreds of scientists and Government representatives met in Monaco this week to finalise the new Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a […]

    Read more of: New report reveals state of the planet

    

36. Solar heat drives rapid melting of Antarctic Ice Shelf

    A section of the world’s largest ice shelf in Antarctica – around the size of  Spain – is melting 10 times faster than average and warm ocean currents beneath it […]

    Read more of: Solar heat drives rapid melting of Antarctic Ice Shelf

    

37. Scientists map ‘deepest’ parts of Southern Ocean

    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 of: Scientists map ‘deepest’ parts of Southern Ocean

    

38. Study shows melting ice sheets will disrupt climate

    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 of: Study shows melting ice sheets will disrupt climate

    

39. Scientists drill to record depths in West Antarctica

    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 of: Scientists drill to record depths in West Antarctica

    

40. Funding to assess shipping emissions and climate hazards

    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 of: Funding to assess shipping emissions and climate hazards

    

41. Our experts comment on IPCC report

    Expert comment on IPCC Special Report

    Read more of: Our experts comment on IPCC report

    

42. Challenger Medal award

    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 of: Challenger Medal award

    

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

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

    

44. State of the Polar Oceans report published

    Report published July 2018

    Read more of: State of the Polar Oceans report published

    

45. Special issue on how oceans are changing

    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 of: Special issue on how oceans are changing

    

46. Prestigious international award for oceanographer

    Professor Mike Meredith wins prize

    Read more of: Prestigious international award for oceanographer

    

47. Boaty returns from first mission under the ice

    The yellow high-tech autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), affectionately known as Boaty McBoatface, has successfully returned from an ambitious science expedition deep below half a kilometre of ice. It is the […]

    Read more of: Boaty returns from first mission under the ice

    

48. BAS Oceanographer selected for Special IPCC Report

    The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has selected Professor Mike Meredith from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) to be a coordinating lead author for a Special Report on the Ocean […]

    Read more of: BAS Oceanographer selected for Special IPCC Report

    

49. Climate Scientist awarded Prestigious Mathematical prize

    Last week (12th July) Dr Emily Shuckburgh travelled to Pittsburgh, USA, and received the prestigious 2017 I. E. Block Community Lecture prize from SIAM – the Society for Industrial and […]

    Read more of: Climate Scientist awarded Prestigious Mathematical prize

    

50. Boaty McBoatface returns home with unprecedented data

    Researchers have captured unprecedented data about some of the coldest abyssal ocean waters on earth – known as Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) – during the first voyage of the yellow […]

    Read more of: Boaty McBoatface returns home with unprecedented data

    

51. The first dive of Boaty McBoatface

    The unmanned submersible Boaty McBoatface was deployed in the Antarctic for the first time.

    Read more of: The first dive of Boaty McBoatface

    

52. Boaty McBoatface sub prepares for first Antarctic mission

    Boaty McBoatface is joining ocean scientists from the University of Southampton and British Antarctic Survey (BAS) on an expedition to study some of the deepest and coldest abyssal ocean waters […]

    Read more of: Boaty McBoatface sub prepares for first Antarctic mission

    

53. New footage shows crack in Larsen C Ice Shelf

    British Antarctic Survey (BAS) recently captured this video footage of a huge crack in the Larsen C Ice Shelf, on the Antarctic Peninsula. Currently a huge iceberg, roughly the size […]

    Read more of: New footage shows crack in Larsen C Ice Shelf

    

54. Local weather plays part in retreat of glacier

    Local weather plays an important part in the retreat of the ice shelves in West Antarctica, according to new research published in the journal Nature Communications today (Friday 17 February). […]

    Read more of: Local weather plays part in retreat of glacier

    

55. Scientists explain how meltwater reaches ocean depths

    An international team of researchers has discovered why fresh water, melted from Antarctic ice sheets, is often detected below the surface of the ocean, rather than rising to the top […]

    Read more of: Scientists explain how meltwater reaches ocean depths

    

56. Polar oceanographer co-authors climate change Ladybird book with HRH Prince of Wales and Tony Juniper

    British Antarctic Survey scientist Dr Emily Shuckburgh OBE has co-authored a book on climate change as part of the new Ladybird Expert series, it was announced today. Her co-authors are His […]

    Read more of: Polar oceanographer co-authors climate change Ladybird book with HRH Prince of Wales and Tony Juniper

    

57. Nature’s ocean fertiliser

    Scientists have discovered that Antarctic krill – a tiny shrimp-like crustacean – plays a key role in fertilising the Southern Ocean with iron, which stimulates the growth of phytoplankton, the […]

    Read more of: Nature’s ocean fertiliser

    

58. Ocean warming primary cause of glacier retreat

    A new study has found for the first time that ocean warming is the primary cause of retreat of glaciers on the Antarctic Peninsula. The Peninsula is one of the largest current contributors to sea-level rise and this new finding will enable researchers to make better predictions of ice loss from this region.

    Read more of: Ocean warming primary cause of glacier retreat

    

59. Wind-blown Antarctic sea ice helps drive ocean circulation

    Antarctic sea ice is constantly on the move as powerful winds blow it away from the coast and out toward the open ocean. A new study published today in the journal Nature Geoscience (Monday 27 June) shows how that ice migration may be more important for the global ocean circulation than anyone realized.

    Read more of: Wind-blown Antarctic sea ice helps drive ocean circulation

    

60. NEWS STORY: New Year’s Honours

    Dr Emily Shuckburgh, British Antarctic Survey’s Deputy Head of Polar Oceans, was among those named in the New Year’s Honours List.  She has been awarded an OBE for services to […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: New Year’s Honours

    

61. NEWS STORY: New Centre for Doctoral Training

    NERC funds PhD training in robotics and autonomous systems

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: New Centre for Doctoral Training

    

62. PRESS RELEASE: Ice shelf at double risk

    New study shows Antarctic ice shelf is thinning from above and below A decade-long scientific debate about what’s causing the thinning of one of Antarctica’s largest ice shelves is settled […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Ice shelf at double risk

    

63. NEWS STORY: Columns widespread in Southern Ocean

    Oceanographers discover ‘Taylor columns’ are widespread in Southern Ocean according to new research published recently in the Journal of Geophysical Research Lead author Professor Mike Meredith, a Senior Oceanographer at […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Columns widespread in Southern Ocean

    

64. PRESS RELEASE: Mapping the ice from below

    Underwater robot sheds new light on Antarctic sea ice The first detailed, high-resolution 3-D maps of Antarctic sea ice have been developed using an underwater robot. Scientists from the UK, […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Mapping the ice from below

    

65. PRESS RELEASE: New marine life atlas

    New Atlas of Southern Ocean marine life A new atlas, providing the most thorough audit of marine life in the Southern Ocean, is published this week by the Scientific Committee […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: New marine life atlas

    

66. NEWS STORY: Southern Ocean dynamics

    The Southern Ocean: new insights into circulation, carbon and climate A special issue of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A has been published today (Monday 2 June) which […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Southern Ocean dynamics

    

67. NEWS STORY: Crucial conditions for phytoplankton

    Winter conditions crucial for phytoplankton growth in Southern Ocean An international team of researchers, including the British Antarctic Survey, has found new evidence that winter conditions in the Southern Ocean […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Crucial conditions for phytoplankton

    

68. PRESS RELEASE: Pine Island Glacier and climatic variability

    Pine Island Glacier sensitive to climatic variability A new study published in Science this month suggests the thinning of Pine Island Glacier in West Antarctica is much more susceptible to […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Pine Island Glacier and climatic variability

    

69. NEWS STORY: New research on ocean currents

    New research sheds light on history of polar current Research conducted by a team that included scientists from British Antarctic Survey reveals the ocean current moving around the South Pole […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: New research on ocean currents

    

70. NEWS STORY: Submerged mountains aid ocean mixing

    Undersea mountains provide crucial piece in climate prediction puzzle A mystery in the ocean near Antarctica has been solved by researchers who have long puzzled over how deep and mid-depth […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Submerged mountains aid ocean mixing

    

71. NEWS STORY: New academic role for expert

    Honorary Professorship for BAS polar ocean expert Michael Meredith Polar ocean expert, Michael Meredith, has been made an honorary Professor by the University of the Highlands and Islands. The professorship […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: New academic role for expert

    

72. NEWS STORY: New post for oceans expert

    Professor Michael Meredith joins the Scottish Association for Marine Science Eminent Antarctic oceanographer, Professor Michael Meredith this week joined the staff at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) on […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: New post for oceans expert

    

73. PRESS RELEASE: Changing winds increasing sea ice cover

    Why Antarctic sea ice cover has increased under the effects of climate change The first direct evidence that marked changes to Antarctic sea ice drift have occurred over the last […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Changing winds increasing sea ice cover

    

74. NEWS STORY: Insights into icebergs

    Scientists discover new mechanism at work breaking-up icebergs An international team of scientists has discovered a  previously unknown mechanism by which large tabular icebergs break up out at sea as […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Insights into icebergs

    

75. NEWS STORY: Ocean sampling at Rothera

    Ocean sampling: Rothera, Antarctic Peninsula: last but not least! Are the World’s oceans all the same, or are they different? OK at the most basic level, we all know that […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Ocean sampling at Rothera

    

76. PRESS RELEASE: Ocean role as carbon sink

    New discovery of how carbon is stored in the Southern Ocean A team of British and Australian scientists has discovered an important method of how carbon is drawn down from […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Ocean role as carbon sink

    

77. NEWS STORY: BAS on the BBC

    Scientists take part in BBC expedition “Operation Iceberg” This summer two British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists head to the Arctic to take part in the BBC expedition ‘Operation Iceberg’. Oceanographers […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: BAS on the BBC

    

78. PRESS RELEASE: Ocean currents driving ice loss

    Warm ocean currents cause majority of ice loss from Antarctica Reporting this week (Thursday 26 April) in the journal Nature, an international team of scientists led by British Antarctic Survey […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Ocean currents driving ice loss

    

79. PRESS RELEASE: Glacier’s melt rate quickens

    Warm ocean speeds melting of Antarctic glacier New results from an investigation into a large glacier in Antarctica and its impact on global sea level rise are published this week […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Glacier’s melt rate quickens

    

80. PRESS RELEASE: Growing evidence of carbon impact

    Captain Scott’s century-old collections suggest marine life is capturing more carbon Tiny Antarctic marine creatures collected 100 years ago by Antarctic explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott give new clues about […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Growing evidence of carbon impact

    

81. PRESS RELEASE: Ridge contributes to melting

    New research sheds light on Antarctica”s melting Pine Island Glacier New results from an investigation into Antarctica’s potential contribution to sea level rise are reported this week (Sunday 20 June) […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Ridge contributes to melting

    

82. PRESS RELEASE: Sonar images reveal seabed

    New Antarctic seabed sonar images reveal clues to sea-level rise Motorway-sized troughs and channels carved into Antarctica’s continental shelves by glaciers thousands of years ago could help scientists to predict […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Sonar images reveal seabed

    

83. PRESS RELEASE: Surveying below the ice

    Robot submarine searches for signs of melting under Antarctic Ice Shelf A team of British and American scientists has successfully deployed an autonomous robot submarine on six missions beneath an […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Surveying below the ice

    

1. Science Trials on the RRS Sir David Attenborough add to historic dataset

   Last week, the team aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough produced the first significant scientific data set with the ship’s oceanography equipment – a significant milestone in the life of […]

   Read more of: Science Trials on the RRS Sir David Attenborough add to historic dataset

   

2. Rothera Marine Team – Overcoming challenges

   Working in Antarctica often means making the best out of what you got. For the Rothera 2022 wintering team, this meant spending a winter without diving, which had to be […]

   Read more of: Rothera Marine Team – Overcoming challenges

   

3. First science on board RRS Sir David Attenborough

   Britain’s new polar ship, RRS Sir David Attenborough, has reached another exciting milestone, completing its first ever scientific assignment – retrieving a scientific mooring! RRS Sir David Attenborough is currently […]

   Read more of: First science on board RRS Sir David Attenborough

   

4. Blog: Mission to investigate A68a iceberg

   Preparations are underway: a team of researchers are quarantining in the Falkland Islands before they begin their mission on board RRS James Cook bound for the giant A68a iceberg. The […]

   Read more of: Blog: Mission to investigate A68a iceberg

   

5. Make sure stammered voices are heard

   Blog: Ocean modeller Dr Kaitlin Naughten discusses what we can do as individuals and as institutions to support our colleagues who stammer.

   Read more of: Make sure stammered voices are heard

   

6. The Arctic heatwave of 2020

   As the Arctic sea ice minimum approaches this month, we share a blog from Professor Mike Meredith at British Antarctic Survey about how the region is rapidly changing in our […]

   Read more of: The Arctic heatwave of 2020

   

7. Machine Learning for Environmental Sciences

   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 of: Machine Learning for Environmental Sciences

   

8. SCIENCE IN THE SEA – Part 3: Gliders galore!

   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 of: SCIENCE IN THE SEA – Part 3: Gliders galore!

   

9. SCIENCE IN THE SEA – Part 1: Journey to the JCR!

   After 6 days, 9505 miles and 7 mm of beard growth, the cruise has officially started! Thursday 16th November and finally the time had come for me start my journey […]

   Read more of: SCIENCE IN THE SEA – Part 1: Journey to the JCR!

   

10. SHIP BLOG: Sea ice, science, and wildlife

    Investigating the Southern Ocean Oceanographers Dan Jones and Erik MacKie are onboard the RRS James Clark Ross carrying out a hydrographic survey in the Southern Ocean as part of a […]

    Read more of: SHIP BLOG: Sea ice, science, and wildlife

    

11. ARCTIC BLOG: Hot water drilling on Petermann Glacier

    Standing anywhere on Petermann ice shelf, the overriding sense you get is the proximity of water.  A lot of water. Standing water, ranging from small ponds, up to lakes hundreds […]

    Read more of: ARCTIC BLOG: Hot water drilling on Petermann Glacier