Archive of News and Press Releases
Art work in Antarctica
Since December 2004, artist Lutz Frisch has been installing a ‘library in ice’ at Neumayer Station, part of the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research. The library contains approximately 1000 books and is open for actual use. Fritsch contacted artists and scientists of all disciplines in person and asked them to select and donate one book each for this extraordinary place. The books are dedicated to the nine over-wintering scientists who spend 15 months in this icy environment. On Wednesday, January 19, the ‘library in ice’ will be…
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In the Cornucopia of the European Project of Ice Coring in Antarctica: the oldest Antarctic ice core
On Tuesday 21th of December 2004 a European team involved in Epica (European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica) reached the drilling depth of 3270.2, which is five meters above the bedrock at Dome C, on the central plateau of the east Antarctic ice sheet. The ice is melting at the bedrock and it has been decided to stop at this depth to avoid any danger of direct contamination of the basal water. The drilling operation has therefore been terminated.
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Research icebreaker ‘Polarstern’ drifting in Antarctic ice
Since November 27, an ice floe has served as home as well as working place for 55 scientists from 11 nations. The research icebreaker ‘Polarstern’ of the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research in Bremerhaven has been tied up firmly to a drifting ice floe in the Antarctic Weddel Sea. As part of the expedition ‘Ispol’ (Ice Station POLarstern), the floe is the object of a several week investigation by glaciologists, biologists, oceanographers and meteorologists. The area of investigation represents a unique ocean region, because it has the…
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Twentieth “Polarstern” expedition to Arctic is drawing to a close
On October 3rd, the German research vessel “Polarstern” of the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research will return to Bremerhaven from its 20th arctic expedition. During the last leg of the voyage, 44 scientists from Germany, Russia and South Korea, supported by crew members, helicopter pilots and technical staff, investigated the region north and west of Spitsbergen. Emphasis was placed on geophysical and geological studies of Fram Strait and Yermak Plateau. Of primary importance were seismic surveys of the upper kilometres of the ocean…
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Decoded gene sequence of the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana
For the very first time, the genetic make-up of a planktonic marine alga has been sequenced. During this process, a team of international scientists found unexpected metabolic pathways in the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. The results will be published in the scientific journal ‘Science’ this week.
The fact that Thalassiosira pseudonana operates a urea cycle, has been a special discovery. Up to now, this metabolic pathway for ammonia detoxification was known only from the liver cells of animals and humans. It remains unclear how the cycle works in the…
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Antarctic researchers visit Bremerhaven
Meeting of the ‘Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research’ (SCAR) from October 3rd to 8th, 2004
Between October 3rd and 8th, delegates of the international ‘Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research’ (SCAR) will be gathering in Bremerhaven. The results and proposals for new research ventures and international cooperation in the Antarctic, developed during the 28th scientific conference of the committee in July, will now be discussed and finalised. Roughly 100 delegates from 31 countries are expected at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine…
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Arctic haze can affect global climate
How often do we look at the sky each day? Again and again, our gaze moves up to watch the display of passing clouds. Up to now, clouds have been also an unknown component in the calculations of arctic scientists trying to explain the phenomenon of arctic haze. However, scientists of the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) at the Potsdam Research Unit were able to use new data to somewhat 'lift the hazy veil'. The results have now been published in 'Geophysical Research Letters'.
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Higher Water Temperatures and Reduced Ice Cover In the Arctic Ocean
Over the past six weeks, scientists aboard the research vessel "Polarstern" of the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research have been investigating changes in ocean temperature and sea ice cover in the area of Fram Strait between Spitsbergen and Greenland.
In this area significant exchange of water masses between the Arctic Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean takes place. The ongoing process of global warming throughout the past years has also altered conditions in Fram Strait and the North Polar Sea.
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German research vessel Polarstern discovers abandoned Russian station on ice floe
On August 16, 2004 early in the morning the German research vessel RV Polarstern discovered the remains of the abandoned Russian drifting ice camp North Pole-32 on an ice floe. The position of the floe was 82°16`N – 004°21`W. Three more or less intact barracks (one with antenna), one tent, two damaged barracks, two tractors, three larger fuel depots with about 300 drums, sleeping bags, nets and other material were found. In one of the barracks a calendar was found with the last entry date March 6, 2004. Two thirds of the drums were empty. Ninety percent…
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Antarctic researchers meet in Bremen
Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) convenes July 25 through July 31 2004
The 28th International Antarctic conference of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) will take place in the Congress Centre in Bremen July 25 through July 31 2004. About 850 scientists from 39 countries are expected to attend this most important Antarctic research meeting. All disciplines of Antarctic research will be represented. Hence, the SCAR conference will provide a good opportunity to find out about the current status of and perspectives for…
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