Introduction

From Our Changing World

Each year hundreds of scientists travel to Antarctica to investigate the climate history of our planet, to study the icy continent’s hardy life forms, and to seek answers to far-reaching questions about the universe. We’ve been able to join some of them during their Antarctic fieldtrips, and here is a collection of interviews and features we have collected during our time on ice as well back in New Zealand.

Biology

Biology

Antarctica is a frozen desert surrounded by a super-cooled ocean. Meet some of the creatures that thrive in this challenging environment.

Climate

Climate

Join geologists and glaciologists as they drill deep into sediment or ice to study past climates and learn about the implications of today’s climate change for the future.

Environment

Environment

From extremophile microbes on top of Mount Erebus to mapping entire ecosystems in the Dry Valleys, the simple ecosystems of the frozen continent are a hunting ground for microbiologists and geographers.

Evolution

Evolution

Antarctica’s cold temperatures help preserve ancient DNA and several Antarctic animals have become models for genetic studies.  Find out what they teach us about evolution.

Geology

Geology

Antarctica’s rocks are often buried beneath thick ice, but geology has been a strong research focus in Antarctica dating back to Scott’s expeditions.

Icefest

IceFest

Audio of some of the discussions, lectures and presentations recorded during the 2012 IceFest in Christchurch.

Physics

Physics

From solar flares and neutrinos to sea ice and the planet’s biggest seasonal change, physicists find lots to study in Antarctica.

More

More About Antarctica

From the restoration of historic huts, to books on Antarctica and polar psychology – a miscellany of other Antarctic topics.

 

Voices from Antarctica

Alison Ballance finds out what it takes to live in and do science in Antarctica, in a podcast series recorded in November 2019.

 

Biology Emperor penguins the edge of the frozen continent

Gallery

More about Antarctica on RNZ

  • Pole To Pole
    A three-part documentary series marking the International Polar Year 2007-2008.
  • Nine to Noon in Antarctica
    Kathryn Ryan visits Scott Base and meets scientists researching climate change.