NEWS STORY: Free event on Halley VI
27 May, 2015
FREE Public Event – Work in a cold climate: designing for the most extreme place on Earth London Festival of Architecture 2015 Thursday 18 June 2015, 18:30 – 20:00 The …
News and Press Releases
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NEWS STORY: Petrels followed on feeding trips
26 May, 2015
Petrels tracked across the Oceans Staff at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are following the journeys of White-chinned Petrel fledglings as they make their first journeys over the South Atlantic Ocean …
PRESS RELEASE: New network for polar science
19 May, 2015
EU boost for polar science A new initiative to enhance the integration of Europe’s scientific and operational capabilities in the Polar Regions has been funded by the EU Horizon 2020 …
NEWS STORY: Antarctic building workshop
18 May, 2015
Announcement of opportunity – Antarctic construction works associated with a new polar research vessel. Cambridge Seminar 4 June 2015 In April 2014 the British Government earmarked more than £200 million …
PRESS RELEASE: Ice shelf at double risk
13 May, 2015
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 …
NEWS STORY: Ozone hole 30th anniversary
11 May, 2015
30th Anniversary of the Discovery of Ozone Hole This week British Antarctic Survey (BAS) commemorates the 30th anniversary of one of its most important scientific discoveries that affected the world …
NEWS STORY: Thousands enjoy Fossil Festival
8 May, 2015
THIS year’s Lyme Regis Fossil Festival was another success, with thousands of people visiting the three-day event.
NEWS STORY: NERC placement offered
6 May, 2015
NERC Research Experience Placement 2015 A Research Experience Placement supported by EnvEast DTP and funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is available at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) this …
NEWS STORY: Live link to the Arctic
1 May, 2015
Digital Explorer launches virtual adventure on the ice at the UK Arctic Research Station The British Antarctic Survey is proud to support Digital Explorer’s second visit to the UK Arctic …
NEWS STORY: New training course
30 April, 2015
NERC Advanced Training Short Course A Skills Framework for Delivering Safe and Effective Fieldwork in the Polar Regions Course date: 26 August – 8 September 2015 Deadline for applications: 4pm, …
NEWS STORY: New starfish identified
29 April, 2015
First new family of starfish discovered in hydrothermal vents A new family of deep-sea starfish has been discovered living in the warm waters around a hydrothermal vent in the East …
NEWS STORY: BAS at recruitment exhibition
17 April, 2015
British Antarctic Survey takes part in the National Engineering & Construction Recruitment Exhibition 2015 British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is recruiting for engineers and construction workers at this year’s National Engineering …
The Big Interview: Antarctic explorer and speaker Peter Milner – Gloucestershire Echo
6 April, 2015
It’s not often that you get to meet, as an interviewer, someone whose entire life has prepared them for what they’re doing now.
Peter Milner is one of those people.
Read more on The Big Interview: Antarctic explorer and speaker Peter Milner – Gloucestershire Echo
NEWS STORY: BAS at leading fossil festival
1 April, 2015
British Antarctic Survey exhibits at Lyme Regis Fossil Festival Staff from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are displaying some amazing Antarctic fossil and biological collections at the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival …
NEWS STORY: Antarctic fur seals monitored
1 April, 2015
New study tracks feeding behaviour of Antarctic fur seals in winter During the Antarctic Summer female fur seals feed in the waters around their breeding breaches. In winter, when their …
Antarctica may have just set a record for its hottest day ever
28 March, 2015
The continent appears to have hit 63.5 F for the first time thanks to global warming.
Read more on Antarctica may have just set a record for its hottest day ever
NEWS STORY: Research stations mark Earth Hour
26 March, 2015
WWF’s Earth Hour is a global annual event where hundreds of millions of people switch off their lights for one hour to show they care about the planet.
NEWS STORY: Melting rates accelerate
26 March, 2015
New research shows volume loss from Antarctic ice shelves is accelerating New research published today in the journal Science Express (Thursday 26 March) describes how the ice shelves around Antarctica …
NEWS STORY: Frozen in to the Arctic winter
10 March, 2015
Extreme science in extreme conditions: frozen in to the Arctic winter Dr Markus Frey, a British Antarctic Survey (BAS) ice and atmospheric scientist, is living and working aboard the Norwegian …
NEWS STORY: Columns widespread in Southern Ocean
5 March, 2015
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 on NEWS STORY: Columns widespread in Southern Ocean
NEWS STORY: Penguin colonies once limited
2 March, 2015
Survival of the fittest – genetics reveals where emperor penguins survived the last ice age During the last ice age, when much of the Antarctic coastline was uninhabitable due to …
NEWS STORY: Monument for Antarctic personnel
26 February, 2015
The Antarctic Monument remembers Britons lost in Antarctica A monument dedicated to Britons who lost their lives in the service of science in Antarctica was unveiled on the waterfront at …
NEWS STORY: Age does not wither
16 February, 2015
Does age matter? Maybe not if you’re a wandering albatross A new study of the wandering albatrosses breeding on the sub-antarctic island of Bird Island (off South Georgia) reveals that …
NEWS STORY: Data recovered in Antarctica
11 February, 2015
BAS recovers American scientific data in Antarctica Staff from the British Antarctic Survey have recovered crucial scientific data from a giant helium balloon which came down in west Antarctica. The …
NEWS STORY: Events in Cambridge and Manchester
6 February, 2015
‘Ice-Spy in the Antarctic’ Thursday 19 February 11.00 – 11:25 14:00 – 14:25 Cambridge Science Centre, Jesus Lane, Cambridge How do you track the ice that floats in the polar …
NEWS STORY: 2nd award for BAS manager
5 February, 2015
Long serving BAS manager awarded second honour Mike Pinnock, one of the British Antarctic Survey’s longest serving managers, has been awarded a Second Clasp by HM The Queen. The Second …
PRESS RELEASE: Oceans and biofouling
28 January, 2015
Ocean acidification changes balance of biofouling communities A new study of marine organisms that make up the ‘biofouling community’ — tiny creatures that attach themselves to ships’ hulls and rocks …
NEWS STORY: Christmas in Antarctica
19 December, 2014
British Antarctic Survey staff prepare to celebrate Christmas far away from home As you make the last preparations for the festive period, spare a thought for those who will be …
NEWS STORY: Satellites spot seabird poo!
11 December, 2014
Seabird poo has unique spectral signature visible from satellite images Scientists have discovered that penguin and seabird poo (guano) from colonies around the Antarctic Peninsula has a unique spectral signature …
PRESS RELEASE: Sea urchins adapt
10 December, 2014
Sea urchins from Antarctica show adaptation to ocean acidification A study of sea urchins from the Antarctic Peninsula has revealed an ability to adapt to changing conditions such as rising …
NEWS STORY: Commemorating Antarctica Day
1 December, 2014
Antarctica Day 2014: 55 years since the signing of the Antarctic Treaty Today, 1 December, is Antarctica Day and people across the globe are celebrating! The Day was inaugurated in …
NEWS STORY: Glacier project on stamps
25 November, 2014
Stamp of approval for iSTAR The iSTAR programme, which is looking at the stability of Pine Island Glacier in Antarctica, is featured in a new set of British Antarctic Territory …
PRESS RELEASE: Mapping the ice from below
24 November, 2014
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, …
NEWS STORY: Mountains frozen in time
19 November, 2014
Antarctic “ghost mountains” preserved by ice sheet A new study reveals how the rugged ridgelines of East Antarctica’s ancient and mysterious ‘ghost mountains’ have been preserved for millions of years …
NEWS STORY: New iSTAR season starts
11 November, 2014
Scientists head to Pine Island Glacier for new research season A team of twelve scientists and support staff has arrived on Pine Island Glacier in West Antarctica in the second …
NEWS STORY: Lessons from electrons
14 October, 2014
Study of electrons in space could help weather forecasting Researchers have discovered a formerly undetected impact of space weather on the polar atmosphere, which may explain some previously unexplained variations …
NEWS STORY: BAS to host workshop
13 October, 2014
British Antarctic Survey hosts Chemical Air-Snow-Sea Ice Interaction workshop in Cambridge More than 60 scientists from over 15 countries are attending a workshop in Cambridge this week (13-15 October) to …
NEWS STORY: Dick Laws
9 October, 2014
Tribute to former Director of British Antarctic Survey It is with great sadness the British Antarctic Survey reports that Dick Laws died on Monday 6 October 2014 aged 88. He …
NEWS STORY: BAS in university collaboration
29 September, 2014
Stronger together: Addressing global issues through thriving collaboration between University of Cambridge and British Antarctic Survey The challenges our planet is faced with require innovative approaches. To increase the impact …
NEWS STORY: New maps show unseen world
25 September, 2014
New maps of the polar regions reveal unseen world beneath the ice and highlight dramatic decline in Arctic sea ice cover New maps of the sub-ice features in Antarctica and …
NEWS STORY: Sea ice minimum explained
18 September, 2014
Arctic sea ice summer minimum 2014: A scientific perspective The Arctic sea ice minimum marks the day – typically in September – when sea ice reaches its smallest extent at …
NEWS STORY: Patagonian toothfish fishery
16 September, 2014
South Georgia Patagonian toothfish fishery recertified with flying colours Following its five-yearly Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) assessment, the South Georgia Patagonian toothfish longline fishery has, for the third time, been …
NEWS STORY: World Ozone Day
16 September, 2014
Today, 16 September, is the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The date commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol, which sought to reduce atmospheric levels of …
NEWS STORY: Ice shelf break up explained
12 September, 2014
Antarctic Team Discovers Mechanism for Massive Ice Shelf Collapse New research has found that the cataclysmic break-up of a large floating ice shelf in the early 2000’s was primarily the …
NEWS STORY: Signs of ozone recovery
11 September, 2014
First signs of ozone layer recovery The ozone layer is showing the first signs of future recovery thanks to international action against ozone depleting substances, say the United Nations Environment …
NEWS STORY: Sea levels rising faster in Antarctica
1 September, 2014
Antarctic sea-level rising faster than global rate A new study of satellite data from the last 19 years reveals that fresh water from melting glaciers has caused the sea-level around …
Read more on NEWS STORY: Sea levels rising faster in Antarctica
PRESS RELEASE: New marine life atlas
25 August, 2014
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 …
NEWS STORY: Priorities for Antarctic science
13 August, 2014
In April 2014, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) brought together scientists and policy-makers from 22 countries to agree future Antarctic research priorities. Through discussions, debate and voting, the …
NEWS STORY: Power-down update
12 August, 2014
UPDATE Power-down at British Antarctic Survey Halley Research Station The 13 members of staff at Halley Research Station continue to remain safe and well following the power-down incident on 30 …
NEWS STORY: Power-down at Research Station
6 August, 2014
Power-down at British Antarctic Survey Halley Research Station – Statement British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is dealing with a serious operational incident at its Halley Research Station. On Wednesday 30 July …
PRESS RELEASE: Penguin trends analysed
6 August, 2014
Risks to penguin populations analysed A major study of all penguin species suggests the birds are at continuing risk from habitat degradation. Writing in the journal, Conservation Biology, a group …
NEWS STORY: Penguin Post Office
24 July, 2014
The Penguin Post Office, Bransfield House (Base A), is a little bit of Britain in Antarctica. Inside the British Base, run by the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT), the …
PRESS RELEASE: Fur seal genetics and climate change
23 July, 2014
Genetic study shows major impact of climate change on Antarctic fur seals Genetic analysis of Antarctic fur seals, alongside decades of in-depth monitoring,* has provided unique insights into the effect …
Read more on PRESS RELEASE: Fur seal genetics and climate change
NEWS STORY: Antarctic Science Strategy
16 July, 2014
Government publishes UK Antarctic Science Strategy A framework document ‘UK Science in Antarctica 2014-2020‘ is published today (Wednesday 16 July). Prepared by the UK National Committee for Antarctic Research on …
NEWS STORY: Emperor Penguins’ adaptation skills
24 June, 2014
New research using satellite images reveals that emperor penguins are more willing to relocate than previously thought A new study led by the University of Minnesota offers new insights on …
Read more on NEWS STORY: Emperor Penguins’ adaptation skills
NEWS STORY: Midwinter’s Day in Antarctica
20 June, 2014
Midwinter’s Day celebrations take place at Antarctic Research Stations Staff at the British Antarctic Survey are celebrating Midwinter’s Day in Antarctica. In a tradition which began in the days of …
NEWS STORY: Icebergs leave their mark
16 June, 2014
Climate related iceberg activity has massively altered life on the seabed Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey have found evidence that climate change has fundamentally altered the way that life …
NEWS STORY: Ancestral penguins studied
12 June, 2014
Rise and fall of prehistoric penguin populations charted The British Antarctic Survey has been involved in a study of how penguin populations have changed over the last 30,000 years. This …
NEWS STORY: Bridging the gap in the krill debate
9 June, 2014
Event: Understanding the objectives for krill fishing and conservation in the Scotia Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula Region Convened by the British Antarctic Survey, ICED and WWF WWF’s Living Planet …
Read more on NEWS STORY: Bridging the gap in the krill debate
NEWS STORY: Southern Ocean dynamics
2 June, 2014
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 …
BLOG: Bird Island Station Leader
28 May, 2014
We caught up with Bird Island Research Station Leader Adam Bradley who was living and working on the island when the BBC crew came to film Deadly Pole to Pole. …
NEWS STORY: Bird Island on CBBC
27 May, 2014
Deadly Pole to Pole at Bird Island Tune in to CBBC today at 5:25pm to see adventurer Steve Backshall on Bird Island as part of the BBC’s Deadly Pole to …
NEWS STORY: Changes in upper atmosphere
23 May, 2014
Earth’s magnetic field is important for climate change at high altitudes New research, published this week, has provided scientists with greater insight into the climatic changes happening in the upper …
PRESS RELEASE: New whale subspecies
21 May, 2014
Humpback whale subspecies revealed by genetic study A new genetic study has revealed that populations of humpback whales in the oceans of the North Pacific, North Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere …
PRESS RELEASE: Penguins monitored with tags
21 May, 2014
Electronic tags provide 10 years worth of penguin data A team of scientists, led by researchers from the British Antarctic Survey, has used tiny electronic tags to study the decline …
NEWS STORY: TELLUS launches its data
20 May, 2014
The Tellus South West survey project proudly launches its new maps and data on the 20th May at the Holiday Inn, Plymouth. The project has mapped the soils, rocks, landscape …
NEWS STORY: Design award for Halley VI
16 May, 2014
Halley VI honoured for outstanding design and construction It’s been quite a week for Halley VI, picking up numerous Architizer A+ awards in New York and winning two more at …
NEWS STORY: Changes in winds in south
12 May, 2014
Ocean winds keep Australia dry and Antarctica cold New research explains why Antarctica is not warming as much as other continents, and why southern Australia is recording more droughts. Analysis …
NEWS STORY: Marine award for scientist
2 May, 2014
BAS Scientist receives prestigious award BAS oceanographer, Dr Emily Shuckburgh, has been presented with the Rosenstiel Award at a ceremony in Miami in the United States. The Rosenstiel Award, created …
NEWS STORY: Unlocking clues to past climate
1 May, 2014
Earth’s last warm phase exposed Analysis of data collected from ice cores and marine sediment cores in both polar regions has given scientists a clearer picture of how the Earth’s …
NEWS STORY: Funding announced for new ship
25 April, 2014
New polar research ship for UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon George Osborne MP announced this week (Friday 25 April 2014) that the Government has earmarked more than …
NEWS STORY: New critter discovered on whale carcass
22 April, 2014
Chance discovery could be unique to whale bone habitat A new species of bug, similar in appearance to the common woodlouse, has been found plastered all over a whale carcass …
Read more on NEWS STORY: New critter discovered on whale carcass
NEWS STORY: Geology under the ice
11 April, 2014
An international research team has generated the first comprehensive map of geology beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet that will help to understand long-term changes in the largest ice sheet …
NEWS STORY: Accolade for Halley VI engineers
10 April, 2014
Halley engineers AECOM Shortlisted for ICE London Civil Engineering Award AECOM’s British Antarctic Survey Halley VI Antarctic Research Station project has been shortlisted for the ICE London Civil Engineering Awards’ …
NEWS STORY: Another award for Halley VI
3 April, 2014
Halley VI: recognition for a unique and innovative research station After receiving two Civic Trust awards last month, British Antarctic Survey’s Halley VI Research Station has scooped yet another award …
NEWS STORY: Pass the panda for Earth Hour
28 March, 2014
BAS staff support WWF’s Earth Hour with cuddly friend! This Saturday, 29 March, is WWF’s Earth Hour. Earth Hour aims to focus the world’s attention on the planet and the …
NEWS STORY: Understanding how ecosystems function
18 March, 2014
Lessons from a remote Antarctic island on the vulnerability of ecosystems Scientists have carried out new research that could change the way we think about the vulnerability of ecosystems. Published …
Read more on NEWS STORY: Understanding how ecosystems function
PRESS RELEASE: Frozen moss brought back to life
17 March, 2014
Moss brought back to life after 1,500 years frozen in ice Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey and Reading University have demonstrated that, after over 1,500 years frozen in Antarctic …
Read more on PRESS RELEASE: Frozen moss brought back to life
NEWS STORY: Crucial conditions for phytoplankton
16 March, 2014
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 on NEWS STORY: Crucial conditions for phytoplankton
NEWS STORY: Halley VI wins two awards
12 March, 2014
British Antarctic Survey’s Halley Research Station scoops two 2014 Civic Trust Awards British Antarctic Survey’s Halley Research Station received a 2014 Civic Trust Award and a Civic Trust Special Award …
NEWS STORY: Volcanoes helped life survive ice ages
10 March, 2014
New research suggests that life survived past ice ages with the help of volcanoes. An international collaboration, including scientists from the British Antarctic Survey, has found new evidence that the …
Read more on NEWS STORY: Volcanoes helped life survive ice ages
PRESS RELEASE: Glacier’s thinning charted
20 February, 2014
Previous rapid thinning of Pine Island Glacier sheds light on future Antarctic ice loss New research, published this week in Science, suggests that the largest single contributor to global sea …
NEWS STORY: Arctic sea ice trends
13 February, 2014
British Antarctic Survey coordinates Arctic sea-ice investigation Arctic sea-ice cover is retreating at an unprecedented rate. Scientists fear we may see the complete loss of sea ice during the summer …
PRESS RELEASE: Satellites identify whales
12 February, 2014
Satellites help spot whales Scientists have demonstrated how new satellite technology can be used to count whales, and ultimately estimate their population size. Using Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite imagery, …
NEWS STORY: First phase of glacier mission ends
10 February, 2014
First leg of Antarctic iSTAR mission accomplished A team of British scientists has returned from a gruelling 1500km journey across the ice of West Antarctica after successfully completing the first …
Read more on NEWS STORY: First phase of glacier mission ends
PRESS RELEASE: Risks to satellites measured
5 February, 2014
New risk index for satellite operators CAMBRIDGE, UK. Scientists, satellite operators, insurance industry and Government policy officials gather this week (7 February 2014) to discuss the latest advances in …
NEWS STORY: Airborne geophysics in the Antarctic
27 January, 2014
In this month’s International Innovation journal Dr Fausto Ferraccioli discusses how airborne geophysics can be used to uncover the geology of Antarctica and explore some of the Earth’s final frontiers. …
Read more on NEWS STORY: Airborne geophysics in the Antarctic
NEWS STORY: UK leading scientists listed
16 January, 2014
A list published this week by the Science Council features British Antarctic Survey Director, Professor Jane Francis as one of 100 UK leading practising scientists The list is the result …
NEWS STORY: Giant trench under Antarctic Ice
15 January, 2014
What lies beneath – scientists discover giant trench under Antarctic Ice A massive ancient subglacial trough — deeper than the Grand Canyon — has been discovered by a team of …
NEWS STORY: Glacier thinning at point of no return
14 January, 2014
Focus on Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica Pine Island Glacier, on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) is the largest single contributor to sea-level rise in Antarctica. The stability of the …
Read more on NEWS STORY: Glacier thinning at point of no return