The rapid changes in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica highlight the urgency of better direct observations and measurements, beyond satellite monitoring and modelling.
Viewed from the Voyager 1 space probe as it passed beyond the edge of the solar system, Earth and Venus might not look too different – same diameter, similar mass and distance from the Sun.
We have managed to land a camera on the surface of Venus, with the Soviet space probe Venera 9 in 1975. Like the “Earth rise” image captured during the Apollo 8 mission in 1968, this again proved the power of visual imagery. Yet we’re still learning about our own oceans. But as powerful and all-encompassing as these observations are, we still make surprise discoveries, such as vent systems on the seafloor and life in under-ice cavities. This is why we need to continue exploring and ramp up our capacity to measure the oceans directly. Read more: An ocean like no other: the Southern Ocean's ecological richness and significance for global climate
The Southern Ocean’s other unique feature is the Antarctic Circumpolar Current – a massive flywheel of energy driven by winds, spinning non-stop from west to east. The flow rate in this giant ocean current dwarfs even the largest river, the Amazon, by three orders of magnitude. Fostering collaboration The rapid changes in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica make it clear we need to increase our capacity to observe and measure this environment. But it is a very expensive place to work.
A recent analysis looked at how we might measure connections between the Ross Sea and far-East Antarctica. These are critical because major ice-free ocean areas, known as polynyas, and the massive ice shelf in the Ross Sea region, influence waters flowing westward into East Antarctica.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Israel-Gaza war live: 'Imminent' ground invasion of Gaza complicated by torrential rain across southern IsraelAs Israel continue their preparations for a ground assault in Gaza, wet weather batters the region and complicated plans for the offensive. Follow live.
Read more »
Southern Israel evacuated over fears for civilian safetyIsrael Defense Forces International Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus says southern Israel has been evacuated due to the concern for their safety. “We have, in fact, evacuated southern Israel, all of the towns, all of the communities, the kibbutz and the villages and everything,” he told Sky News Australia.
Read more »
KIIS FM’s owner ARN media teams up with PE to bid for Southern CrossThe move comes four months after ARN Media raided Southern Cross’s register via Jefferies’ equities desk.
Read more »
Tasmanian man dies after dog attacks couple at homeA man is dead after being attacked by his dog in his home in southern Tasmania.
Read more »
Fire bans in place for 11 southern Queensland council areas as bushfires threaten central parts of stateFire bans are in place across 11 southern Queensland council areas, as large bushfires threaten central parts of the state.
Read more »
What is Hezbollah? A guideAs the world awaits Israel’s invasion of Gaza, eyes are also on Hezbollah, the Iran-linked militant group in control of southern Lebanon.
Read more »