Archive of News and Press Releases

[Translate to English:] Niedrigwasser der Elbe in Dresden.
Press releases

Droughts in Germany could become more extreme

In the future, droughts could be even more severe than those that struck parts of Germany in 2018. An analysis of climate data from the last millennium shows that several factors have to coincide to produce a megadrought: not only rising temperatures, but also the amount of solar radiation, as well as certain meteorological and ocean-circulation conditions in the North Atlantic, like those expected to arise in the future. A group of researchers led by the Alfred Wegener Institute have just released their findings in the journal Communications Earth &…
[Translate to English:] Polarstern in the smallest gap called "foxhole" between iceberg A74 (right) and Brunt Ice Shelf (left). Look to direction out of the foxhole, in which Polarstern manoevered after station work. Polarstern in der "Fuchsbau" getauften schmalsten Stelle zwischen Eisberg A74 (rechts) und Brunt-Schelfeis (links). Blick in die Richtung Ausgang des "Fuchsbaus", in die das Schiff nach Beendigung der Stationsarbeit weiter gefahren ist.
Press releases

Polarstern expedition investigates massive calved iceberg

Roughly two weeks ago, a massive iceberg calved from the Antarctic Ice Sheet. As the only research vessel nearby, the Polarstern took the opportunity to enter the area between the iceberg and the Brunt Ice Shelf. The first images from the seafloor reveal an amazing level of biodiversity in a region that was covered by thick ice for decades. The sediment samples gathered are expected to provide more detailed insights into the ecosystem, while a geochemical analysis of the water samples collected will allow conclusions to be drawn regarding the nutrient…
AWI director Antje Boetius
Short news

Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue 21

The Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD) is an international forum for actors in the energy sector. High-ranking decision-makers from politics, industry, science and civil society have the opportunity to exchange their experiences and ideas on a safe, affordable and environmentally friendly global energy transition. AWI Director Antje Boetius will speak at this year's online conference as a podium guest on March 16 from 7.30 p.m. The event will be streamed online.
Fig. 1: The Ocean Floor Observation and Bathymetry System (OFOBS) being deployed from Polarstern’s aft A-Frame.
Weekly report

Photos from the Seafloor

Much of the work conducted during PS124 focuses on the deployment and recovery of sensors and equipment designed to allow us a better understanding of the characteristics and dynamics of the water masses and ice in the southern Weddell Sea. This is not the exclusive research aim, however.
[Translate to English:] Mikroskopaufnahme von Ethylen-Propylen-Dien-Kautschuk-Partikeln (EPDM). Dieser Kunststoff wird viel in der Industrie genutzt, beispielsweise für Dichtungen in Wasseramaturen, für Kabelummantelungen, zur Abdichtung von Dächern und Fassaden oder im Bau von Autos und Geräten. Die drei abgebildeten Partikel gehören zu den größten gefundenen Partikeln und sind etwa 700 bis 1000 Mikrometer lang. Microscope images of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) particles. This plastic is used a lot in industry, for example for seals in water armatures, for cable sheathing, for sealing roofs and facades or in the construction of cars and appliances. The three particles shown are the largest particles and are about 700 to 1000 micrometres long.
Online news

Microplastics in the Elbe River

A team of scientists under the direction of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht – Centre for Materials and Coastal Research (HZG) has detected numerous microplastic particles in the Elbe waters near Cuxhaven. The researchers found 200 to 2100 microplastic particles per cubic meter of water. To better interpret the results of their measurements and their large range as well as to enable the scientists to make comparisons with future studies, the team demonstrated for the first time in the field of microplastics research how the guidelines of the…
Fig. 1: After the completion of a day’s two-to three hour ice surveying and sampling program, the sea ice team awaits the arrival of the helicopter to return to Polarstern with all samples and scientific equipment.
Weekly report

Research in the Southern Ocean

The last weekly report talked about weather and even though weather is applicable to almost everyone’s work on board, it is critically important to those whose research activities rely on Polarstern’s two helicopters. On this expedition, two teams alternate use of the helicopters: the sea ice team and the seal team.
Fig. 1: Gathering of sun worshipers on the helideck at the first sunny day of the cruise
Weekly report

Here comes the weather!

If colleagues at AWI discuss the pro and cons of both polar regions, Antarctica is the favorite in terms of the weather.
Short news

Virtual lecture series with Antje Boetius

The Max Planck Society is launching a new virtual lecture series on topics of environmental relevance. AWI director Antje Boetius will kick off the series on February 25 at 5 pm with a lecture on “Sustainability and the oceans – how polar and marine life respond to anthropogenic impact”. Afterwards, audience members are invited to join the discussion on the topic. You can join the lecture via a zoom link on the website, the event is open to the public.
[Translate to English:] Piedmont-Gletscher im Nordosten Grönlands
Press releases

‘Missing Ice Problem’ Finally Solved

During glacial periods, the sea level falls, because vast quantities of water are stored in the massive inland glaciers. To date, however, computer models have been unable to reconcile sea-level height with the thickness of the glaciers. Using innovative new calculations, a team of climate researchers led by the Alfred Wegener Institute has now managed to explain this discrepancy. The study, which was recently published in the journal Nature Communications, could significantly advance research into our planet’s climate history.
Photo 1: Crew and scientists united on the working deck for the recovery of an oceanographic
Weekly report

We are following a daily routine!

In terms of science, it is a good sign when members receiving ice cream as desert ask: “Is it Thursday or Sunday?” – and everybody starts to ponder. Thursday is seaman’s Sunday and, thus, lunch is something special.