Less Forest, More Species
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 20 May 2021
trary to common belief, treeless alpine zones on the Tibetan Plateau host more plant species than mountain forests, a new AWI-led study finds. Warming could reduce biodiversity as forests expand upward due to climate change.
Keywords: biodiversity, alpine ecosystems, Tibetan Plateau, plant diversity, treeline, forest expansion, Alfred Wegener Institute, ancient DNA
Polarstern Sets Sail for the Arctic
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 21 May 2021
On 24 May 2021, Polarstern set out to resume long-term Arctic deep-sea monitoring in Fram Strait. AWI scientists aim to track climate impacts, deploy new FRAM observatories, and study plastic pollution and ecosystem changes.
Keywords: Polarstern, Arctic expedition, Fram Strait, HAUSGARTEN, AWI, deep sea, marine ecosystems
Antarctic hotspot: Fin whales favour the waters around Elephant Island
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 27 May 2021
Fin whales are returning in large numbers to krill-rich waters near Elephant Island, as shown by AWI sound recordings. Scientists call for protection of this key habitat, which may be linked to a migration route between Antarctica and Chile.
Keywords: fin whales, Elephant Island, AWI, krill, Southern Ocean, marine protected area, acoustic monitoring, whale migration
