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New findings on the stability of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet
New study by Kiel University and Alfred Wegener Institute shows how a retreating ice sheet’s grounding line stabilized itself over a long period of time — important reference points for models of ice-sheet behavior.
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AWI Participates in German Unity Day
From 2 to 4 October, celebrations to mark German Unity Day took place in Bremen. The AWI was also present with a stand. At the 'Kaufhaus der Wissenschaft' (Science Department Store) in the former Kaufhof building, visitors could experience Bremen's diverse scientific landscape for themselves. Visitors could try on polar clothing and examine a model of the new Polarstern, among other things. The highlight was a live video link to Neumayer Station III in Antarctica.
Scientific Advisory Board Meets in Bremerhaven
The AWI Scientific Advisory Board provides independent advice to the Board of Trustees and the Executive Board on matters related to research, logistics, and coordination. This year, the board met at the AWI’s main campus in Bremerhaven. The meeting focused on various topics, including the AWI’s research programmes, for which the Scientific Advisory Board makes recommendations. Afterwards, the members gained insights into the institute’s research infrastructure on a guided tour of the AWI Technikum.
Federal Cross of Merit for Harald Rosenthal
Scientist Harald Rosenthal has been awarded the Federal Cross of Merit in recognition of his long-standing and exceptional commitment to marine research, particularly with regard to the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture. His scientific career is closely linked to the Helgoland Biological Station and the Wadden Sea Station on Sylt, and thus to the origins of coastal research at the AWI. His colleagues in coastal research on Helgoland and Sylt, and the AWI as a whole, congratulate him on this honour.
Anne Morgenstern joins IPA Executive Committee
AWI scientist Anne Morgenstern is the newest member of the International Permafrost Association (IPA) Executive Committee. Her expertise in the field of Arctic permafrost research and her experience in fostering international and interdisciplinary scientific exchange and collaboration lead to her being chosen for this role. The IPA is a professional body with the goal of promoting permafrost and permafrost-related research.
Visit by the Chilean Antarctic Institute
Gino Casassa, the director of the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), visited the AWI in Bremerhaven. The institute is a key AWI partner in Antarctic Peninsula research. AWI Director Hajo Eicken and Vice Director Olaf Eisen welcomed Gino Casassa. After getting to know each other and exchanging ideas with AWI scientists, the program included a tour of the institute’s grounds, featuring a guided tour of the Technikum and the Sea Water Aquarium Facility building.
“Science Made in Potsdam”
Approximately 3,500 visitors, including many families and children, came to Potsdam’s Telegrafenberg for the first open day organized by the four research institutes at the “Albert Einstein” Science Park. The AWI, GFZ, PIK and AIP had opened their doors to the public for the first time to complement Potsdam’s Science Day. Visitors were offered insights into cutting-edge research on a wide range of topics related to the Earth, from the oceans and polar regions to climate change and its consequences and even space. To the original press release.
![[Translate to English:] Ein schmelzender Eisberg treibt im Kongsfjord, Spitzbergen.](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/2/csm_20150807_AWIPEV_007_RBuergi-2_b050caba1e.jpg "[Translate to English:] Ein schmelzender Eisberg treibt im Kongsfjord, Spitzbergen.")
Polar oceans could help mitigate climate change – but science and policy are not yet ready to recognise them
A new review maps how carbon-rich Arctic and Antarctic habitats can be better protected and integrated into international climate policy.
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Social cohesion strengthens security
Social cohesion is a crucial prerequisite for tackling the major challenges of the 21st century. Global threats such as climate change, the loss of biodiversity and increasing worldwide pollution can only be tackled by collective action. This is emphasised in the latest assessment by the German Federal Government's Scientific Advisory Council on Global Environmental Change (WBGU). AWI scientist Hans-Otto Pörtner contributed to the report. To the WBGU press release.
Where the methane in the Wadden Sea comes from
Is the Wadden Sea a source of greenhouse gases, and what role do mudflats, sediments, groundwater and inflows from land play in this? A consortium of six research institutions is investigating these questions in Meldorf Bay. Using two research vessels, and a measuring pontoon, the teams are recording the exchange of gases between land, water and the atmosphere. There is a particular focus on methane, as previous measurements have shown elevated concentrations of the gas in the mudflats.
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