More than 20 cases of the coronavirus have been detected at the Esperanza Base research station in Antarctica, the media reported.

According to Patricia Ortuzar of the government's National Directorate of the Antarctic, 24 of the 43 scientists and military personnel stationed at Argentina's La Esperanza outpost have been infected.&nbsp;

As quoted by the Infobae news outlet, "COVID-19 has reached Esperanza Base in Antarctica, where 24 cases were discovered during the study of researchers and scientists as part of the 2022 campaign," the Antarctic command said.

Base employees who have not been vaccinated have been moved to Buenos Aires and placed in isolation. Those who were vaccinated against COVID-19 are still being monitored by doctors at the study station.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-education-minister-criticised-for-announcing-covid-19-measures-from-ibiza-trip-446017">Also Read:&nbsp;French minister criticised for announcing COVID-19 measures from Ibiza trip</a>

They had been in Antarctica since before Argentina's vaccination campaign began in 2021, and were scheduled to fly to the capital to get vaccinated.

They had decided to get their shots in Argentina rather than deal with the potential adverse effects of Antarctica's harsh environment.

The first occurrences on the frigid continent were recorded in December 2020 at a Chilean station. 
 
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Ortuzar stated that the situation at the La Esperanza base was "in control."

The remaining 15 asymptomatic coronavirus-positive employees remained at the base with the remainder of the crew.

Everyone has been vaccinated.

According to Ortuzar, all other Argentina bases are still free of COVID.&nbsp;

The La Esperanza base, built in 1952 in the extreme northwest of Antarctica, is one of 13 belonging to Argentina—six of them permanent.

In the winter months, Argentina has some 200 scientists, military personnel, and assistants at its permanent bases, a number that roughly doubles in summer.

The outbreak at La Esperanza started on January 12, when a base occupant was likely infected by a new arrival, said Ortuzar.

Argentina has been isolating and testing 300 scientists and military personnel aboard an icebreaker that is currently transporting them back to Antarctica to prevent illness at its Antarctic outposts since December.

Argentina, like many other nations, is in the midst of a third pandemic wave, with over 100,000 cases reported every day.

Since March 2020, the 45 million-strong South American country has recorded more than 7.4 million illnesses and 118,000 deaths.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 20 cases of the coronavirus have been detected at the Esperanza Base research station in Antarctica, the media reported. According to Patricia Ortuzar of the government's National Directorate of the Antarctic, 24 of the 43 scientists and military personnel stationed at Argentina's La Esperanza outpost have been infected.

More than 20 cases of the coronavirus have been detected at the Esperanza Base research station in Antarctica, the media reported. According to Patricia Ortuzar of the government's National Directorate of the Antarctic, 24 of the 43 scientists and military personnel stationed at Argentina's La Esperanza outpost have been infected. As quoted by the Infobae news outlet, "COVID-19 has reached Esperanza Base in Antarctica, where 24 cases were discovered during the study of researchers and scientists as part of the 2022 campaign," the Antarctic command said. Base employees who have not been vaccinated have been moved to Buenos Aires and placed in isolation. Those who were vaccinated against COVID-19 are still being monitored by doctors at the study station. Also Read: French minister criticised for announcing COVID-19 measures from Ibiza trip They had been in Antarctica since before Argentina's vaccination campaign began in 2021, and were scheduled to fly to the capital to get vaccinated. They had decided to get their shots in Argentina rather than deal with the potential adverse effects of Antarctica's harsh environment. The first occurrences on the frigid continent were recorded in December 2020 at a Chilean station. Also Read: Couple on never ending date due to Covid lockdown gets engaged Ortuzar stated that the situation at the La Esperanza base was "in control." The remaining 15 asymptomatic coronavirus-positive employees remained at the base with the remainder of the crew. Everyone has been vaccinated. According to Ortuzar, all other Argentina bases are still free of COVID. The La Esperanza base, built in 1952 in the extreme northwest of Antarctica, is one of 13 belonging to Argentina—six of them permanent. In the winter months, Argentina has some 200 scientists, military personnel, and assistants at its permanent bases, a number that roughly doubles in summer. The outbreak at La Esperanza started on January 12, when a base occupant was likely infected by a new arrival, said Ortuzar. Argentina has been isolating and testing 300 scientists and military personnel aboard an icebreaker that is currently transporting them back to Antarctica to prevent illness at its Antarctic outposts since December. Argentina, like many other nations, is in the midst of a third pandemic wave, with over 100,000 cases reported every day. Since March 2020, the 45 million-strong South American country has recorded more than 7.4 million illnesses and 118,000 deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 20 COVID cases detected at an Argentine research station in Antarctica

Amazing discoveries can be made anywhere around the world. Well, it's absolutely true. An icefish colony has been found in Antarctica. It seems to be the world's largest&nbsp;fish breeding ground. &nbsp;

This colony has around 60 million fish in ice-covered Weddell Sea in Antarctica. It is home to the rare icefish, Neopagetopsis ionah. What’s special about this fish is it has a see-through skull and transparent blood. The icefish does not have red blood cells. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ship-traffic-threatening-antarcticas-pristine-marine-ecosystem-says-study-443949" hreflang="en">Ship traffic threatening Antarctica's pristine marine ecosystem, says study</a>

As it lives in low temperatures, its body has evolved and come up with an anti-freeze protein in blood, which ensures ice crystals do not grow.

This unique discovery shows a lot is still unknown about the various ecosystems&nbsp;at the ocean depths. &nbsp;

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One of our beautiful icefish! <a href="https://t.co/NKCOzRSpR5">pic.twitter.com/NKCOzRSpR5</a>
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The fascinating find was made by German polar research vessel, Polarstern, in February 2021. The ship was surveying the seabed about half a kilometer below the ship. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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This was done with the help of a car-sized camera system, which was attached to the stern of the ship. It transmitted pictures up to the deck as it was being towed. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/no-kidding-goldfish-actually-drove-a-vehicle-on-land-443297" hreflang="en">No kidding: Goldfish actually drove a vehicle on land</a>

Autun Purser, postdoctoral reseacher, Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven, Germany, said, "We just saw fish nest after fish nest for the whole four hours, and during that time, we covered maybe six kilometers (3.7 miles) of the sea floor." &nbsp;

Purser is the lead author of a study on the icefish colony, which has been published in the journal ‘Current Biology’ on Thursday. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Amazing discoveries can be made anywhere around the world. Well, it's absolutely true. An icefish colony has been found in Antarctica. It seems to be the world's largest fish breeding ground.

Amazing discoveries can be made anywhere around the world. Well, it's absolutely true. An icefish colony has been found in Antarctica. It seems to be the world's largest fish breeding ground. This colony has around 60 million fish in ice-covered Weddell Sea in Antarctica. It is home to the rare icefish, Neopagetopsis ionah. What’s special about this fish is it has a see-through skull and transparent blood. The icefish does not have red blood cells. Also Read: Ship traffic threatening Antarctica's pristine marine ecosystem, says study As it lives in low temperatures, its body has evolved and come up with an anti-freeze protein in blood, which ensures ice crystals do not grow. This unique discovery shows a lot is still unknown about the various ecosystems at the ocean depths. One of our beautiful icefish! pic.twitter.com/NKCOzRSpR5 — Autun Purser (@seabedbiologist) January 13, 2022 × The fascinating find was made by German polar research vessel, Polarstern, in February 2021. The ship was surveying the seabed about half a kilometer below the ship. This was done with the help of a car-sized camera system, which was attached to the stern of the ship. It transmitted pictures up to the deck as it was being towed. Also Read: No kidding: Goldfish actually drove a vehicle on land Autun Purser, postdoctoral reseacher, Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven, Germany, said, "We just saw fish nest after fish nest for the whole four hours, and during that time, we covered maybe six kilometers (3.7 miles) of the sea floor." Purser is the lead author of a study on the icefish colony, which has been published in the journal ‘Current Biology’ on Thursday. (With inputs from agencies)

Believe it or not: Rare ‘see-through’ fish colony found in Antarctica

Researchers exploring the ocean floor of Antarctica have discovered an ‘icefish colony’ the size of ‘about a third the size of London’. This in itself is an amazing discovery. Biologists have found about 60 million fish houses.

Unique discovery: 60 million icefish discovered in Antarctica

The effect of climate change can be felt across the globe, but the quest to understand its patterns and ways to tackle it continues. In the latest, the scientists have set up a camp in Antarctica to sample ice and chart climate trends from the past.

Ice drilling to chart climate history in Antarctica

A new study has claimed that ship traffic is threatening Antarctica's pristine marine ecosystem.

The research has been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS).

Ship movements related to fishing, tourism, research, and supply expose the Antarctic continent to human impacts.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-horror-flick-rerun-two-third-researchers-at-antarctica-station-contract-covid-says-report-441560">Also read |&nbsp;A horror flick rerun? Two third researchers at Antarctica station contract Covid, says report</a>

Until now, only rough estimates or industry-specific information have been available to inform evidence-based policy to mitigate the introduction of non-native marine species.&nbsp;

Antarctica’s Southern Ocean supports a unique biota and represents the only global marine region without any known biological invasions.&nbsp;

However, climate change is removing physiological barriers to potential invasive non-native species, and increasing ship activities are raising pressure.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-latest-sign-of-climate-change-antarctica-snow-turns-blood-red-283368">Also see |&nbsp;In latest sign of climate change, Antarctica snow turns blood-red</a>

"They can create entirely new habitats that would make it harder for those amazing Antarctic animals to find their own place to live," said lead researcher Arlie McCarthy from the University of Cambridge.

Ship visits are more than seven times higher to the Antarctic Peninsula (especially east of Anvers Island) and the South Shetland Islands than elsewhere around Antarctica, together accounting for 88 per cent&nbsp;of visits to the Southern Ocean ecoregions.&nbsp;

The successful conservation of iconic Antarctic species and environments relies on addressing both climate change and direct, localised human impact.&nbsp;

In this study, scientists have identified ports outside Antarctica where biosecurity interventions could be most effectively implemented and the most vulnerable Antarctic locations where monitoring programs for high-risk invaders should be established.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study has claimed that ship traffic is threatening Antarctica's pristine marine ecosystem. The research has been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS).

A new study has claimed that ship traffic is threatening Antarctica's pristine marine ecosystem. The research has been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). Ship movements related to fishing, tourism, research, and supply expose the Antarctic continent to human impacts. Also read | A horror flick rerun? Two third researchers at Antarctica station contract Covid, says report Until now, only rough estimates or industry-specific information have been available to inform evidence-based policy to mitigate the introduction of non-native marine species. Antarctica’s Southern Ocean supports a unique biota and represents the only global marine region without any known biological invasions. However, climate change is removing physiological barriers to potential invasive non-native species, and increasing ship activities are raising pressure. Also see | In latest sign of climate change, Antarctica snow turns blood-red "They can create entirely new habitats that would make it harder for those amazing Antarctic animals to find their own place to live," said lead researcher Arlie McCarthy from the University of Cambridge. Ship visits are more than seven times higher to the Antarctic Peninsula (especially east of Anvers Island) and the South Shetland Islands than elsewhere around Antarctica, together accounting for 88 per cent of visits to the Southern Ocean ecoregions. The successful conservation of iconic Antarctic species and environments relies on addressing both climate change and direct, localised human impact. In this study, scientists have identified ports outside Antarctica where biosecurity interventions could be most effectively implemented and the most vulnerable Antarctic locations where monitoring programs for high-risk invaders should be established. (With inputs from agencies)

Ship traffic threatening Antarctica's pristine marine ecosystem, says study

In sort of a rerun of a horror flick, around two thirds of a total of 25 polar researchers in Antarctica have contracted COVID-19, a report said. &nbsp;

These researchers, who are based at Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth Polar Station, were not just fully vaccinated but have also been living miles away from civilization, the Le Soir newspaper reported. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-daily-covid-cases-rise-by-22775-omicron-tally-stands-at-1431-441547" hreflang="en">India’s daily Covid cases rise by 22,775, Omicron tally stands at 1,431</a>&nbsp;

The situation seems to be similar to the plot of John Carpenter’s 1982 horror movie ‘The Thing’. &nbsp;

Before leaving for the station in Antarctica, these experts went for PCR tests in Belgium two hours before flying to South Africa. In Cape Town, they quarantined for 10 days and took another PCR test again. &nbsp;

Before leaving for Antarctica, a further test was needed and a final one was done five days after that. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-delmicron-its-flurona-israel-reports-first-double-infection-of-covid-and-flu-441504" hreflang="en">‘Flurona’? Israel reports first double infection of Covid and flu</a>&nbsp;

Even after these multiple tests, a person tested positive for coronavirus seven days after arriving at the station. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As the individual was placed in isolation, two others had caught the virus. Even after these three left the station, the virus continued to spread. It seems to be the Omicron variant. &nbsp;

The station is not allowing any new arrivals for now. At present, there are two emergency doctors at the station. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In sort of a rerun of a horror flick, around two thirds of a total of 25 polar researchers in Antarctica have contracted COVID-19, a report said. These researchers, who are based at Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth Polar Station, were not just fully vaccinated but have also been living miles away from civilization, the Le Soir newspaper reported.

In sort of a rerun of a horror flick, around two thirds of a total of 25 polar researchers in Antarctica have contracted COVID-19, a report said. These researchers, who are based at Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth Polar Station, were not just fully vaccinated but have also been living miles away from civilization, the Le Soir newspaper reported. Also Read: India’s daily Covid cases rise by 22,775, Omicron tally stands at 1,431 The situation seems to be similar to the plot of John Carpenter’s 1982 horror movie ‘The Thing’. Before leaving for the station in Antarctica, these experts went for PCR tests in Belgium two hours before flying to South Africa. In Cape Town, they quarantined for 10 days and took another PCR test again. Before leaving for Antarctica, a further test was needed and a final one was done five days after that. Also Read: ‘Flurona’? Israel reports first double infection of Covid and flu Even after these multiple tests, a person tested positive for coronavirus seven days after arriving at the station. As the individual was placed in isolation, two others had caught the virus. Even after these three left the station, the virus continued to spread. It seems to be the Omicron variant. The station is not allowing any new arrivals for now. At present, there are two emergency doctors at the station. (With inputs from agencies)

A horror flick rerun? Two third researchers at Antarctica station contract Covid, says report

Two explorers, Justin Packshaw and Jamie Facer, have taken up a 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica. &nbsp;&nbsp;

These bravehearts are walking on foot during a major part of the kitesurf trek amid temperatures falling to -55 degrees Celsius, putting extreme pressure on their bodies and mind. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-more-indication-of-life-on-venus-439137" hreflang="en">Study finds more indication of life on Venus</a>

These explorers, who are working with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), are also hauling a 200-kilogram sledge to ensure researchers get ample information for mission to Mars and the Moon.

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Explorers <a href="https://twitter.com/Justin_Packshaw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Justin_Packshaw</a> and Jamie Facer-Childs are on a 3600-km kitesurf trek across <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Antarctica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Antarctica</a>. As well as gathering information how the body responds to extremes, they are making unique measurements that will help complement ESA’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CryoSat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CryoSat</a> mission 👉<a href="https://t.co/1QIEJ4RmG4">https://t.co/1QIEJ4RmG4</a> <a href="https://t.co/ahLbnRMKtb">pic.twitter.com/ahLbnRMKtb</a>
— ESA (@esa) <a href="https://twitter.com/esa/status/1471473955966013444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The 80-day long journey looks to help the researchers understand how the body responds to such extremes, which is present on planets like Mars and take measurements of the icy environment.

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Would you kitesurf <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Antarctica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Antarctica</a> for science? <a href="https://twitter.com/Justin_Packshaw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Justin_Packshaw</a> and Jamie Facer Childs are doing exactly that! 
 
Follow along their their 80-day ‘Chasing the Light’ expedition to cross Antarctica from coast to coast while gathering scientific data: <a href="https://t.co/e60SKQqNHR">https://t.co/e60SKQqNHR</a> <a href="https://t.co/LaiVZSzyTN">pic.twitter.com/LaiVZSzyTN</a>
— ESA EarthObservation (@ESA_EO) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESA_EO/status/1473570998079430656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Over a month ago, the trek began from the Novolazarevskaya research station to travel Antarctica from coast to coast. It is a part of the ‘Chasing the Light’ expedition. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sway-talks-matterhorn-moves-back-and-forth-every-two-seconds-study-439547" hreflang="en">Sway talks: Matterhorn moves back and forth every two seconds: Study</a>

Not just this, these explorers also look to monitor developments undergoing in Antarctica. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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This comes as climate change has been triggering heavy melting. The measurements, which are being taken, include radiation levels, wind speed or direction at surface level, temperature gradients from surface level and ice conditions. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Two explorers, Justin Packshaw and Jamie Facer, have taken up a 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica. These bravehearts are walking on foot during a major part of the kitesurf trek amid temperatures falling to -55 degrees Celsius, putting extreme pressure on their bodies and mind.

Two explorers, Justin Packshaw and Jamie Facer, have taken up a 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica. These bravehearts are walking on foot during a major part of the kitesurf trek amid temperatures falling to -55 degrees Celsius, putting extreme pressure on their bodies and mind. Also Read: Study finds more indication of life on Venus These explorers, who are working with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), are also hauling a 200-kilogram sledge to ensure researchers get ample information for mission to Mars and the Moon. Explorers @Justin_Packshaw and Jamie Facer-Childs are on a 3600-km kitesurf trek across #Antarctica. As well as gathering information how the body responds to extremes, they are making unique measurements that will help complement ESA’s #CryoSat mission 👉https://t.co/1QIEJ4RmG4 pic.twitter.com/ahLbnRMKtb — ESA (@esa) December 16, 2021 × The 80-day long journey looks to help the researchers understand how the body responds to such extremes, which is present on planets like Mars and take measurements of the icy environment. Would you kitesurf #Antarctica for science? @Justin_Packshaw and Jamie Facer Childs are doing exactly that! Follow along their their 80-day ‘Chasing the Light’ expedition to cross Antarctica from coast to coast while gathering scientific data: https://t.co/e60SKQqNHR pic.twitter.com/LaiVZSzyTN — ESA EarthObservation (@ESA_EO) December 22, 2021 × Over a month ago, the trek began from the Novolazarevskaya research station to travel Antarctica from coast to coast. It is a part of the ‘Chasing the Light’ expedition. Also Read | Sway talks: Matterhorn moves back and forth every two seconds: Study Not just this, these explorers also look to monitor developments undergoing in Antarctica. This comes as climate change has been triggering heavy melting. The measurements, which are being taken, include radiation levels, wind speed or direction at surface level, temperature gradients from surface level and ice conditions. (With inputs from agencies)

Two explorers push limits in 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica, but why?

Antarctica is an icy world. Temperatures go unimaginably low in winters. You may have seen viral videos of researchers bringing hot noodles in open while in Antarctica and the boiling food freezing in literally some secionds. Yes, the continent supports life. Penguins and whales have called this habitat home for thousands of years. But the continent isn't exactly what comes to mind when someone says 'flourishing wildlife' or 'abundance of life'. The popular perception of Antarctica remains that of a cold unforgiving icy land that has claimed lives of many explorers and researchers.&nbsp;

But nature is wonderful. And life has the tenacity to hold on against most difficult of odds. A new discovery in Antarctica has proven (again) just that.

On the surface, Antarctica looks like an icy graveyard. But researchers found that abundant life had been thriving under the ice shelf for thousands of years.

Researchers from UK and Germany found life deep below Ekstrom ice shelf in Antarctica.

This included animals. Though they are mostly worms and other animals that consume algae, discovery of life deep withing the frozen continent is in itself a big thing. It was previously thought that this was not possible as hundreds of metres of ice sheets did not provide favourable conditions for life to flourish.

The scientists dug two boreholes. One went on for 192 metres through ice. The other went through 190 metres of ice. And below it, scientists found a thriving ecosystem of animal life. They found &nbsp;77 species from 49 different genera bryozoans.

Carbon dating yielded that the ecosystem had been thriving for 6000 years!

The researchers have published their results in the journal Current Biology.

Antarctica is an icy world. Temperatures go unimaginably low in winters. You may have seen viral videos of researchers bringing hot noodles in open while in Antarctica and the boiling food freezing in literally some secionds.

Antarctica is an icy world. Temperatures go unimaginably low in winters. You may have seen viral videos of researchers bringing hot noodles in open while in Antarctica and the boiling food freezing in literally some secionds. Yes, the continent supports life. Penguins and whales have called this habitat home for thousands of years. But the continent isn't exactly what comes to mind when someone says 'flourishing wildlife' or 'abundance of life'. The popular perception of Antarctica remains that of a cold unforgiving icy land that has claimed lives of many explorers and researchers. But nature is wonderful. And life has the tenacity to hold on against most difficult of odds. A new discovery in Antarctica has proven (again) just that. On the surface, Antarctica looks like an icy graveyard. But researchers found that abundant life had been thriving under the ice shelf for thousands of years. Researchers from UK and Germany found life deep below Ekstrom ice shelf in Antarctica. This included animals. Though they are mostly worms and other animals that consume algae, discovery of life deep withing the frozen continent is in itself a big thing. It was previously thought that this was not possible as hundreds of metres of ice sheets did not provide favourable conditions for life to flourish. The scientists dug two boreholes. One went on for 192 metres through ice. The other went through 190 metres of ice. And below it, scientists found a thriving ecosystem of animal life. They found 77 species from 49 different genera bryozoans. Carbon dating yielded that the ecosystem had been thriving for 6000 years! The researchers have published their results in the journal Current Biology.

Scientists surprised as abundant animal life found deep under Antarctica ice sheet

Scientists are worried about the rapid melting of glaciers as cold glacial-melt water enters the warmer ocean, slowing ocean currents and as ice on land melts, the sea levels continue to rise.&nbsp;

Overall climatic change, majorly fuelled by human activities are responsible for it as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions have raised Earth's temperatures.&nbsp;

The temperatures are even higher in the poles and as a result, the glaciers are rapidly melting. An alarming crackup has begun at the foot of Antarctica's vulnerable Thwaites Glacier, whose meltwater is already responsible for about 4 per cent of global sea-level rise.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/arctic-region-recorded-highest-temperature-ever-in-2020-says-world-meteorological-organization-436887">Arctic region recorded highest temperature ever in 2020, says World Meteorological Organization</a>

In a report published in the American Geophysical Union (AGU) on December 16, scientists and exerts discussed the rapid melting of glaciers during this year's AGU fall meeting.&nbsp;

It is mentioned that a floating ice shelf is stabilised offshore by a marine shoal and acts as a dam to slow the flow of ice off the continent into the ocean.&nbsp;

However, if this floating ice shelf breaks apart, the Thwaites Glacier will accelerate and its contribution to sea-level rise will increase by as much as 25 per cent.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fires-floods-flying-insects-climate-fuelled-disasters-that-wreaked-havoc-across-world-432546">Fires, floods, flying insects: Climate-fuelled disasters that wreaked havoc across world</a>

"We have mapped out weaker and stronger areas of the ice shelf and suggest a "zig-zag" pathway the fractures might take through the ice, ultimately leading to break up of the shelf in as little as 5 years, which result in more ice flowing off the continent," a part of the report read.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the UN on Tuesday officially recognised the 38 degrees Celsius measured in Siberia last year as a new record high for the Arctic, sounding "alarm bells" over climate change.

The sweltering heat - equivalent to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit - was seen on June 20, 2020 in the Russian town of Verkhoyansk, marking the highest temperature ever recorded above the Arctic Circle, the World Meteorological Organization said.&nbsp;

"This new Arctic record is one of a series of observations reported to the WMO Archive of Weather and Climate Extremes that sound the alarm bells about our changing climate," its chief Petteri Taalas said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists are worried about the rapid melting of glaciers as cold glacial-melt water enters the warmer ocean, slowing ocean currents and as ice on land melts, the sea levels continue to rise.

Scientists are worried about the rapid melting of glaciers as cold glacial-melt water enters the warmer ocean, slowing ocean currents and as ice on land melts, the sea levels continue to rise. Overall climatic change, majorly fuelled by human activities are responsible for it as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions have raised Earth's temperatures. The temperatures are even higher in the poles and as a result, the glaciers are rapidly melting. An alarming crackup has begun at the foot of Antarctica's vulnerable Thwaites Glacier, whose meltwater is already responsible for about 4 per cent of global sea-level rise. ALSO READ | Arctic region recorded highest temperature ever in 2020, says World Meteorological Organization In a report published in the American Geophysical Union (AGU) on December 16, scientists and exerts discussed the rapid melting of glaciers during this year's AGU fall meeting. It is mentioned that a floating ice shelf is stabilised offshore by a marine shoal and acts as a dam to slow the flow of ice off the continent into the ocean. However, if this floating ice shelf breaks apart, the Thwaites Glacier will accelerate and its contribution to sea-level rise will increase by as much as 25 per cent. ALSO READ | Fires, floods, flying insects: Climate-fuelled disasters that wreaked havoc across world "We have mapped out weaker and stronger areas of the ice shelf and suggest a "zig-zag" pathway the fractures might take through the ice, ultimately leading to break up of the shelf in as little as 5 years, which result in more ice flowing off the continent," a part of the report read. Meanwhile, the UN on Tuesday officially recognised the 38 degrees Celsius measured in Siberia last year as a new record high for the Arctic, sounding "alarm bells" over climate change. The sweltering heat - equivalent to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit - was seen on June 20, 2020 in the Russian town of Verkhoyansk, marking the highest temperature ever recorded above the Arctic Circle, the World Meteorological Organization said. "This new Arctic record is one of a series of observations reported to the WMO Archive of Weather and Climate Extremes that sound the alarm bells about our changing climate," its chief Petteri Taalas said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists analyse details of one of the fastest-changing glaciers in Antarctica

According to scientists, Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier, commonly referred to as the "doomsday glacier" could shatter within the next five years. The collapse of the glacier will have a devastating impact on global sea levels.

Ice shelf of Thwaites Glacier in danger, responsible for 4% of global sea-level rise

Researchers have unearthed ''priceless'' artefacts associated to Antarctic explorers Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton.

The surprise discovery, made inside a storage room in New Zealand, contains the details of the famed expeditions in 1914.

Shackleton was travelling to Antarctica from the famed sailing vessel Aurora.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-scientists-discover-new-plant-species-in-antarctica-396722">Also read |&nbsp;Indian scientists discover new plant species in Antarctica</a>

He kept records of his journey and the severe weather conditions in his journal.

The meterological service staff that discovered them said the artefacts were in excellent condition because they had been housed in a cool dark room.

''There’s almost no deterioration whatsoever. It’s amazing, because they have been written in old ink with quill pens,'' they said in a statement.

The letters and inventories of&nbsp;Douglas Mawson,&nbsp;a famous Australian geologist, and Antarctic explorer, were also found.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-latest-sign-of-climate-change-antarctica-snow-turns-blood-red-283368">Also see |&nbsp;In latest sign of climate change, Antarctica snow turns blood-red</a>

MetService’s manager Kevin Alder said ''No one had any idea that they even existed. I mean, it’s long forgotten, they’ve probably been sitting on the same shelf for 50 years.''

''Shackleton’s ship,&nbsp;you can see the weather on the day that his ship actually arrived down to rescue the stranded party. The documents from Scott’s ship - one of them is the transit across the Indian Ocean. So it’s not Antarctic but it’s still the Terra Nova with Scott on board on his way to Antarctica and that is just incredible.''

Shackleton is of the most famous Antarctic explorers Trans-Antarctic Expedition from Ross Island is still talked about.

Antarctica&nbsp;is particularly threatened by global warming, with the continent logging a new record high temperature of 18.3 degrees Celsius (64.9 degrees Fahrenheit) on February 6, 2020, the UN's World Meteorological Organization said in July.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers have unearthed ''priceless'' artefacts associated to Antarctic explorers Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton. The surprise discovery, made inside a storage room in New Zealand, contains the details of the famed expeditions in 1914.

Researchers have unearthed ''priceless'' artefacts associated to Antarctic explorers Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton. The surprise discovery, made inside a storage room in New Zealand, contains the details of the famed expeditions in 1914. Shackleton was travelling to Antarctica from the famed sailing vessel Aurora. Also read | Indian scientists discover new plant species in Antarctica He kept records of his journey and the severe weather conditions in his journal. The meterological service staff that discovered them said the artefacts were in excellent condition because they had been housed in a cool dark room. ''There’s almost no deterioration whatsoever. It’s amazing, because they have been written in old ink with quill pens,'' they said in a statement. The letters and inventories of Douglas Mawson, a famous Australian geologist, and Antarctic explorer, were also found. Also see | In latest sign of climate change, Antarctica snow turns blood-red MetService’s manager Kevin Alder said ''No one had any idea that they even existed. I mean, it’s long forgotten, they’ve probably been sitting on the same shelf for 50 years.'' ''Shackleton’s ship, you can see the weather on the day that his ship actually arrived down to rescue the stranded party. The documents from Scott’s ship - one of them is the transit across the Indian Ocean. So it’s not Antarctic but it’s still the Terra Nova with Scott on board on his way to Antarctica and that is just incredible.'' Shackleton is of the most famous Antarctic explorers Trans-Antarctic Expedition from Ross Island is still talked about. Antarctica is particularly threatened by global warming, with the continent logging a new record high temperature of 18.3 degrees Celsius (64.9 degrees Fahrenheit) on February 6, 2020, the UN's World Meteorological Organization said in July. (With inputs from agencies)

Researchers unearth 'priceless' artefacts linked to Antarctic explorers

Anyone says Antarctica and all we can think of is endless ice sheets and cute-looking penguins. It's hard to imagine anything else happening. Antarctica is a frozen desert with negligible vegetation and limited animal life. Can we even imagine dinosaurs roaming there amid huge wildfires raging? And even volcanic activity?

But apparently that was a thing for the frozen continent around 75 million years ago.&nbsp;

Earth went through one of the warmest periods between 66 to 100 million years ago. This meant that there was ample space for vegetation to grow. This in turn led to forest fires. And this period coincided with that which has the mighty dinosaurs ruling the global ecosystem.

Scientists have found evidence of the forest fire in Antarctica. An international team of researchers led by the Federal University of Pernambuco in Brazil found fossils that tell of these mega forest fires in distant past.

The researchers travelled to Antarctica's James Ross Island (2015-16) where they found fossils that had charcoal-like residue which hinted at forest-fires.

A theory that Antarctica was frequented with forest fires has already been put forward six years ago. The discovery of fossils with charcoal residue was a piece of evidence for this theory.

What triggered the wildfires?

Scientists have given another surprising reason for this. They think that volcanic activity (on Antarctica!) may have led to these frequent forest fires among other factors.

Earth is one freaky planet indeed!

Anyone says Antarctica and all we can think of is endless ice sheets and cute-looking penguins. It's hard to imagine anything else happening. Antarctica is a frozen desert with negligible vegetation and limited animal life.

Anyone says Antarctica and all we can think of is endless ice sheets and cute-looking penguins. It's hard to imagine anything else happening. Antarctica is a frozen desert with negligible vegetation and limited animal life. Can we even imagine dinosaurs roaming there amid huge wildfires raging? And even volcanic activity? But apparently that was a thing for the frozen continent around 75 million years ago. Earth went through one of the warmest periods between 66 to 100 million years ago. This meant that there was ample space for vegetation to grow. This in turn led to forest fires. And this period coincided with that which has the mighty dinosaurs ruling the global ecosystem. Scientists have found evidence of the forest fire in Antarctica. An international team of researchers led by the Federal University of Pernambuco in Brazil found fossils that tell of these mega forest fires in distant past. The researchers travelled to Antarctica's James Ross Island (2015-16) where they found fossils that had charcoal-like residue which hinted at forest-fires. A theory that Antarctica was frequented with forest fires has already been put forward six years ago. The discovery of fossils with charcoal residue was a piece of evidence for this theory. What triggered the wildfires? Scientists have given another surprising reason for this. They think that volcanic activity (on Antarctica!) may have led to these frequent forest fires among other factors. Earth is one freaky planet indeed!

Antarctica burned with forest fires when dinosaurs roamed Earth, says study

The hole in ozone that is created every year over the south pole region has now become larger than Antarctica, said scientists from the European Union's Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service.

The hole in ozone that is created every year over the south pole region has now become larger than Antarctica, said scientists from the European Union's Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service. The layer depletes and forms a hole over the Antarctic in the southern hemisphere's spring, which is from August to October. It typically reaches its largest size between mid-September and mid-October, according to Copernicus. After growing "considerably" in the past week, the hole is now larger than 75 per cent of previous years' ozone holes at the same stage of the season since 1979. Vincent-Henri Peuch, Copernicus director, in a statement said, "This year, the ozone hole developed as expected at the start of the season". "Now our forecasts show that this year´s hole has evolved into a rather larger than usual one." Also read | International day for preservation of ozone layer: Significance and history The hole is typically caused by chemicals, such as chlorine and bromine migrating into the stratosphere, creating catalytic reactions during Antarctic winter. The ozone hole is related to the Antarctic polar vortex, which is a band of swirling cold air that moves around the Earth. When temperatures increase in the stratosphere in the late spring, ozone depletion slows, the polar vortex weakens and finally breaks down, and by December, ozone levels usually return to normal. This ends the isolation of air created by the polar vortex that forms during Antarctic winter, enabling chemicals such as chlorine and bromine to deplete the ozone layer, according to Copernicus and NASA. Ozone levels are usually restored to normal levels by December. The ozone layer protects Earth from the harmful rays of the sun. However, this protective layer is threatened by industrial and other forms of pollution. The thinning of the ozone layer, if left unchecked, will eventually expose humans to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, particularly the harmful UVB-type radiation, known to cause skin cancer and induce cataract formation.

Ozone hole over the South Pole is now bigger than Antarctica

International Space Station(ISS) shared images of Aurora Australis as it streamed across the Earth’s atmosphere.

Aurora Australis is also known as the southern lights and southern polar lights. It shapes as a constellation of lights often in green, red and other colours.

It is best viewed from Antarctica and also visible in New Zealand, Australia, southern Chile and Argentina including sometimes in South Africa.

The dynamic colour patterns make it a delight for celestial watchers. It occurs due to disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by solar wind and can be seen in the form of a glow near the horizon.

Aurora australis is named after the Roman goddess of dawn.

The arc on the cloud with rays of lights&nbsp;in the form of "curtains" with red, blue, green, ultraviolet, infrared and a mix of yellow and pink is a delight to watch.

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POV: You're on the International Space Station watching the Aurora Australis. <a href="https://t.co/fG2aJJaIl0">pic.twitter.com/fG2aJJaIl0</a>
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According to reports, the Aurora and its currents also produce radio emissions around 150 kHz known as auroral kilometric radiation (AKR). It also produces a sound known as "Aurora noise".

International Space Station(ISS) shared images of Aurora Australis as it streamed across the Earth’s atmosphere. Aurora Australis is also known as the southern lights and southern polar lights.

International Space Station(ISS) shared images of Aurora Australis as it streamed across the Earth’s atmosphere. Aurora Australis is also known as the southern lights and southern polar lights. It shapes as a constellation of lights often in green, red and other colours. It is best viewed from Antarctica and also visible in New Zealand, Australia, southern Chile and Argentina including sometimes in South Africa. The dynamic colour patterns make it a delight for celestial watchers. It occurs due to disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by solar wind and can be seen in the form of a glow near the horizon. Aurora australis is named after the Roman goddess of dawn. The arc on the cloud with rays of lights in the form of "curtains" with red, blue, green, ultraviolet, infrared and a mix of yellow and pink is a delight to watch. POV: You're on the International Space Station watching the Aurora Australis. pic.twitter.com/fG2aJJaIl0 — Cheddar News 🧀 (@cheddar) August 14, 2021 × 'Aurora Australis Lights Up the Sky' image from the #NASA_Apphttps://t.co/MoDBX9r7wC pic.twitter.com/OgfPyxnXVm — FJ Powers (@starshiptroopr) August 14, 2021 × According to reports, the Aurora and its currents also produce radio emissions around 150 kHz known as auroral kilometric radiation (AKR). It also produces a sound known as "Aurora noise".

How International Space Station captured Aurora Australis images above Indian Ocean

A team of Indian scientists have discovered&nbsp;new plant species&nbsp;in Antarctica. A few&nbsp;years back, in 2017 this team of Polar biologists happened upon a species of moss while exploring the Ice-covered continent.

Bryum Bharatiensis is the name of the new species, given by these biologists from the Central University of Punjab in India. In addition to being the Hindu goddess of learning, Bharati is also the name of one of India's Antarctic research stations.

The identification process can be pretty laborious. It took the scientists five years to confirm that the species they stumbled upon is in fact a new discovery.&nbsp;Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity published a peer-reviewed paper describing this discovery.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshs-dwarf-cow-becomes-a-media-star-tourists-flock-for-a-glimpse-396607">Bangladesh's dwarf cow becomes a media star, tourists flock for a glimpse</a>

The dark green species was found at Larsemann Hills, overlooking the Southern Ocean, by Professor Felix Bast during a six-month-long expedition led by Indian scientists. It was the 36th expedition to the continent by Indian scientists. The site is near Bharati, one of the world's most remote research stations.

In a landscape of rock and ice, "the big question was how does moss survive," says Professor Bast. Nitrogen is crucial for the growth of plants, in addition to potassium, phosphorus, sunlight, water, and with 99 per cent of Antarctica covered in ice, it is a baffling discovery.

In areas where monarch penguins breed in large numbers, this moss seemed to be more common, thriving on the flightless bird's poop which is rich in nitrogen. Since the manure does not decompose in this climate, that acts as an added boon.&nbsp;

Is sunlight a factor? In the six months of winter when there is no sunlight and temperatures dip as low as -76°C, scientists still aren't certain how the plants manage to survive under thick snow.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/statues-of-queen-victoria-queen-elizabeth-toppled-in-canada-395639">Statues of Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth toppled in Canada</a>

They think that during the colder months, moss is likely to dry up to the point that it is almost dormant, and then germinate again in September when sunlight returns. When the snow melts, the dried-up moss absorbs the water.

Scientists from India sequenced the DNA from plant samples after collecting them and examined its form in comparison to other plants for five years. In Antarctica, the land of extremes, more than 100 different types of moss have been identified so far.

During the expedition, the scientists noticed "alarming evidence" of climate change. Glaciers are melting, ice sheets contain crevasses, and melting ice sheets have glacial melting water lakes on them.

Prof. Bast noted that Antarctica is becoming greener, with temperate species of plants that could not previously survive on its frozen surface, now flourishing all over the place.

A leading scientist and Chancellor of the CUP, Prof Raghavendra Prasad Tiwari, says the finding that Antarctica is greening is disturbing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/titus-the-t-rex-goes-on-display-in-england-395589">Titus the T-Rex goes on display in England</a>

Several pathogenic microbes could emerge when the ice melts as a result of global warming, said Professor Prasad, "We don't know what lies beneath the thick ice sheets."

In the four decades since India established its first research station on the continent, this is the first discovery of a plant species.

Initially, the first station was set up in 1984, but it was abandoned in 1990 after being buried by ice. Two stations remain operational through the year - Maitri and Bharati established in 1989 and 2012 respectively.

A team of Indian scientists have discovered new plant species in Antarctica. A few years back, in 2017 this team of Polar biologists happened upon a species of moss while exploring the Ice-covered continent.

A team of Indian scientists have discovered new plant species in Antarctica. A few years back, in 2017 this team of Polar biologists happened upon a species of moss while exploring the Ice-covered continent. Bryum Bharatiensis is the name of the new species, given by these biologists from the Central University of Punjab in India. In addition to being the Hindu goddess of learning, Bharati is also the name of one of India's Antarctic research stations. The identification process can be pretty laborious. It took the scientists five years to confirm that the species they stumbled upon is in fact a new discovery. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity published a peer-reviewed paper describing this discovery. Also read | Bangladesh's dwarf cow becomes a media star, tourists flock for a glimpse The dark green species was found at Larsemann Hills, overlooking the Southern Ocean, by Professor Felix Bast during a six-month-long expedition led by Indian scientists. It was the 36th expedition to the continent by Indian scientists. The site is near Bharati, one of the world's most remote research stations. In a landscape of rock and ice, "the big question was how does moss survive," says Professor Bast. Nitrogen is crucial for the growth of plants, in addition to potassium, phosphorus, sunlight, water, and with 99 per cent of Antarctica covered in ice, it is a baffling discovery. In areas where monarch penguins breed in large numbers, this moss seemed to be more common, thriving on the flightless bird's poop which is rich in nitrogen. Since the manure does not decompose in this climate, that acts as an added boon. Is sunlight a factor? In the six months of winter when there is no sunlight and temperatures dip as low as -76°C, scientists still aren't certain how the plants manage to survive under thick snow. Also read | Statues of Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth toppled in Canada They think that during the colder months, moss is likely to dry up to the point that it is almost dormant, and then germinate again in September when sunlight returns. When the snow melts, the dried-up moss absorbs the water. Scientists from India sequenced the DNA from plant samples after collecting them and examined its form in comparison to other plants for five years. In Antarctica, the land of extremes, more than 100 different types of moss have been identified so far. During the expedition, the scientists noticed "alarming evidence" of climate change. Glaciers are melting, ice sheets contain crevasses, and melting ice sheets have glacial melting water lakes on them. Prof. Bast noted that Antarctica is becoming greener, with temperate species of plants that could not previously survive on its frozen surface, now flourishing all over the place. A leading scientist and Chancellor of the CUP, Prof Raghavendra Prasad Tiwari, says the finding that Antarctica is greening is disturbing. Also read | Titus the T-Rex goes on display in England Several pathogenic microbes could emerge when the ice melts as a result of global warming, said Professor Prasad, "We don't know what lies beneath the thick ice sheets." In the four decades since India established its first research station on the continent, this is the first discovery of a plant species. Initially, the first station was set up in 1984, but it was abandoned in 1990 after being buried by ice. Two stations remain operational through the year - Maitri and Bharati established in 1989 and 2012 respectively.

Indian scientists discover new  plant species in Antarctica

A giant ice-covered lake in Antarctica disappeared into thin air, causing panic among the scientific community. According to researchers, the lake disappeared in 2019’s winter season on the Amery Ice Shelf in East Antarctica.&nbsp;

Estimates claim that 600-750 million cubic metres (21-26 billion cubic feet) of water drained into the ocean. Once the ice shelf beneath the lake gave way, the water drained in less than three days, as per observations from satellites.

What really happened?

According to Roland Warner, a glaciologist at the University of Tasmania and lead author of the new study focusing on this event in a statement said that the water’s weight in this lake created a fissure in the ice-shelf beneath the lake.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-use-artificial-intelligence-to-reveal-the-true-shape-of-universe-396217" hreflang="en">Astronomers use artificial intelligence to reveal the true shape of universe</a>

This caused “the water to drain away to the ocean below”, he said. And this process has a name. Called “hydrofracturing”, this phenomenon&nbsp;occurs when water which is denser and heavier than ice cracks ice sheets open, causing major drainage into the sea.&nbsp;To help with measurements, researches used observations from NASA’s ICESat-2 satellite which helps scientists find the elevation of a target.

In the aftermath of such events, the structural integrity of the ice sheet as a whole is compromised with a gigantic fissure left behind.

The dangers of hydrofracturing

Climate change is melting ice caps faster than ever imagined by scientists and water levels continue to threaten coastal cities and towns across the world.&nbsp;

Scientists fear that as more surface water continues to melt, more instances of hydrofracturing could take place - at a scale unseen before. In turn, this could increase the flow of fresh water into the ocean.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explosion-on-sun-equivalent-to-millions-of-hydrogen-bombs-causes-biggest-solar-flare-in-4-years-396003" hreflang="en">Explosion on Sun equivalent to millions of hydrogen bombs causes biggest solar flare in 4 years</a>

As a natural consequence, sea levels around the globe could rise much faster than previously calculated.

The study was published in the journal titled “Geophysical Research Letters” on June 23. The authors claim that surface melting in Antarctica is expected to double by 2050, increasing fears of ice shelves’ deterioration.

In the study, authors noted that hydro fracture remains an understudied process, making its consequences unpredictable.&nbsp;

A giant ice-covered lake in Antarctica disappeared into thin air, causing panic among the scientific community. According to researchers, the lake disappeared in 2019’s winter season on the Amery Ice Shelf in East Antarctica.

A giant ice-covered lake in Antarctica disappeared into thin air, causing panic among the scientific community. According to researchers, the lake disappeared in 2019’s winter season on the Amery Ice Shelf in East Antarctica. Estimates claim that 600-750 million cubic metres (21-26 billion cubic feet) of water drained into the ocean. Once the ice shelf beneath the lake gave way, the water drained in less than three days, as per observations from satellites. What really happened? According to Roland Warner, a glaciologist at the University of Tasmania and lead author of the new study focusing on this event in a statement said that the water’s weight in this lake created a fissure in the ice-shelf beneath the lake. Also read: Astronomers use artificial intelligence to reveal the true shape of universe This caused “the water to drain away to the ocean below”, he said. And this process has a name. Called “hydrofracturing”, this phenomenon occurs when water which is denser and heavier than ice cracks ice sheets open, causing major drainage into the sea. To help with measurements, researches used observations from NASA’s ICESat-2 satellite which helps scientists find the elevation of a target. In the aftermath of such events, the structural integrity of the ice sheet as a whole is compromised with a gigantic fissure left behind. The dangers of hydrofracturing Climate change is melting ice caps faster than ever imagined by scientists and water levels continue to threaten coastal cities and towns across the world. Scientists fear that as more surface water continues to melt, more instances of hydrofracturing could take place - at a scale unseen before. In turn, this could increase the flow of fresh water into the ocean. Also read: Explosion on Sun equivalent to millions of hydrogen bombs causes biggest solar flare in 4 years As a natural consequence, sea levels around the globe could rise much faster than previously calculated. The study was published in the journal titled “Geophysical Research Letters” on June 23. The authors claim that surface melting in Antarctica is expected to double by 2050, increasing fears of ice shelves’ deterioration. In the study, authors noted that hydro fracture remains an understudied process, making its consequences unpredictable.

What caused a giant Antarctic lake to completely disappear in three days?

As an unprecedented heatwave ripped across the United States and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadians-pack-into-cooling-centres-as-heatwave-death-toll-doubles-395110">Canada</a>, the UN on Thursday recognised a new record high temperature for Antarctica at 18.3 degrees Celsius (64.9 degrees Fahrenheit) which occurred last year.

"Verification of this maximum temperature record is important because it helps us to build up a picture of the weather and climate in one of Earth's final frontiers," Petteri Taala, UN's World Meteorological Organization secretary-general said.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/heatwave-leads-to-over-300-sudden-deaths-in-canada-395028/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The previous highest temperature recorded in Antarctica was in 2015 at 17.5C (63.5F) at Esperanza.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-catastrophic-heatwave-delivers-high-temperatures-in-various-areas-395068">In Pics:&nbsp;Catastrophic heatwave delivers high temperatures in various areas</a>

"The Antarctic Peninsula is among the fastest-warming regions of the planet -- almost 3C over the last 50 years," Taala said&nbsp;while adding, "the new temperature record is therefore consistent with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-caused-1500-deaths-in-uk-during-heatwaves-study-claims-367420">climate change</a> we are observing."

UN's revelation comes as an unprecedented heatwave swept western Canada as British Columbia set a Canadian record high temperature on Tuesday of 49.6 degrees Celsius.

Several areas were evacuated in Lytton as wildfires spread rapidly. The heatwave has since continued to move eastward into the central <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-heat-wave-british-columbia-sees-195-increase-in-sudden-deaths-with-486-cases-reported-395117">Canadian</a> prairies.&nbsp;

Eugene in the western United States recorded 105 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius). Portland in the United States also fell to the baking Sun as Amazon opened part of its Seattle headquarters to the public as a cooling-off location.

Canada issued heatwave alerts in British Columbia, Alberta, and parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon and the Northwest Territories warning hot condictions&nbsp;will persist through this week.

World Meteorological Organization said an "exceptional and dangerous heatwave" is breaking in the northwestern United States&nbsp;and western Canada.

The US desert southwest and California had also experienced&nbsp;heatwaves. The UN informed that other parts of the northern hemisphere have also been hit with exceptional early hot summer conditions, including north Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, eastern Europe, Iran and the northwestern Indian continent.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As an unprecedented heatwave ripped across the United States and Canada, the UN on Thursday recognised a new record high temperature for Antarctica at 18.3 degrees Celsius (64.

As an unprecedented heatwave ripped across the United States and Canada, the UN on Thursday recognised a new record high temperature for Antarctica at 18.3 degrees Celsius (64.9 degrees Fahrenheit) which occurred last year. "Verification of this maximum temperature record is important because it helps us to build up a picture of the weather and climate in one of Earth's final frontiers," Petteri Taala, UN's World Meteorological Organization secretary-general said. Watch: The previous highest temperature recorded in Antarctica was in 2015 at 17.5C (63.5F) at Esperanza. In Pics: Catastrophic heatwave delivers high temperatures in various areas "The Antarctic Peninsula is among the fastest-warming regions of the planet -- almost 3C over the last 50 years," Taala said while adding, "the new temperature record is therefore consistent with the climate change we are observing." UN's revelation comes as an unprecedented heatwave swept western Canada as British Columbia set a Canadian record high temperature on Tuesday of 49.6 degrees Celsius. Several areas were evacuated in Lytton as wildfires spread rapidly. The heatwave has since continued to move eastward into the central Canadian prairies. Eugene in the western United States recorded 105 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius). Portland in the United States also fell to the baking Sun as Amazon opened part of its Seattle headquarters to the public as a cooling-off location. Canada issued heatwave alerts in British Columbia, Alberta, and parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon and the Northwest Territories warning hot condictions will persist through this week. World Meteorological Organization said an "exceptional and dangerous heatwave" is breaking in the northwestern United States and western Canada. The US desert southwest and California had also experienced heatwaves. The UN informed that other parts of the northern hemisphere have also been hit with exceptional early hot summer conditions, including north Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, eastern Europe, Iran and the northwestern Indian continent. (With inputs from Agencies)

As US & Canada experience heatwave, UN confirms record heat in Antarctica

A new study has found that&nbsp;Polynesian seafarers likely reached Antarctica hundreds of years before the Western explorers usually credited with discovering the frozen continent.

New Zealand researchers scoured so-called "grey literature", including oral records, historic indigenous artworks and non-academic sources,&nbsp;looking for links between Maori people and Antarctica.

"When you put it together, it's really clear, there's a very long history of connection to Antarctica," said project leader Priscilla Wehi from New Zealand's government research institute Manaaki Whenua.

"We found connection to Antarctica and its waters (has) been occurring since the earliest traditional voyaging, and later through participation in European-led voyaging and exploration, contemporary scientific research, fishing, and more, for centuries."

Polynesian seafarers are widely regarded as some of history's greatest sailors, navigating vast distances between Pacific islands with pin-point precision on their double-hulled waka, or canoes.

The research, published last week in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, found they reached Antarctica long before the first Westerners in the 1820s.

The researchers believe the first voyage to Antarctica waters even pre-dates Maori arrival in New Zealand in the 14th century.

"We find Polynesian narratives of voyaging between the islands include voyaging into Antarctic waters by Hui Te Rangiora and his crew on the vessel Te Ivi O Atea, likely in the early seventh century," Wehi said.

"These navigational accomplishments are widely acknowledged."

Oral histories of the voyage include reference to "a foggy, misty and dark place not seen by the sun" and iceberg-like summits "piercing the sky with no vegetation".

The study said that Maori carving and weaving also supported accounts of early Antarctic exploration.

Wehi said collating traditional Maori accounts helped give a broader view of Antarctic history, beyond the accounts of European male explorers that usually predominate.

"History tends to be told by one voice and there's often a dominant narrative," she told the New Zealand Herald.

"Often indigenous history and even women's history becomes invisible, so for me it's about making that history visible."

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study has found that Polynesian seafarers likely reached Antarctica hundreds of years before the Western explorers usually credited with discovering the frozen continent.

A new study has found that Polynesian seafarers likely reached Antarctica hundreds of years before the Western explorers usually credited with discovering the frozen continent. New Zealand researchers scoured so-called "grey literature", including oral records, historic indigenous artworks and non-academic sources, looking for links between Maori people and Antarctica. "When you put it together, it's really clear, there's a very long history of connection to Antarctica," said project leader Priscilla Wehi from New Zealand's government research institute Manaaki Whenua. "We found connection to Antarctica and its waters (has) been occurring since the earliest traditional voyaging, and later through participation in European-led voyaging and exploration, contemporary scientific research, fishing, and more, for centuries." Polynesian seafarers are widely regarded as some of history's greatest sailors, navigating vast distances between Pacific islands with pin-point precision on their double-hulled waka, or canoes. The research, published last week in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, found they reached Antarctica long before the first Westerners in the 1820s. The researchers believe the first voyage to Antarctica waters even pre-dates Maori arrival in New Zealand in the 14th century. "We find Polynesian narratives of voyaging between the islands include voyaging into Antarctic waters by Hui Te Rangiora and his crew on the vessel Te Ivi O Atea, likely in the early seventh century," Wehi said. "These navigational accomplishments are widely acknowledged." Oral histories of the voyage include reference to "a foggy, misty and dark place not seen by the sun" and iceberg-like summits "piercing the sky with no vegetation". The study said that Maori carving and weaving also supported accounts of early Antarctic exploration. Wehi said collating traditional Maori accounts helped give a broader view of Antarctic history, beyond the accounts of European male explorers that usually predominate. "History tends to be told by one voice and there's often a dominant narrative," she told the New Zealand Herald. "Often indigenous history and even women's history becomes invisible, so for me it's about making that history visible." (With inputs from agencies)

Study shows Polynesian seafarers likely found Antarctica first

A huge iceberg, the world's largest, has broken off from an ice shelf in Antarctica and is floating through the&nbsp;Weddell Sea, the European Space Agency said.&nbsp;

The newly calved berg, designated A-76 by scientists, was spotted in recent satellite images captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission, the space agency said in a statement posted on its website with a photo of the enormous, oblong ice sheet.

Its surface area spans 4,320 square km (1,668 square miles) and measures 175 km (106 miles) long by 25 km (15 miles) wide.

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In picture:&nbsp;A view of the newly calved iceberg designated A-76 by scientists, the largest currently afloat in the world according to the European Space Agency (ESA), and captured by the ESA's Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission is seen in this handout| AFP

By comparison, Spain's tourist island of Majorca in the Mediterranean occupies 3,640 square km (1,405 square miles). The US&nbsp;state of Rhode Island is smaller still, with a land mass of just 2,678 square km (1,034 square miles).

The enormity of A-76, which broke away from Antarctica's Ronne Ice Shelf, ranks as the largest existing iceberg on the planet, surpassing the now second-place A-23A, about 3,380 square km (1,305 square miles) in size and also floating in the Weddell Sea.

Another massive Antarctic iceberg that had threatened a penguin-populated island off the southern tip of South America has since&nbsp;lost much of its mass and broken into pieces, scientists said earlier this year.

A-76 was first detected by the British Antarctic Survey and confirmed by the Maryland-based US&nbsp;National Ice Center using imagery from Copernicus Sentinel-1, consisting of two polar-orbiting satellites.

The Ronne Ice Shelf near the base of the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the largest of several enormous floating sheets of ice that connect to the continent's landmass and extend out into surrounding seas.

Periodic calving of large chunks of those shelves is part of a natural cycle, and the breaking off of A-76, which is likely to split into two or three pieces soon, is not linked to climate change, said Ted Scambos, a research glaciologist at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Scambos said the Ronne and another vast ice shelf, the Ross, have "behaved in a stable, quasi-periodic fashion" over the past century or more. Because the ice was already floating in the sea before dislodging from the coast, its break-away does not raise ocean levels, he told Reuters by email.

Some ice shelves along the Antarctic peninsula, farther from the South Pole, have undergone rapid disintegration in recent years, a phenomenon scientists believe may be related to global warming, according to the US&nbsp;National Snow &amp; Ice Data Center.

A huge iceberg, the world's largest, has broken off from an ice shelf in Antarctica and is floating through the Weddell Sea, the European Space Agency said. The newly calved berg, designated A-76 by scientists, was spotted in recent satellite images captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission, the space agency said in a statement posted on its website with a photo of the enormous, oblong ice sheet.

A huge iceberg, the world's largest, has broken off from an ice shelf in Antarctica and is floating through the Weddell Sea, the European Space Agency said. The newly calved berg, designated A-76 by scientists, was spotted in recent satellite images captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission, the space agency said in a statement posted on its website with a photo of the enormous, oblong ice sheet. Its surface area spans 4,320 square km (1,668 square miles) and measures 175 km (106 miles) long by 25 km (15 miles) wide. In picture: A view of the newly calved iceberg designated A-76 by scientists, the largest currently afloat in the world according to the European Space Agency (ESA), and captured by the ESA's Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission is seen in this handout| AFP By comparison, Spain's tourist island of Majorca in the Mediterranean occupies 3,640 square km (1,405 square miles). The US state of Rhode Island is smaller still, with a land mass of just 2,678 square km (1,034 square miles). The enormity of A-76, which broke away from Antarctica's Ronne Ice Shelf, ranks as the largest existing iceberg on the planet, surpassing the now second-place A-23A, about 3,380 square km (1,305 square miles) in size and also floating in the Weddell Sea. Another massive Antarctic iceberg that had threatened a penguin-populated island off the southern tip of South America has since lost much of its mass and broken into pieces, scientists said earlier this year. A-76 was first detected by the British Antarctic Survey and confirmed by the Maryland-based US National Ice Center using imagery from Copernicus Sentinel-1, consisting of two polar-orbiting satellites. The Ronne Ice Shelf near the base of the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the largest of several enormous floating sheets of ice that connect to the continent's landmass and extend out into surrounding seas. Periodic calving of large chunks of those shelves is part of a natural cycle, and the breaking off of A-76, which is likely to split into two or three pieces soon, is not linked to climate change, said Ted Scambos, a research glaciologist at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Scambos said the Ronne and another vast ice shelf, the Ross, have "behaved in a stable, quasi-periodic fashion" over the past century or more. Because the ice was already floating in the sea before dislodging from the coast, its break-away does not raise ocean levels, he told Reuters by email. Some ice shelves along the Antarctic peninsula, farther from the South Pole, have undergone rapid disintegration in recent years, a phenomenon scientists believe may be related to global warming, according to the US National Snow & Ice Data Center.

World's largest iceberg breaks off Antarctica

Climate change is altering life on our planet in all ways possible: climate patterns have become more unpredictable, bizarre weather is the new normal, and extreme temperatures a common occurrence across the world.

Now, scientists have predicted the temperature of Antarctic peninsula in the coming decades. By 2044, the temperature in Arctic will increase by 0.5 to 1.5 degree Celsius, the study posits.

Precipitation in the peninsula is also expected to increase by 5-10 per cent around the same time. Precipitation is a threat to ice if&nbsp;it appears in the form of rain.

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Lead author &nbsp;of the study, David Bromwich from The Ohio State University was quoted by IANS as saying - “We are concerned about these findings. We’ve been seeing overall quite big changes on the peninsula, generally getting warmer and ice shelves and glaciers discharging into the ocean”. 
 
Antarctica is one of the fastest-warming regions on the planet, especially since the 1950s. The most affected part is situated in western Antarctica, and is largely covered in mountains.&nbsp;The highest peak is 10,600 feet high!

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-really-happened-to-water-on-mars-scientists-finally-have-the-answer-371088" hreflang="en">What really happened to water on Mars? Scientists finally have the answer!</a> 
 
The study, which was published in the journal Climate Dynamics, takes into account simulations of 19 global climate models. The highest drop in temperatures of 2 degrees Celsius is expected to plague Antarctica between autumn and winter. 
 
But the summer temperatures pose a bigger threat to the peninsula’s ice. This implies the peninsula faces the double threat - of warmer temperatures, and potential precipitation in the form of rain, as opposed to snow.

Climate change is altering life on our planet in all ways possible: climate patterns have become more unpredictable, bizarre weather is the new normal, and extreme temperatures a common occurrence across the world.

Climate change is altering life on our planet in all ways possible: climate patterns have become more unpredictable, bizarre weather is the new normal, and extreme temperatures a common occurrence across the world. Now, scientists have predicted the temperature of Antarctic peninsula in the coming decades. By 2044, the temperature in Arctic will increase by 0.5 to 1.5 degree Celsius, the study posits. Precipitation in the peninsula is also expected to increase by 5-10 per cent around the same time. Precipitation is a threat to ice if it appears in the form of rain. Also read: Mystery of 'Oumuamua' solved: Find out where the foreign space object came from! Lead author of the study, David Bromwich from The Ohio State University was quoted by IANS as saying - “We are concerned about these findings. We’ve been seeing overall quite big changes on the peninsula, generally getting warmer and ice shelves and glaciers discharging into the ocean”. Antarctica is one of the fastest-warming regions on the planet, especially since the 1950s. The most affected part is situated in western Antarctica, and is largely covered in mountains. The highest peak is 10,600 feet high! Also read: What really happened to water on Mars? Scientists finally have the answer! The study, which was published in the journal Climate Dynamics, takes into account simulations of 19 global climate models. The highest drop in temperatures of 2 degrees Celsius is expected to plague Antarctica between autumn and winter. But the summer temperatures pose a bigger threat to the peninsula’s ice. This implies the peninsula faces the double threat - of warmer temperatures, and potential precipitation in the form of rain, as opposed to snow.

Scientists reveal how hot Antarctica will be by 2044 due to climate change

Inside the world's biggest natural laboratory Journey to the white continent Antarctic ice melting faster than ever Antarctica is melting: why we should care How ocean warming threatens antarctic wildlife

Amazing Antarctica: World's natural laboratory | WION Wideangle

A massive iceberg broke off from the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica, video footage released on Friday showed.

The massive ice structure, which was about the size of Greater London, broke off from the Brunt Ice Shelf, according to the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/giant-iceberg-breaks-off-near-uk-antarctic-base-366538">Giant iceberg breaks off near UK Antarctic base</a>

The iceberg measured about 1,270 sq kms and got separated in a process called "calving".&nbsp;

It happened about a decade after scientists first observed huge cracks forming on the shelf.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-close-in-to-find-drilling-spot-of-antarctic-ice-core-15-mn-years-old-363387">Researchers close in to find drilling spot of Antarctic ice core 1.5 mn years old</a>

BAS Director Professor Dame Jane Francis said that the scientists were expecting calving after monitoring the area with GPS devices and satellite imagery on a regular basis.

"Our teams at BAS have been prepared for the calving of an iceberg from Brunt Ice Shelf for years," Francis said.

The iceberg is likely to either move away or run aground not far from the Brunt Ice Self, the director said.

A crack in the ice widened a lot early on Friday morning before the iceberg broke off entirely, news agency AFP reported.

Icebergs normally break off from Antarctica into the ocean in a process catalysed by climate change.

But, in this incident, there is "no evidence that climate change has played a significant role," BAS said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A massive iceberg broke off from the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica, video footage released on Friday showed. The massive ice structure, which was about the size of Greater London, broke off from the Brunt Ice Shelf, according to the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

A massive iceberg broke off from the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica, video footage released on Friday showed. The massive ice structure, which was about the size of Greater London, broke off from the Brunt Ice Shelf, according to the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). Also read | Giant iceberg breaks off near UK Antarctic base The iceberg measured about 1,270 sq kms and got separated in a process called "calving". It happened about a decade after scientists first observed huge cracks forming on the shelf. Also read | Researchers close in to find drilling spot of Antarctic ice core 1.5 mn years old BAS Director Professor Dame Jane Francis said that the scientists were expecting calving after monitoring the area with GPS devices and satellite imagery on a regular basis. "Our teams at BAS have been prepared for the calving of an iceberg from Brunt Ice Shelf for years," Francis said. The iceberg is likely to either move away or run aground not far from the Brunt Ice Self, the director said. A crack in the ice widened a lot early on Friday morning before the iceberg broke off entirely, news agency AFP reported. Icebergs normally break off from Antarctica into the ocean in a process catalysed by climate change. But, in this incident, there is "no evidence that climate change has played a significant role," BAS said.

Iceberg about size of Greater London breaks off in Antarctica

A vast iceberg almost the size of Greater London has broken away from the Antarctic ice shelf near a British research station, the British Antarctic Survey said Friday.

The research body said the iceberg measuring 1,270 square kilometres (490 square miles) had broken off from the 150-metre-thick Brunt Ice Shelf in a process called "calving".

This came almost a decade after scientists first saw massive cracks had formed in the shelf.

A crack in the ice widened by several hundred metres on Friday morning before the iceberg broke off completely.

Britain's Halley VI Research Station monitors the state of the vast floating ice shelf daily.&nbsp;

"Our teams at BAS have been prepared for the calving of an iceberg from Brunt Ice Shelf for years," said BAS director Jane Francis.

The mobile research base relocated inland for safety reasons in 2016-2017 as cracks in the ice threatened to cut it off.

"That was a wise decision," commented Simon Garrod, BAS director of operations.

The glaciologists said the latest event is unlikely to affect the station's current location.

The base's 12-person team left earlier this month, as they leave the base uninhabited in winter due to the unpredictable conditions.

While they are away, data from GPS instruments at the site goes to a centre in Cambridge, eastern England, for analysis.

Icebergs naturally break off from Antarctica into the ocean in a process accelerated by climate change.

The BAS said in this case, there is "no&nbsp;evidence that climate change has played a significant role".

"Over coming weeks or months, the iceberg may move away; or it could run aground and remain close to Brunt Ice Shelf," said Francis.

The British Antarctic Survey is a world leader in environmental research in the region.

A vast iceberg almost the size of Greater London has broken away from the Antarctic ice shelf near a British research station, the British Antarctic Survey said Friday.

A vast iceberg almost the size of Greater London has broken away from the Antarctic ice shelf near a British research station, the British Antarctic Survey said Friday. The research body said the iceberg measuring 1,270 square kilometres (490 square miles) had broken off from the 150-metre-thick Brunt Ice Shelf in a process called "calving". This came almost a decade after scientists first saw massive cracks had formed in the shelf. A crack in the ice widened by several hundred metres on Friday morning before the iceberg broke off completely. Britain's Halley VI Research Station monitors the state of the vast floating ice shelf daily. "Our teams at BAS have been prepared for the calving of an iceberg from Brunt Ice Shelf for years," said BAS director Jane Francis. The mobile research base relocated inland for safety reasons in 2016-2017 as cracks in the ice threatened to cut it off. "That was a wise decision," commented Simon Garrod, BAS director of operations. The glaciologists said the latest event is unlikely to affect the station's current location. The base's 12-person team left earlier this month, as they leave the base uninhabited in winter due to the unpredictable conditions. While they are away, data from GPS instruments at the site goes to a centre in Cambridge, eastern England, for analysis. Icebergs naturally break off from Antarctica into the ocean in a process accelerated by climate change. The BAS said in this case, there is "no evidence that climate change has played a significant role". "Over coming weeks or months, the iceberg may move away; or it could run aground and remain close to Brunt Ice Shelf," said Francis. The British Antarctic Survey is a world leader in environmental research in the region.

Giant iceberg breaks off near UK Antarctic base

A team of scientists have discovered life 3,000 feet beneath the Antarctic ice sheet. How do the creatures living there survive? Which species do they belong to? Are they new to science? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: An 'accidental' discovery of life in Antarctica

Scientists recently discovered life where they least expected it!&nbsp;Organisms found beneath a boulder on an Antarctic ice shelf could change how we perceive life on our planet.

Scientist drilled a hole through the Filchner-Ronne ice shelf, which is at least 900-metre-thick. Soon after, they sent in a camera down the hole to look for mud on the seabed. But what they found will forever change what we know about life in the Antarctic. They found that many organisms called the boulder its home.

Researchers found at least 16 sponges, along with 22 unidentified animals which could include barnacles. This is historic because it marks the first sign of immobile life beneath an Antarctic ice sheet.

“There’s all sorts of reasons they shouldn’t be there,” Huw Griffiths from the British Antarctic Survey was quoted as saying by New Scientist.

Griffiths, who also analysed the clip believes that the animals are potentially filter feeders who survive on nutrients which are produced in the ice-cold water. The average temperature of this water is -2°Celsius.

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What's mindblowing is how far the animals are from sources of nutrients. The boulder is situated 260 kilometres away from open water, where organisms that require sunlight can survive.

Griffiths also believes that the food consumed by the sponges probably comes from even farther off. Based on the little known about the region, it is suspected that the nearest source of sunlight is at least 600 kilometres away.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/archaeologists-find-unexpected-iron-age-settlement-in-oxfordshire-363766" hreflang="en">Archaeologists find unexpected iron age settlement in Oxfordshire</a>

Life in Antarctica then is more diverse than we previously thought, and also capable of adapting a bit easier than believed earlier

“We’ve discovered this isn’t some graveyard where a few things cling on, it’s more complicated than we thought,” &nbsp;Griffiths added.&nbsp;

Scientists recently discovered life where they least expected it! Organisms found beneath a boulder on an Antarctic ice shelf could change how we perceive life on our planet.

Scientists recently discovered life where they least expected it! Organisms found beneath a boulder on an Antarctic ice shelf could change how we perceive life on our planet. Scientist drilled a hole through the Filchner-Ronne ice shelf, which is at least 900-metre-thick. Soon after, they sent in a camera down the hole to look for mud on the seabed. But what they found will forever change what we know about life in the Antarctic. They found that many organisms called the boulder its home. Researchers found at least 16 sponges, along with 22 unidentified animals which could include barnacles. This is historic because it marks the first sign of immobile life beneath an Antarctic ice sheet. “There’s all sorts of reasons they shouldn’t be there,” Huw Griffiths from the British Antarctic Survey was quoted as saying by New Scientist. Griffiths, who also analysed the clip believes that the animals are potentially filter feeders who survive on nutrients which are produced in the ice-cold water. The average temperature of this water is -2°Celsius. Also read: Deadly fungus could cause a pandemic more fatal than COVID-19, scientists warn What's mindblowing is how far the animals are from sources of nutrients. The boulder is situated 260 kilometres away from open water, where organisms that require sunlight can survive. Griffiths also believes that the food consumed by the sponges probably comes from even farther off. Based on the little known about the region, it is suspected that the nearest source of sunlight is at least 600 kilometres away. Also read: Archaeologists find unexpected iron age settlement in Oxfordshire Life in Antarctica then is more diverse than we previously thought, and also capable of adapting a bit easier than believed earlier “We’ve discovered this isn’t some graveyard where a few things cling on, it’s more complicated than we thought,” Griffiths added.

Scientists discover life where it shouldn't exist in Antarctica

Scientists in the Antarctic are close to finalising a location to start drilling that could reveal the continuous record of Earth's climate dating back 1.5 million years.&nbsp;

After about 10 years of work, scientists at the Australian Antarctic Division are close to finding a place to drill an ice core as deep as almost 3,000 metres, reports The Guardian.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-antarcticas-decade-long-mystery-solved-306937/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

If the mission succeeds, scientists would able to get a reliable record of the Earth's climate records that could be older than half a million years.

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The location, known as Little Dome C, has an average temperature of -51 degrees C on a daily basis.

The area around Little Dome C is nearly 40 kms far from Dome C, the site of the longest continuous ice core record thus far, going back about 800,000 years.

A Europe-backed effort that has operated closely with the Australian researchers has already suggested a drill site in the Little Dome C region.

Ice cores hold significance the climate scientists to assess what happened to the Blue Planet's climate in the past and what could happen in the future with the rise in greenhouse levels due to burning of the fossil fuels.

Scientists in the Antarctic are close to finalising a location to start drilling that could reveal the continuous record of Earth's climate dating back 1.5 million years.

Scientists in the Antarctic are close to finalising a location to start drilling that could reveal the continuous record of Earth's climate dating back 1.5 million years. After about 10 years of work, scientists at the Australian Antarctic Division are close to finding a place to drill an ice core as deep as almost 3,000 metres, reports The Guardian. Watch | If the mission succeeds, scientists would able to get a reliable record of the Earth's climate records that could be older than half a million years. Also read | International lawyers propose 'ecocide' to criminalise environmental destruction The location, known as Little Dome C, has an average temperature of -51 degrees C on a daily basis. The area around Little Dome C is nearly 40 kms far from Dome C, the site of the longest continuous ice core record thus far, going back about 800,000 years. A Europe-backed effort that has operated closely with the Australian researchers has already suggested a drill site in the Little Dome C region. Ice cores hold significance the climate scientists to assess what happened to the Blue Planet's climate in the past and what could happen in the future with the rise in greenhouse levels due to burning of the fossil fuels.

Researchers close in to find drilling spot of Antarctic ice core 1.5 mn years old

After returning from Antarctica 53 years ago, Paul Grisham, a Navy meteorologist, most likely would not have expected that his lost wallet would be found and returned to him.&nbsp;

The 91-year-old worked as a weather forecaster in Antarctica for 13 months was shipped out of the region in October 1967.&nbsp;

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At some point in his stay in the region, he lost his wallet.&nbsp;

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In 2014, the wallet was found behind a locker during the demolition of a building on Ross Island.&nbsp;

"I was just blown away," Grisham told the San Diego Union-Tribune after the wallet was returned back to him recently.&nbsp;

"There was a long series of people involved who tracked me down and ran me to ground."

It comprised his navy ID card, driving licence, beer ration punch card, and receipts for money orders sent to his wife, among other things.&nbsp;

However, for finding the owner of this wallet, several emails, letters and Facebook messages were exchanged.&nbsp;

Stephen Decato and his daughter Sarah Lindbergh and Bruce McKee of the Indiana Spirit of '45 were the people responsible to find the 91-year-old and bring back his wallet after 53 years.

Decato had previously worked to return a navy service ID bracelet and his former boss George Blaisdell knew about this incident, so he decided to hand him over two wallets that were found during demolition.

One of these wallets was of Grishan and the other one was of a man who died in 2016.&nbsp;

After returning from Antarctica 53 years ago, Paul Grisham, a Navy meteorologist, most likely would not have expected that his lost wallet would be found and returned to him.

After returning from Antarctica 53 years ago, Paul Grisham, a Navy meteorologist, most likely would not have expected that his lost wallet would be found and returned to him. The 91-year-old worked as a weather forecaster in Antarctica for 13 months was shipped out of the region in October 1967. Also read | Covid-19 hits Antarctica: Now, earth's all seven continents have coronavirus infection At some point in his stay in the region, he lost his wallet. Also read | Over 30,000 tremors rock Antarctica in three months, scientists say In 2014, the wallet was found behind a locker during the demolition of a building on Ross Island. "I was just blown away," Grisham told the San Diego Union-Tribune after the wallet was returned back to him recently. "There was a long series of people involved who tracked me down and ran me to ground." It comprised his navy ID card, driving licence, beer ration punch card, and receipts for money orders sent to his wife, among other things. However, for finding the owner of this wallet, several emails, letters and Facebook messages were exchanged. Stephen Decato and his daughter Sarah Lindbergh and Bruce McKee of the Indiana Spirit of '45 were the people responsible to find the 91-year-old and bring back his wallet after 53 years. Decato had previously worked to return a navy service ID bracelet and his former boss George Blaisdell knew about this incident, so he decided to hand him over two wallets that were found during demolition. One of these wallets was of Grishan and the other one was of a man who died in 2016.

After 53 years, wallet lost in Antarctica reaches 91-year-old owner

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Saturday off the coast of Antarctica, with authorities issuing a tsunami warning for Chile's Eduardo Frei base on the frigid continent, emergency officials said.

The interior ministry said on Twitter that a tremor of magnitude 7.1 struck at 8.36 p.m. 216 km northeast of the O'Higgins Chilean scientific base and called for the coastal regions of Antarctica to be evacuated because of tsunami risk.

Authorities in Chile said on Saturday they regretted spreading panic with a mistaken tsunami warning calling for people to get out of coastal areas following an earthquake in Antarctica.

The ministry also sent a message to cellphones around the country urging people to abandon coastal areas, though the ministry later said it was sent in error.

People in coastal cities including La Serena, to the north of Santiago, and Valparaiso, started to leave areas close to the coast after the warning until reports started appearing that it was a false alarm.

The Chilean Air Force's base is the country's largest in Antarctica and includes a village, hospital, school, bank, post office and chapel.

The maximum population in summer is 150 people, and the average population in winter is 80.

An unrelated 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck near Santiago on Saturday night, but Onemi said no significant damage or impact was reported.

Chile is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. A 8.8-magnitude temblor in the city of Concepcion on February 27, 2010, left more than 500 dead.&nbsp;

The country suffered the most powerful earthquake ever recorded 60 years ago -- measuring 9.6 magnitude,&nbsp;in the city of Valdivia.

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Saturday off the coast of Antarctica, with authorities issuing a tsunami warning for Chile's Eduardo Frei base on the frigid continent, emergency officials said.

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Saturday off the coast of Antarctica, with authorities issuing a tsunami warning for Chile's Eduardo Frei base on the frigid continent, emergency officials said. The interior ministry said on Twitter that a tremor of magnitude 7.1 struck at 8.36 p.m. 216 km northeast of the O'Higgins Chilean scientific base and called for the coastal regions of Antarctica to be evacuated because of tsunami risk. Authorities in Chile said on Saturday they regretted spreading panic with a mistaken tsunami warning calling for people to get out of coastal areas following an earthquake in Antarctica. The ministry also sent a message to cellphones around the country urging people to abandon coastal areas, though the ministry later said it was sent in error. People in coastal cities including La Serena, to the north of Santiago, and Valparaiso, started to leave areas close to the coast after the warning until reports started appearing that it was a false alarm. The Chilean Air Force's base is the country's largest in Antarctica and includes a village, hospital, school, bank, post office and chapel. The maximum population in summer is 150 people, and the average population in winter is 80. An unrelated 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck near Santiago on Saturday night, but Onemi said no significant damage or impact was reported. Chile is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. A 8.8-magnitude temblor in the city of Concepcion on February 27, 2010, left more than 500 dead. The country suffered the most powerful earthquake ever recorded 60 years ago -- measuring 9.6 magnitude, in the city of Valdivia.

7.0-magnitude earthquake rocks coast of Antarctica

A68 - the gigantic iceberg, which is also the world's largest is&nbsp;moving from Antarctica in the Atlantic Ocean. It covers an area of roughly 5,800 square kilometres and has been on its current course since 2017.&nbsp;

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The iceberg was pushed into the South Atlantic Ocean in 2017, and has been moving towards the remote island of South Georgia, triggering fears of&nbsp;the potential impact of the iceberg on the wildlife in the island. Usually, icebergs either get caught in shallow waters or end up grounding themselves.&nbsp;

What happens if the iceberg reaches South Georgia? 
 
A68A split off from the Larsen C ice shelf in Antarctica in July 2017. Ever since that happened, the iceberg has been moving towards a British Overseas Territory called South Georgia.

During its course, the big berg has birthed smaller icebergs, like the recently named A68E and A68F - which were pronounced large enough to carry names of their own, as verified by the US National Ice Center (USNIC), which is responsible for naming icebergs.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/massive-iceberg-pivots-breaks-near-south-atlantic-penguin-colony-island-350885" hreflang="en">Massive iceberg pivots, breaks near south Atlantic penguin colony island</a> 
 
Many fear that if the iceberg settles permanently&nbsp;near the island, it could disrupt local wildlife which survives in the ocean. Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are set to launch a mission to examine the potential effects of the iceberg on the ecosystem next month.

If the iceberg manages to get stuck near the island, local wildlife including penguins and seals would be forced to travel to farther off regions to fetch food. Scientists fear that for many animals this would sound the death knell for their offspring if they're unable to return on time.

Not all gloom doom

Not all is gloomy in this case. If the iceberg got stuck in the ocean, it could help fertilise ocean plankton, which absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/largest-remaining-chunk-of-worlds-biggest-iceberg-to-collide-with-land-348646" hreflang="en">Largest remaining chunk of world's biggest iceberg to collide with land</a>

It is normal for icebergs to break away and in the process produce smaller icebergs. Even though it may not always be a product of climate change, the degeneration of our climatic systems will cause more icebergs to break off. 
&nbsp;

A68 - the gigantic iceberg, which is also the world's largest is moving from Antarctica in the Atlantic Ocean. It covers an area of roughly 5,800 square kilometres and has been on its current course since 2017.

A68 - the gigantic iceberg, which is also the world's largest is moving from Antarctica in the Atlantic Ocean. It covers an area of roughly 5,800 square kilometres and has been on its current course since 2017. The iceberg was pushed into the South Atlantic Ocean in 2017, and has been moving towards the remote island of South Georgia, triggering fears of the potential impact of the iceberg on the wildlife in the island. Usually, icebergs either get caught in shallow waters or end up grounding themselves. What happens if the iceberg reaches South Georgia? A68A split off from the Larsen C ice shelf in Antarctica in July 2017. Ever since that happened, the iceberg has been moving towards a British Overseas Territory called South Georgia. During its course, the big berg has birthed smaller icebergs, like the recently named A68E and A68F - which were pronounced large enough to carry names of their own, as verified by the US National Ice Center (USNIC), which is responsible for naming icebergs. Also read: Massive iceberg pivots, breaks near south Atlantic penguin colony island Many fear that if the iceberg settles permanently near the island, it could disrupt local wildlife which survives in the ocean. Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are set to launch a mission to examine the potential effects of the iceberg on the ecosystem next month. If the iceberg manages to get stuck near the island, local wildlife including penguins and seals would be forced to travel to farther off regions to fetch food. Scientists fear that for many animals this would sound the death knell for their offspring if they're unable to return on time. Not all gloom doom Not all is gloomy in this case. If the iceberg got stuck in the ocean, it could help fertilise ocean plankton, which absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Also read: Largest remaining chunk of world's biggest iceberg to collide with land It is normal for icebergs to break away and in the process produce smaller icebergs. Even though it may not always be a product of climate change, the degeneration of our climatic systems will cause more icebergs to break off.

Explainer: Where's the world's largest iceberg A68 headed, and should we be worried?

Latest satellite images suggest the giant iceberg that's drifting through the south Atlantic has experiencing a major breakup. Images revealed on Tuesday shows a major fissures in this iceberg which is known as A68A.

Giant iceberg shatters into fragments

Antarctica has reportedly become the last of the Earth's seven continents to record deadly coronavirus infections after managing to avoid the pandemic for around nine months.

COVID-19 has arrived at a remote Chilean army base, with 36 people testing positive on Monday, Chilean time.

Antarctica was, until these cases were recorded, the last continent untouched by coronavirus.

The research station, known colloquially as O'Higgins, is one of 13 active Chilean bases in Antarctica.

It is located close to the northern-most tip of the Antarctic Peninsula in West Antarctica — far from Australia's bases in East Antarctica — and was described by one travel website as "hard to reach even by Antarctic terms".

Trying to keep the virus at bay in Antarctica has come at a cost. All major research projects in the Antarctic have been halted. As a result, research by scientists around the world has been interrupted.

While the continent has no permanent residents, it 1,000 researchers and other visitors stayed on the island over winter, according to the media reports.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Antarctica has reportedly become the last of the Earth's seven continents to record deadly coronavirus infections after managing to avoid the pandemic for around nine months.

Antarctica has reportedly become the last of the Earth's seven continents to record deadly coronavirus infections after managing to avoid the pandemic for around nine months. COVID-19 has arrived at a remote Chilean army base, with 36 people testing positive on Monday, Chilean time. Antarctica was, until these cases were recorded, the last continent untouched by coronavirus. The research station, known colloquially as O'Higgins, is one of 13 active Chilean bases in Antarctica. It is located close to the northern-most tip of the Antarctic Peninsula in West Antarctica — far from Australia's bases in East Antarctica — and was described by one travel website as "hard to reach even by Antarctic terms". Trying to keep the virus at bay in Antarctica has come at a cost. All major research projects in the Antarctic have been halted. As a result, research by scientists around the world has been interrupted. While the continent has no permanent residents, it 1,000 researchers and other visitors stayed on the island over winter, according to the media reports. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19 hits Antarctica: Now, earth's all seven continents have coronavirus infection

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