The latest findings on the MOSAiC floe
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 6 July 2020
The MOSAiC floe, formed near the New Siberian Islands in Dec 2018, carried rare sediments, pebbles, and bivalves embedded in Arctic sea ice—now exposed by melting. This “dirty ice” reveals rapid change in sea ice formation, thickness, and transport.
Keywords: MOSAiC expedition, sea ice, New Siberian Islands, dirty ice, Arctic melting, sediment transport, biogeochemical cycles
Good news: European sea bass absorb virtually no microplastic in their muscle tissue
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 20 July 2020
In a lab study, sea bass fed microplastic-laced diets for 4 months had almost no particles in their fillets—just 1–2 particles per 5 g. Most microplastics were excreted, suggesting minimal transfer to edible tissue and low risk to consumers.
Keywords: microplastics, sea bass, AWI, food safety, fish fillet, aquaculture, bloodstream absorption
Siberia’s permafrost erosion has been worsening for years
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 16 September 2020
Erosion of Siberia’s Sobo-Sise Cliff has tripled since the 1960s, releasing ~15,000 t of carbon and 1,000 t of nitrogen from permafrost into the Lena River. This carbon release could amplify climate change and disrupt Arctic river ecosystems.
Keywords: permafrost erosion, Lena River, carbon release, nitrogen, yedoma, climate change, AWI
