News
Contact Communications + Media Relations
Database with AWI Experts
Subscribe for press releases as RSS
Low contamination of Antarctic krill with microplastics
Complex analysis necessary to prevent false positive results
[13. February 2024]
Antarctic krill is only slightly contaminated with microplastics and is therefore well suited for monitoring the contamination of the Southern Ocean with microplastics. This is shown by a study in which researchers analysed the stomachs of the widespread shrimp species. In the journal Science of the Total Environment, the team led by the Alfred Wegener Institute warns against false positive results if extraction steps are omitted during sample preparation.
Ice flow on Greenland is probably “only” 2,000 years old
An international research team led by the AWI determines the age of the icy conveyor belt using radar measurements
[09. February 2024]
The Northeast Greenland Ice Stream transports enormous quantities of ice from the island's interior to the sea, thereby also influencing global sea levels. An international research team led by the Alfred Wegener Institute has now determined the age of the icy conveyor belt. According to their findings, it only extended into the interior of Greenland around 2,000 years ago.
Climate Dynamics
Marine heatwaves may amplify beyond expected trends
A new approach to examining ocean extremes
[07. February 2024]
A new study investigating summer marine heatwaves in the Northeast Pacific Ocean projects that they may become even more intense and longer-lasting than expected by long-term warming. This could have serious implications for marine ecosystems and fishery economics. The study was recently published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment by scientists from the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI).
Elbe Flood
Riding the wave: ad hoc campaign collects unique data during the Elbe Flood
Scientists from AWI, GEOMAR, HEREON and UFZ are investigating the effects of the current floods on the Elbe and North Sea on short notice
[23. January 2024]
cientists from UFZ, HEREON, GEOMAR and AWI have mobilised on short notice to investigate how the flood affects the transport of pollutants and nutrients as well as the ecosystems from the Elbe to the German Bight.
Ocean Eddies
Intensification of Arctic Ocean eddy activity under global warming
A new study presents results on the development of eddy activity in the Arctic Ocean
[10. January 2024]
In a new study, researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) investigated the long-term changes in the Arctic Ocean eddy activity in response to climate warming. The study reveals a remarkable surge in Arctic eddy activity in a warmer climate, a trend that is probably unparalleled when compared to other regions across the global ocean.
Page