Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Antarctica's diminishing sea ice can lead to ocean warming

Antarctica’s sea ice reached its yearly minimum, slightly surpassing the record low of 2023 based on measurements of the area containing at least 15 per cent sea ice.

Antarctica's diminishing sea ice can lead to ocean warming

Antarctica's sea ice has hit another low this year, marking a concerning trend in the Southern Ocean's behaviour. As the southern summer came to a close, the extent of sea ice, measured by the area of the ocean containing at least 15 per cent of sea ice, was slightly higher than the record low observed in 2023.

This observation was made aboard the Italian icebreaker Laura Bassi, ironically surrounded by sea ice about 10km off Cape Hallett, where reaching expedition sampling sites became challenging.


Just a decade ago, the reliable rebuilding of sea ice during each winter was a norm. However, there has been a significant shift in how the Southern Ocean operates, leading to a dramatic decrease in the area covered by sea ice.

The primary focus of our expedition was to track the changes occurring in the ocean around Antarctica and to make targeted measurements of processes believed to be responsible for this loss of sea ice.

The prevailing theory suggests that warming oceans are driving this phenomenon, so our efforts concentrated on identifying the pathways through which warmer seawater could facilitate increased melting.

Led by a team of scientists coordinating Italy's longstanding research in the Southern Ocean, the expedition aimed to investigate the implications of sea ice changes in terms of physics and biogeochemistry. For decades, these scientists have been maintaining instruments in the Ross Sea region, collecting crucial data that is instrumental in understanding the dynamics of the region.

A two-month expedition sailed a counter-clockwise loop of the continental shelf in the Ross Sea, a biologically rich and shallow region surrounding Antarctica. Continental shelves play a vital role in Earth's ecosystems, and those around Antarctica are particularly unique due to the presence of sea ice, which varies both spatially and temporally.

The annual freeze-thaw cycle of Antarctic sea ice is a crucial aspect of our planet's ecosystem. It influences the reflectivity of a vast area, oxygenates the deep ocean, provides habitat for numerous species in the Southern Ocean food web, and contributes to the resilience of ice shelves.

As we navigate through these changing conditions, the data collected during our expedition, combined with long-term observations maintained by scientific institutions like the US National Snow and Ice Data Center, become increasingly invaluable.

These resources enable us to visualize and analyse sea ice conditions at different points in time, providing insights into the ongoing shifts in Antarctica's environment.

Understanding the complex interplay between ocean warming, sea ice dynamics, and their broader ecological implications is essential for devising strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change in Antarctica and beyond.

As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the Southern Ocean, collaborative efforts and sustained scientific inquiry will be crucial in safeguarding this fragile ecosystem for future generations.

More For You

Community organisations encourage transition to eVisa for convenience and security
The latest Home Office statistics show that over three million people have now made the switch from using physical immigration documents to an eVisa.

Community organisations encourage transition to eVisa for convenience and security

Eastern Eye

Community organisations and immigration experts support the UK government’s campaign to advise people about the change from physical immigration documents to an eVisa, an online record of a person’s UK immigration status.

The latest Home Office statistics show that over three million people have now made the switch from using physical immigration documents to an eVisa.

Keep ReadingShow less
Choosing the Right Business Phone System: A Comprehensive Guide
close up employee call center man hand point to press button number on telephone office desk with virtual communication technology concept

Choosing the Right Business Phone System: A Comprehensive Guide

In today's fast-paced business world, effective communication is essential for success. But with so many options, how do you choose the right phone system for your business? Traditional landline, VoIP, cloud-based systems—the choices can seem overwhelming. To make it easier, we’ve broken down the key aspects you should consider when selecting a business phone system. Let’s dive into the different types of office phone systems for small business, key factors to evaluate, essential features, and costs associated with each option.

I. Types of Business Phone Systems

Keep ReadingShow less
Super Apps Staying Alive in Asia

Super Apps Staying Alive in Asia

There are apps for pretty much everything, from social media to trading and investment. Some apps have stood the test of time, while others disappear almost as quickly as they were added to the app store. However, it can be challenging to manage a ton of disparate apps, each offering a single or limited number of functions and features.

Enter the super app. Super apps are those that can be used for multiple different purposes, providing a single platform from which to game, socialize, invest, learn, and much more. A term originally coined in 2010, super apps are becoming especially popular in the Asian market, although they do still retain some popularity in the rest of the world.

Keep ReadingShow less
10 Ways to Live More Sustainably

10 Ways to Live More Sustainably

Living sustainably doesn’t have to mean making huge sacrifices. Small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference for the planet. By focusing on reducing waste, conserving resources, and rethinking your habits, you can contribute to a greener world. Here are ten simple ways to live more sustainably.

1. Refill and Reuse Coffee Pods

Keep ReadingShow less
CalistaTrade reviews: perspectives of working with the broker

CalistaTrade reviews: perspectives of working with the broker

In recent years, trading has become one of the most discussed topics in the world of finance and economics. The growing interest in this type of activity is due to a number of factors that have made it accessible and attractive to a wide audience. You can start interacting with a broker at any moment. Owners of large monetary capitals can choose CalistaTrade. The company offers loyal terms of cooperation and acts as a leader in the trend direction on the stock market. Regular clients of CalistaTrade actively share their impressions in reviews about working with the broker and focus their attention on modern technologies and the possibility to personalize the trading process. The European investment broker builds trusting and mutually beneficial relationships with clients to take the leading position in trading and be the best of the best.

CalistaTrade reviews: what does the broker offer?

Keep ReadingShow less