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Microalgae are more significant for carbon dioxide absorption in the Southern Ocean than previously thought
Some Fourteen thousand years ago, algal blooms in the Southern Ocean helped to massively reduce the global carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere – as has now been revealed by new analyses of ancient DNA published by a team from the Alfred Wegener Institute in the journal Nature Geoscience. In the ocean around the Antarctic continent, these algal blooms had a significant impact on global carbon dynamics. The current and expected future decline in sea ice in this region now poses a serious threat to these algae, which could incur global consequences.
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2nd Antarctica InSync International Science Webinar
The international Antarctic research project Antarctica InSync is organizing a second science webinar. The two-day online workshop to advance the scientific planning of Antarctica InSync, an international initiative endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade. To accommodate participants across diverse time zones and ensure broad global engagement, the webinar will take place over two days, with each session offering the same core content. The sessions will be on 9 September, 7 to 09:30 UTC and on 10 September, 15:00 to 17:30 UTC. More information and registration.
Monica Ionita new IPCC lead author
AWI climate scientist Dr. Monica Ionita is one of the new IPCC lead authors for the 7th Assessment Report. She will oversee Working Group I, Chapter 4 as lead author. The topic of her field of work is: “Advances in process understanding of Earth system changes”. The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) is a United Nations institution, also known as the World Climate Council. It publishes reports on the state of the global climate. The 7th Assessment Report will be published in 2029.
![[Translate to English:] Forschungsschiff Kronprins Haakon](/fileadmin/_processed_/e/c/csm_KPH_-_credit_Dimitri_Kalenitchenko_178fda5b04.jpg "Research Vessel Kronprins Haakon")
Arctic expedition with the research vessel Kronprins Haakon
What are the global impacts of an ice-free Arctic? How will the Arctic develop with increasing climate warming? What does an ice-free Arctic mean for our environment and our society? These are the key questions that the “i2B - Into The Blue” project addresses.
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Open Ship on research vessel Mya II
On Saturday, 9 August 2025, the Mya II opened its hatches as part of the Lister Harbour Festival 2025. There was great interest: around 500 visitors took the opportunity to visit the AWI research vessel and gain insights into ship-based Wadden Sea research.
AWI booth at SAiL Bremerhaven
Until August 17th, the AWI can be found daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the „Wissenschaftsmeile“ of the windjammer festival SAiL. At the AWI info booth at Bremerhaven fishing port, visitors can get in touch and ask away their questions. Interactive stations are another highlight for children and adults alike.
![[Translate to English:] Das AWI-Forschungsflugzeug Polar 6 bei der ersten Messkampagne des Ultra-Breitband-Eisradars, dessen Antennen unter dem Rumpf und den Flügeln montiert sind. Auf dieser Aufnahme fliegt das Flugzeug über den 79-Grad-Nordgletscher in Grönland. Deutlich zu erkennen sind die Schmelzwasserseen auf der Gletscheroberfläche.](/fileadmin/_processed_/c/9/csm_20160811_Ultrabreitband_Radar002_TobiasBinder_de6390112b.jpg "Eisdicken-Messflug über dem 79-Grad-Nord-Gletscher, Grönland")
Lake on the 79°N Glacier is splitting the ice – leaving permanent changes
Since the mid-1990s, the Greenland ice sheet has been losing mass, leaving only three floating tongues remaining. One of these, Nioghalvfjerdsbræ or the 79°N Glacier, is already showing the first signs of instability. In addition to the warm ocean water, which is increasingly thinning the ice from below, the runoff of meltwater on the surface is also playing an increasingly significant role. In a new study, researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute investigated how - caused by global warming - a 21 km2 large meltwater lake formed and developed on…
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Honor for Uwe Nixdorf
Dr. Uwe Nixdorf, AWI Vice Director and Head of AWI Logistics, has been awarded the COMNAP Medal. This international honor from the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs recognizes outstanding contributions to the promotion and support of Antarctic research. The medal highlights Uwe Nixdorf's long-standing commitment to strengthening international cooperation and promoting scientific excellence in the polar regions.
Visit to the ice laboratory
Florian Müller, Member of the German Bundestag and spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group on research, technology, and space travel, visited the AWI in Bremerhaven. AWI Vice Director Dr. Uwe Nixdorf welcomed the politician and presented the activities and research areas of the institute. This was followed by a visit to the ice laboratory, where Dr. Maria Hörhold presented the current work on ice cores from the Antarctic project “Beyond Epica.”
Arctic viruses in rhythm with the seasons
Depending on the season, different types of viruses prevail in Arctic waters, shaping nutrient cycling and energy flow in the ocean. This delicate microbial balance could be disrupted by climate change.
GEOMAR press release