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Quarterly science bulletin
Edition 5, March 2024
Understanding the role of the Antarctic region in the global climate system in this critical decade for climate action
Our research program has had a rewarding season of fieldwork this summer, with two voyages to the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic ice edge, collecting data and samples from the ocean abyss up to six kilometres deep to low-lying clouds two kilometres high.
Over two months at sea on CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator, our MISO voyage (standing for Multidisciplinary Investigations of the Southern Ocean) travelled 12,000 kilometres to explore how the connections between ocean, atmosphere, ice and marine life influence the climate. Read more about it below.
Sunset over the Southern Ocean (photo: Knut Heinatz)
At the same time, Antarctic summer sea-ice coverage reached an historic low — for the third year in a row. Our scientists show that a 'regime shift' is under way in this crucial life-support system, which is disturbing news for ecosystems and climate.
You might not ever think about zooplankton – the estimated 28,000 species of usually unseen animals such as krill and jellyfish – but they deserve much more of our attention.
How marine zooplankton respond to ecological change is key to the oceans, the planet — and us. We were proud to sponsor the 7th International Zooplankton Production Symposium in Hobart this month, and be part of important global discussions (as reported in The Mercury).
Welcome to our fifth edition of 'Southern Signals' (archive here), a quarterly bulletin to inform decision-makers, policy-shapers, journalists, stakeholders and the general public about our science and research activities — and why they matter.
Professor Nathan Bindoff
Program leader, Australian Antarctic Program Partnership
University of Tasmania, Hobart
Small but mighty: marine zooplankton bring global meeting to Hobart
More than 340 scientists from 38 countries gather in Hobart for an international conference about the most abundant and diverse 'eco-influencers' on the planet.
From carbon to clouds: Ocean detectives return with climate clues
The longest science voyage by CSIRO research vessel RV Investigator returns to Australia with one of the most comprehensive datasets ever collected in the Southern Ocean.
Good things don’t come in threes for Antarctic sea ice
After the third consecutive summer with extremely low sea-ice cover around Antarctica, new AAPP-led research points to fundamental changes taking place in the polar Southern Ocean.
What if the Belgica went to Antarctica in 2023?
The incredible story of the 1897-1899 Belgica voyage and its crew – the first people to spend a winter south of the Antarctic Circle – and what it means for the changes in sea ice happening now.
AAPP sea-ice scientist wins global glaciology award
Dr Pat Wongpan wins the 2023 Early Career Scientist Award from the International Glaciological Society as “an emerging leader in the sea-ice community.”
SOME RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Our scientists publish more than 100 research papers each year
Understanding the risks to Australia from global climate tipping points: CSIRO workshop report
Southern Ocean as carbon sink: PhD study extends record to cover two decades
Why are clouds over the Southern Ocean super-cool?: a science paper for children
More than 340 scientists from 38 countries gather in Hobart for the world's largest conference about zooplankton. Read the conference statement about urgent research priorities
for understanding and protecting zooplankton (photo: Peter W Allen, UTAS)
