Antarctica
AntarcticaExpanding Antarctic sea-ice triggers different scientific explanations
Climate change is expanding Antarctica's sea ice, according to a scientific study in the journal Nature Geoscience. The paradoxical phenomenon is thought to be caused by relatively cold plumes of fresh water derived from melting beneath the Antarctic ice shelves.
British Antarctic Survey has a new director: climate expert Professor Jane Francis
Professor Jane Francis has been appointed as the new Director of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). Ms Francis, a geologist by training, is Professor of Palaeoclimatology at the University of Leeds where she is currently Dean of the Faculty of Environment.
South Georgia completes first phase of reindeer eradication: 1.900 animals
The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSCSSI) has announced the completion of the first phase of the eradication of reindeer from the island of South Georgia.
Britain and Argentina share stringent environmental duties in Antarctica
Divers from Royal Navy ice patrol ship HMS Protector have been exploring beneath the waves of the Antarctic to ensure stringent environmental guidelines are being followed in the region. In the process the diving team on board HMS Protector has been busy capturing rare underwater footage of the Antarctic.
Falklands and South Atlantic environment and geography information management system
The South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI) announced a new program: the South Atlantic Information Management System and GIS Centre, which officially brings together the UK South Atlantic Overseas Territories in SAERI’s South Atlantic scope that ranges from the equator down to the ice. The Centre is funded by the FCO via the UK’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Foreign Office pledges more marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean
The Foreign Office said that the UK is striving to ensure that all fishing undertaken in the Southern Ocean is carefully managed and sustainable and that the current FCO focus is supporting international work to establish a network of Southern Ocean Marine Protected Areas.
Royal penguin being cared in New Zealand after stranding 2.000km from Antarctica
A royal penguin is being cared for at a New Zealand zoo after being found stranded on a beach 2,000km from its Antarctic home. The young male bird, which was dehydrated and starving, is thought to be only the fourth royal penguin to wash up there in more than a century.
Argentina supplies Antarctic base by air with contracted Russian aircraft
The Argentine Ministry of Defence announced it had successfully finished the supply of provisions to the Antarctic Base Belgrano II, the most austral of the country’s outposts. The two-week operation in nine legs, depending on weather conditions, was done by air parachuting provisions.
Dr. Kim Crosbie named Executive Director of Antarctic tour operators
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) announced on Wednesday a restructuring of its Secretariat, re-establishing the post of Executive Director, with Dr. Kim Crosbie named to the position.
Australian/UK team complete re-enactment of Shakleton’s epic Antarctic expedition
Nearly 100 years after Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary Antarctic survival journey, a team of British and Australian explorers have completed their expedition to recreate it. Team leader Tim Jarvis and climber Barry Gray arrived at the Stromness whaling station in South Georgia on Sunday, despite extreme weather over the weekend that had put the expedition in jeopardy.
