How Rivers in the Sky Melted Antarctic Ice
New research is causing scientists to rethink how polynyas—massive holes in the sea ice—are formed.
Feb 25, 2021 | 700 words, about 3 minutes
Geographic Region: Antarctica
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Article list
Blinded by the Light
In the Southern Ocean, bioluminescent animals deploy light to evade attacks from hungry elephant seals.
Oct 7, 2020 | 550 words, about 2 minutes
Kelp Rafts Are Bringing Invaders to Antarctica
Animals have long rafted around the planet, but the southern continent was considered too remote, too isolated, and too cold for that to be a problem—until now.
Feb 26, 2020 | 600 words, about 3 minutes
Coastal Job: Antarctic Whale Researcher
One of Ukraine’s few marine mammal specialists defies loneliness and frosty temperatures to study whales in the Southern Ocean.
Sep 27, 2019 | 650 words, about 3 minutes
Frozen Ocean
A photographic primer on the dynamics of marine ice.
Sep 24, 2018 | 1,300 words, 14 photos
Turning Birds into Spies Against Illegal Fishing
Could albatrosses wearing trackers be a weapon against illegal fishing?
Apr 9, 2018 | 600 words, about 3 minutes
Animal Trainers Gone Wild
A research team says no to drugs and uses the skills of animal trainers to calm wild Weddell seals.
Feb 13, 2018 | 850 words, about 4 minutes
Tiny Fossils Record Big Shifts in Ocean Currents
Minerals stored in microscopic fossils hint at the subtle ways ocean currents link far-flung food webs.
Jan 3, 2018 | 600 words, about 3 minutes