Viscous AND elastic: Glaciers are more “solid” than previously assumed
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 9 November 2021
New AWI-led research reveals glacier models must include ice’s elastic behavior. Tidal forces deform Greenland’s 79°N Glacier up to 10 km inland—critical for improving sea-level rise predictions under climate change.
Keywords: crevasse formation, glacier flow, Julia Christmann, GROCE project, glaciology, climate modeling, Nature Communications
Taking a Seismic Peek Below the Gargantuan Glacier
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 17 November 2021
AWI scientists will use seismic waves to study the ground beneath Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier, aiming to improve forecasts of its collapse and global sea-level rise as part of the international GHOST project.
Keywords: glaciology, vibroseis technique, GHOST project, ITGC, Olaf Eisen, Coen Hofstede, subglacial geology, Polarstern
Tracking down microplastics in Antarctica
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 29 November 2021
Researchers found microplastics in Antarctica’s remote Weddell Sea, with many fragments traced to ship paint—mainly from their own vessel. The study highlights the need for better methods to trace sources and calls for eco-friendlier marine paint.
Keywords: shipping pollution, environmental contamination, Patricia Holm, Clara Leistenschneider, Gunnar Gerdts, marine debris
