Humpback whales return to South Georgia
5 November, 2020
A new study shows the welcome return of humpback whales to the waters around the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia after a century of commercial whaling decimated their populations. The …
Archives: News
A68 iceberg heads towards South Georgia
4 November, 2020
An iceberg is heading towards the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. A68a – the size of the UK county of Somerset – broke off from the Larsen C ice shelf …
Microplastics ‘abundant’ in remote polar seas
23 October, 2020
New study of plastics in the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands
RRS Sir David Attenborough departs Cammell Laird for technical sea trials
21 October, 2020
BIRKENHEAD. Today (Wednesday 21 October) the UK’s most advanced polar research ship – RRS Sir David Attenborough – leaves Cammell Laird shipyard for two weeks of technical sea trials. In …
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Research priorities for effective krill management
15 October, 2020
An international ‘Krill Action Group’, including experts from the British Antarctic Survey, has identified several research priorities to advance the understanding of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) and improve the management …
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Climate scientists uncover 30-year-old temperature record
23 September, 2020
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has recognized a temperature of -69.6°C (-93.3°F) at an automatic weather station in Greenland on 22 December 1991 as the coldest ever recorded in the …
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Antarctic krill take refuge from climate change
22 September, 2020
New research shows that Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), a key link in the Southern Ocean food web, have refuges from the rapid climatic warming and ice loss that has degraded …
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Automated Halley monitors the ozone hole over Antarctica
16 September, 2020
This World Ozone Day, British Antarctic Survey (BAS) celebrates new technology which enables continuous monitoring of the ozone hole over Antarctica. Readings from the Dobson Ozone Spectrophotometer at Halley Research …
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Deep channels link ocean to Antarctic glacier
9 September, 2020
Newly discovered deep seabed channels beneath Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica may be the pathway for warm ocean water to melt the underside of the ice. Data from two research …
Synchronous timing of past abrupt climate changes
21 August, 2020
New research has revealed that climate changes associated with past episodes of abrupt warming in Greenland occurred synchronously across a region extending from the Arctic to the Southern Hemisphere subtropics. …
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Past evidence supports complete loss of Arctic sea-ice by 2035
10 August, 2020
A new study, published this week in the journal Nature Climate Change, supports predictions that the Arctic could be free of sea ice by 2035. High temperatures in the Arctic …
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Update on 2020/21 Antarctic field season: responding to COVID-19 pandemic
7 August, 2020
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) provides more detail about its Antarctic season operational plan for the forthcoming field season and how it plans to keep Antarctica virus-free. COVID-19 continues to present …
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Dr Huw Griffiths awarded SCAR Medal for Education and Communication
7 August, 2020
Please join us in congratulating Dr Huw Griffiths, Marine Biogeographer at British Antarctic Survey, who has been awarded the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Medal for Education and Communication. …
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Scientists discover new penguin colonies from space
5 August, 2020
A new study using satellite mapping technology reveals there are nearly 20% more emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica than was previously thought. The results provide an important benchmark for monitoring …
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Spotlight on equality, diversity and inclusion
4 August, 2020
New blogs, refreshed web content and a social media campaign aim to highlight a two-year programme of work aimed at boosting diversity in UK polar science.
Monitoring whales from space
31 July, 2020
Scientists have found that studying high-resolution images of whales from space is a feasible way to estimate their populations. A team, led by British Antarctic Survey (BAS), compared satellite images …
Pride Day declared on 18 November
27 July, 2020
The Government of the British Antarctic Territory (BAT) and the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) celebrate the contribution of LGBTQ+ people by declaring 18 November …
Record warming at the South Pole
29 June, 2020
The South Pole has warmed at over three times the global rate since 1989, according to a paper published in Nature Climate Change today (29 June 2020). This warming period was …
Space weather monitoring receives funding boost
27 June, 2020
Space weather research at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) receives a funding boost of around £2M today (Saturday 27 June) from the SWIMMR (Space Weather Instrumentation, Measurement, Modelling and Risk) programme. …
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New briefing paper on Arctic change
25 June, 2020
BAS researchers have contributed to a new briefing paper about the Arctic published this week (25 June 2020). Working with a team at the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London, …
Celebrating Midwinter’s Day in Antarctica
19 June, 2020
British Antarctic Survey are this Sunday (21 June) celebrating Midwinter’s Day in Antarctica. In a tradition which began more than one hundred years ago with Captain Scott, the event marks …
Antarctic sea ice loss explained in new study
17 June, 2020
Scientists have discovered that summer sea ice in the Weddell Sea area of Antarctica has decreased by one million square kilometres – an area twice the size of Spain – …
Wind beneath their wings – study finds albatrosses fine-tuned to wind conditions
12 June, 2020
A new study of albatrosses has found that wind plays a bigger role in their decision to take flight than previously thought, and due to their differences in body size, …
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Plans for International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration in response to COVID-19
12 June, 2020
The joint US/UK five-year programme to study the future contribution of Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica to global sea-level rise – the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC) – announces news …
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British Antarctic Survey statement on Black Lives Matter
10 June, 2020
British Antarctic Survey supports and endorses the UKRI statement on Black Lives Matter. We embrace and recognise the importance of taking a stand against racism and strive for diversity and equality of opportunity, and are committed to building inclusive and diverse teams that represent all backgrounds.
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British Antarctic Survey season plan for 2020-21
9 June, 2020
Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic CAMBRIDGE: British Antarctic Survey (BAS) reveals more detail about its Antarctic season operational plan for the 2020-21 season. COVID-19 continues to present BAS with a …
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Antarctic homecoming – responding to COVID-19
6 June, 2020
Over the next few days, British Antarctic Survey (BAS) research and support teams will return from Antarctica to UK after a 20-day sea voyage on board a charter ship and …
RRS Sir David Attenborough’s cargo tender completes maiden voyage
1 June, 2020
EXETER. There is great excitement this week for British Antarctic Survey and the RRS Sir David Attenborough as Captain Will Whatley and Chief Engineer Luke Parnell put the cargo tender …
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Climate change will turn coastal Antarctica green
20 May, 2020
Scientists have created the first ever large-scale map of microscopic algae as they bloomed across the surface of snow along the Antarctic Peninsula coast. Results indicate that this ‘green snow’ is …
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Sub-Antarctic island celebrates Shackleton Day with New Wharf for the RRS Sir David Attenborough
20 May, 2020
The completion marks the latest milestone for the £140m UK Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme commissioned by UKRI-NERC and undertaken by the British Antarctic Survey. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, dominated by …
Migratory secrets of recovering whale species
20 May, 2020
Scientists have discovered where a whale species that feeds around the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia breeds during the winter months. This understanding of where the animals migrate from will …
Updated Mapping Datasets for Antarctica
12 May, 2020
A newly updated Antarctic Digital Database is released today (12 May 2020). Aimed at the science and logistics communities, the maps include updates to the ice shelf front around Thwaites …
Increase in winter warm spells in UK temperature records
7 May, 2020
Warm winter spells have increased in frequency and duration two- to three times over since 1878, according to a new study published this week (6 May 2020). In a new …
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New album Aurora Musicalis brings the ‘sounds of space’ to the public
6 May, 2020
A new album with the unique ‘sounds of space’ recorded from Antarctica is released free today (6 May 2020). Aurora Musicalis contains the natural radio ‘sounds’ of our planet, recorded …
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BAS participates in EGU General Assembly 2020
4 May, 2020
As the world continues to work around lockdown, the EGU General Assembly 2020 will take place this week (4-8 May) online. The annual EGU (European Geosciences Union) meeting, which usually …
Update: British Antarctic Survey response to COVID-19 and planning for next season
1 May, 2020
CAMBRIDGE: British Antarctic Survey (BAS) continues to plan its operational support to the UK and international polar research community during global challenges posed by COVID-19. Halley and Signy Research Stations …
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Drilling projects set to break new ground
29 April, 2020
Two new research projects – in partnership with British Antarctic Survey engineers – will drill deeper than ever before in Antarctica and in space. The first project, called INCISED, is …
Plastic Pollution reaching Antarctica
28 April, 2020
Food wrapping, fishing gear and plastic waste continue to reach the Antarctic. Two new studies into how plastic debris is reaching sub-Antarctic islands are published in the journal Environment International. …
Fellowship success for leaders of the future
23 April, 2020
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 …
Earth Day 2020: The Song of the Ice
22 April, 2020
*Did you miss the live event on 22 April? The recording is now available to watch below, or on Youtube via: https://youtu.be/8r3xdrp5GGI* Online launch of The Song of the Ice …
New Antarctic Wharf Ready for the RRS Sir David Attenborough
16 April, 2020
A new £40 million wharf to moor the RRS Sir David Attenborough has been used by polar ships for the first time at British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station in …
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Underwater Mountain Mapped in the South Atlantic
9 April, 2020
An underwater mountain double the height of the UK’s Ben Nevis has been added to a global map of the seafloor during a research cruise to investigate the marine environment …
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End of Antarctic field season 2020 – repatriation
7 April, 2020
Exceptional plans to repatriate our people at the end of the Antarctic summer field season
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British Antarctic Survey response to COVID-19
6 April, 2020
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has precautionary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Our organisation continues to function well in spite of most of our staff working from home. Science and support teams who have completed summer fieldwork are currently being repatriated to UK.
Traces of rainforests found in West Antarctica
1 April, 2020
An international team of researchers has provided a new and unprecedented perspective on the climate history of Antarctica. From a sediment core collected from the seafloor in West Antarctica, they …
Appleton Prize awarded to Professor Richard Horne
4 March, 2020
British Antarctic Survey is pleased to announce the Appleton Prize 2020 has been awarded to Professor Richard Horne, Head of the Space Weather and Atmosphere science team at British Antarctic …
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Climate scientists help businesses tackle climate change
26 February, 2020
Climate change could add around 20% to the global cost of extreme weather events by 2040, according to early findings from Cambridge researchers. The findings come from the Cambridge Climate …
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Return of the whales to South Georgia
20 February, 2020
A team led by British Antarctic Survey has just returned from the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, as the last of three expeditions to investigate the recovery of whales a …
International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2020
11 February, 2020
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is organised by UNESCO and UN-Women to promote full and equal access and participation in science for women and girls. The United …
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Invading species ‘hitches a ride’ on kelp to reach Antarctica
31 January, 2020
Large brown seaweed can bring invasive species to Antarctica, according to research published today (31 January 2020) in the journal Scientific Reports. The new study describes the first scientific evidence …
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New building at Rothera breaks ground
30 January, 2020
In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the first sighting of Antarctica by the British naval officer Edward Bransfield on this date in 1820, a new building to facilitate the …
Space weather ‘super storms’ occurred every 25 years
29 January, 2020
A ‘great’ space weather super-storm large enough to cause significant disruption to our electronic and networked systems occurred on average once in every 25 years. The results are published today …
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Scientists drill for first time on remote Antarctic Glacier
28 January, 2020
Teams from the US and UK have successfully completed scientific fieldwork in one of the most remote and hostile areas of West Antarctica – coinciding with the 200th anniversary of …
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Polar Medals awarded to BAS Staff
22 January, 2020
Two British Antarctic Survey (BAS) staff have been awarded the Polar Medal, and one member of staff has been awarded a prestigious Second Clasp. The announcement was published in the …
Arctic under spotlight at World Economic Forum
20 January, 2020
A team of Arctic scientists – including British Antarctic Survey (BAS) climate scientist Dr Jeremy Wilkinson – are hosting their fourth Arctic Basecamp in Davos this week (20-24 January) at …
Cloud study aids climate predictions
17 January, 2020
British Antarctic Survey’s Twin Otter aircraft takes to the skies over Barbados as part of a major international research campaign to enhance understanding of the behaviour of clouds and their …
Ramboll re-awarded Technical Advisor role
16 January, 2020
Engineering, design and consultancy company Ramboll has been re-appointed as Technical Advisors for British Antarctic Survey (BAS), successfully winning the next phase of work in a series of projects to …
RRS Sir David Attenborough latest milestones
16 January, 2020
BIRKENHEAD. The RRS Sir David Attenborough achieved two important milestones at Cammell Laird’s shipyard this month with the commissioning and testing of lifeboats and power systems. The ship is in …
Opportunities for Antarctic research 2020 – Apply now
13 January, 2020
Applications to carry out small-scale research projects in the Antarctic in the 2020/21 season are invited from UK-based researchers. The Collaborative Antarctic Science Scheme (CASS) provides fieldwork opportunities for scientists …
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Predicting non-native ‘invasions’ in Antarctica
13 January, 2020
A new study identifies the non-native species most likely to ‘invade’ the Antarctic Peninsula region over the next decade. It provides a baseline for all operators in the region to …
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PhD centre will nurture new leaders in Earth observation
9 January, 2020
A new centre will enable 50 fully-funded PhD researchers to harness satellite data to tackle global environmental challenges. The Centre for Satellite Data in Environmental Science (SENSE) will bring together expertise in …
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Protecting seabirds and mammals
8 January, 2020
A new study published this week (7 January 2020) identifies a need for fishery managers to adopt clear objectives for the protection of seabirds and mammals. It is published in …
Professor Alan Rodger
6 January, 2020
It is with great sadness that we report the death of previous staff member, Professor Alan Rodger. Alan was a scientist in BAS for over 40 years since 1972. He …
Festive Greetings from Antarctica
20 December, 2019
As you make the last preparations for the festive period, spare a thought for those who will be working away in Antarctica for British Antarctic Survey. Over 300 staff, scientists …
Antarctica: Getting Ready for RRS Sir David Attenborough
19 December, 2019
A major modernisation programme at British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Rothera Research Station begins its second ‘summer season’ this month with the arrival of a 60-plus person team from BAM. Construction …
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New high-precision map of Antarctica’s bed topography
12 December, 2019
A team of glaciologists has unveiled the most accurate portrait yet of the contours of the land beneath Antarctica’s ice sheet – and, by doing so, has helped identify which …
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Studies highlight fragility of Antarctic ecosystems
29 November, 2019
Two studies published in a special issue of the journal Science Advances this week (27 November 2019) highlight the fragility of the Antarctic and its ecosystems in the lead up …
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Ice core inspired art installation opens in London
26 November, 2019
A new climate change artwork – Ice Floor, a new Phase 2 by Wayne Binitie, opens this week at Arup’s Fitzroy Street offices in London. The work was developed in …
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Scientists head to Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier
14 November, 2019
Nearly 100 scientists and support staff depart this week (13 November 2019) for the most ambitious mission to date for Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica. In the second year of …
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PhD projects for 2020
12 November, 2019
Applications for BAS PhD projects are now open for 2020 admission. There are currently over 100 PhD students associated with BAS, and nearly half of these students work full time …
Space weather study wins accolade
4 November, 2019
A team of international researchers, including Professor Richard Horne from British Antarctic Survey, has been awarded best research study from the journal Risk Analysis for 2019. The study, led by …
Antarctica. BBC blockbuster Seven Worlds, One Planet
23 October, 2019
Antarctica – BBC NHU blockbuster
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Poet Laureate marks naming of polar ship
20 October, 2019
A new work by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage celebrates the RRS Sir David Attenborough. In this video Simon describes his inspiration for the poem, which can be read in full …
Krill’s influence on CO2 and global climate
18 October, 2019
A new study involving British Antarctic Survey researchers highlights the influence of krill (Euphausia superba) on atmospheric carbon levels. It is published in the journal Nature Communications today (18th October …
Stranded whales detected from space
17 October, 2019
A new technique for analysing satellite images may help scientists detect and count stranded whales from space. Researchers tested a new detection method using Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite images …
Study recommends special protection of emperor penguins
9 October, 2019
In a new study published this week (Wednesday 9 October) in the journal Biological Conservation, an international team of researchers recommends the need for additional measures to protect and conserve …
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Ship is named with royal ceremony
26 September, 2019
The UK’s new polar research ship is formally named the RRS Sir David Attenborough today [Thursday 26 September] by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. In their first engagement of …
New report reveals state of the planet
26 September, 2019
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 …
Funding boost for space weather research
24 September, 2019
Space weather research gets a boost this week with a £20m fund announced by the UK Prime Minister. Space weather, such as flares or winds from the Sun’s surface or …
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to attend Naming Ceremony of New Polar Ship
5 September, 2019
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Sir David Attenborough will attend the Royal Ceremonial Naming of the New Polar Research Ship at the Cammell Laird shipyard on Thursday 26 …
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Antarctic krill use ‘hotspots’ for their young
25 July, 2019
New research, published this week (24 July 2019) in the journal PLOS ONE, shows how Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), a key species in the Southern Ocean food web, choose different …
Reaffirmed international commitment to Antarctic Treaty
11 July, 2019
PRAGUE 11 July 2019 Twenty-nine nations today [11 July 2019] reaffirm their commitment to the treaty that protects and preserves Antarctica as a continent for peace and science. Sixty years …
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Discovery of rare lava lake on remote sub-Antarctic island
3 July, 2019
A team of scientists has discovered a rare lava lake on a remote and inaccessible sub-Antarctic island. This volcano in the South Sandwich Islands is only the 8th to be identified worldwide to have a persistent lava lake.
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Space weather causes radiation damage to satellites
1 July, 2019
The use of electric propulsion for raising satellites into geostationary orbit can result in significant solar cell degradation according to a new study. The extended journey results in greater exposure …
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Engineers automate science from remote Antarctic station
25 June, 2019
A remote and unoccupied research station in Antarctica has, for the first time, collected important scientific measurements of climate, ozone and space weather thanks to ground-breaking technology developed by British …
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Midwinter Celebrations in Antarctica
21 June, 2019
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are celebrating Midwinter’s Day in Antarctica. In a tradition which began in the days of Captain Scott, today’s event (Friday 21 June) marks the shortest, and …
Marine life recovery following the dinosaurs’ extinction
19 June, 2019
A new study shows how marine life around Antarctica returned after the extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. A team led by British Antarctic Survey studied just under 3000 …
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Boaty McBoatface sheds light on warming ocean abyss
18 June, 2019
The debut mission involving the autonomous submarine Autosub Long Range – affectionately known as Boaty McBoatface – has for the first time shed light on a key process linking increasing …
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Antarctic species in the face of a changing ocean
17 June, 2019
A new study reveals how marine life around Antarctica will fare in an ocean which has declining levels of oxygen. Writing in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society …
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New map of Greenland reveals fast-changing environment
13 June, 2019
Cartographers at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has produced the most detailed and up-to-date published map of Greenland available.
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Fishing hotspots show where sub-Antarctic seabirds at risk
22 May, 2019
A new study highlights that sub-Antarctic seabirds are most at risk from unsustainable fishing during the southern hemisphere winter and in the south Atlantic and Southwest Indian Oceans. The link …
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First Antarctic construction season success
21 May, 2019
ANTARCTICA: At the onset of the Antarctic winter British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Rothera Research Station bids farewell to 50 construction workers. They have spent the last six months building the …
Seal and penguin poo is major driver of Antarctic terrestrial biodiversity
13 May, 2019
A new study by BAS scientists and collaborators in the Netherlands shows that seal and penguin poo is key to Antarctic biodiversity on land. By studying concentrations of nitrogen-rich guano …
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Solar heat drives rapid melting of Antarctic Ice Shelf
29 April, 2019
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 …
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“Catastrophic” breeding failure at one of world’s largest emperor penguin colonies
25 April, 2019
Researchers at British Antarctic Survey have discovered “catastrophic” breeding failure at one of world’s largest emperor penguin colonies.
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Scientists to study methane emissions in North Sea
23 April, 2019
Scientists embark on a three-week flying campaign today (23 April) to study methane emissions from gas fields in the southern North Sea. Using specialised scientific equipment, on board one of …
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