Antarctica

Why is research in Antarctica so important?

Hazel Gibson December 1, 2020

The view from the tent . Credit: Helen Millman (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu)

On the 1st December 1959 the Antarctic Treaty was signed by 12 nations, setting aside nearly 10% of the Earth “forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes… in the interests of all mankind.” In the years that followed more and more countries signed the agreement, until today when the agreement has been signed by 54 countries around the globe. In 2010, the Foundation for ...[Read More]

Imaggeo On Monday: Desert Varnish, Antarctica Style

Martha Cary Eppes November 30, 2020

Desert Varnish, Antarctica Style . Credit: Martha Cary Eppes (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu)

This photograph highlights the oxidized surface of diorite boulders, which fall from the ice at the base of the Mullins Glacier in Beacon Valley, Antarctica when the ice moves directly from a solid state into a gas state, without becoming a liquid in between (a process called sublimation). The particular features (morphology) of the varnish and the desert pavement of this unique environment are re ...[Read More]

Imaggeo on Mondays: A window to ice and fire

Wuquan Cui April 20, 2020

A window to ice and fire. Credit: Wuquan Cui (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu)

Brown Bluff is a basalt tuya located on the Tabarin Peninsula of northern Antarctica. This site supports a breeding colony of about 20,000 pairs of adelie penguins and about 550 pairs of gentoo penguins. Geologically speaking, Brown Bluff is simply fascinating. The towering bluffs were the result of an explosive volcanic eruption under ice. Large boulders have toppled from Brown Bluff to the beach ...[Read More]

Imaggeo on Monday: Time-proven shelter in drifting snow

Jan-Marcus Nasse March 9, 2020

Time-proven shelter in drifting snow. Credit: Jan-Marcus Nasse (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu)

During my PhD I was working at the German Neumayer III station in Antarctica for my research on polar atmospheric chemistry. Since my instrument was set up on an observatory south of the main station, every day I would walk past a Scott pyramid tent to go and do my research. One day, in the midst of an Antarctic storm, I caught sight of the tent deep in the drifting snow, and took this picture. Th ...[Read More]