Archive of News and Press Releases
![[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.](/fileadmin/_processed_/e/e/csm_Mikroplastik-Partikel_Hildebrandt-2021_765b3972ed.jpg "Microscope images of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) particles.")
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…
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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.
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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.
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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](/fileadmin/_processed_/7/6/csm_20160415_79GradGletscher_108_CoenHofstede_c3d36f3d2a.jpg "Piedmont Glacier in north-east Greenland")
‘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.
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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.
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![[Translate to English:] Kauri-Baum](/fileadmin/_processed_/8/e/csm_1._An_ancient_kauri_tree_log_from_Ng%C4%81wh%C4%81__NZ._Credit_Nelson_Parker_89efb56b9d.jpg "Kauri tree")
42,000-year-old sub-fossil trees allow more accurate analysis of the last reversal of the Earth's magnetic field
The last complete reversal of the Earth's magnetic field, the so-called Laschamps event, took place 42,000 years ago. Radiocarbon analyses of the remains of kauri trees from New Zealand now make it possible for the first time to precisely time and analyse this event and its associated effects, as well as to calibrate geological archives such as sediment and ice cores from this period. Simulations based on this show that the strong reduction of the magnetic field had considerable effects in the Earth's atmosphere. This is shown by an international team…
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Alfred Wegener Institute Now Also Represented in Lower Saxony
As of 1 January 2021, Lower Saxony is part of the federal and state financing for the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI). The inclusion of the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity, co-founded with the University of Oldenburg in 2017, means that there are now AWI sites in four states.
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On the way into the ice!
It is quite unusual for an expedition to the southern Weddell Sea to do the first station already one week after departure. The test station, still away from sea ice, turns out to be a tough exercise, since parts of our equipment show peculiarities, which can cause problems during the cruise.
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Symposium: How relevant is design in crisis situations?
On Friday, 12.02.2021, the Folkwang University of the Arts organized an online symposium on the topic “Emergency – How relevant is design in crisis situations?”. The students took a closer look at the relationship of art and design to crises and set up a diverse program on the day of the symposium. AWI Director Prof. Dr Antje Boetius also participated with a lecture entitled “Designing the path to future”.