Study Shows Siberian Tundra Could Virtually Disappear by Mid-Millennium
Research shows that only ambitious climate protection measures can still save a third of the tundra. Temperatures in the Arctic are climbing rapidly as a…
Alfred Wegener Institute
Tiny Plastic Particles From the Atmosphere Are Polluting Earth’s Oceans
In a new study, an international team of researchers investigates the atmosphere as a relevant source of plastic pollution in our planet’s waters. According to…
The Global “Plastic Flood” – Even the High North Arctic Ocean Can’t Escape Microplastic Pollution
A new AWI-led study shows: there is now a concerning degree of plastic pollution in the Arctic Ocean. Even the High North can’t escape the…
“Important and Unexpected Finding” – Formation of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Was Very Different Than Previously Believed
AWI experts confirm the delayed spread of the ice sheet 35 million years ago. Roughly 35 million years ago, Earth cooled rapidly. At roughly the…
Big Surprise for Researchers When Unexpected Fish and Squid Found in the Central Arctic Ocean
Single Atlantic cod and squid can be found far further north than previously thought. In the midst of the Arctic Ocean, in deep water, scientists…
Massive Sponge Gardens Discovered on the Peaks of Extinct Underwater Volcanoes in the Arctic Deep Sea
Sponges grow in large numbers and to impressive size on the peaks of extinct underwater volcanoes. Massive sponge gardens thrive on top of seamounts in…
Ocean Eddies Could Explain Antarctic Sea-Ice Paradox: Why Sea-Ice Extent Hasn’t Changed Much Since 1979
AWI study provides the basis for reliable projections of the impacts of climate change in the Antarctic. Despite global warming and the sea-ice loss in…
“Spectacular Discovery” in Antarctica: Massive Icefish Breeding Colony With 60 Million Nests
Researchers detect around 60 million nests of Antarctic icefish over a 240 square kilometers area in the Weddell Sea. Near the Filchner Ice Shelf in…
Massive Thwaites Glacier Threat: Significant Geothermal Heat Beneath the Ice Stream
Researchers map the geothermal heat flow in West Antarctica; a new potential weak spot in the ice sheet’s stability is identified. Ice losses from Thwaites…
Less Forest, More Species: Climate Change Drives Declining Biodiversity in Tibet’s Mountainous Regions
Study on declining biodiversity in Tibet’s mountainous regions in response to climate change. Normally, mountain forests are among the most diverse habitats in alpine regions….
Surprise in the Deep Sea: Researchers Discover Unexpected Paths on the Ocean Floor
Sponges: They are considered to be one of the most primitive forms of animal life, because they have neither locomotion organs nor a nervous system….
Experts Calculate Future Ice Loss and Sea-Level Increases From Greenland and Antarctica
Ice-sheet models are an essential tool in making predictions regarding the future of the Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets. Nevertheless, these models still have a…
Ocean Gnawing Away at Glaciers Is Intensifying Melting of Greenland Ice Sheet
The Greenland Ice Sheet is melting faster today than it did only a few years ago. The reason: it’s not just melting on the surface…
Warming Ocean Temperatures May Reduce the Survival Rate of Elephant Seals
Researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research in the Helmholtz Association are studying how warmer ocean water is affecting the diet…
