Issue 23: December 2012
The Australian Antarctic Magazine seeks to inform the Australian and international Antarctic community about the activities of the Australian Antarctic program. Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent the position of the Australian Government. The Australian Antarctic Magazine is produced twice a year (June, December) in hard copy and made available online. All text and images published in the magazine are copyright of the Commonwealth of Australia, unless otherwise stated. Editorial enquiries, including requests to reproduce material, or contributions, should be addressed to the Editor at magazine@aad.gov.au.
Search previous issues of the magazine.
Download the complete PDF of Australian Antarctic Magazine Issue 23 (published December 2012). [3.4 Mb]
Meet the Australian Antarctic Division’s new Chief Scientist, Dr Nick Gales.
Antarctic science in the spring sea ice zone
Introducing a feature on the Sea Ice Physics and Ecosystem eXperiment (SIPEX-II) voyage to the sea ice zone between September and November 2012.
A helicopter fitted with high-tech instruments was used to study sea ice and snow cover thickness during the Sea Ice Physics and Ecosystem eXperiment (SIPEX-II) voyage.
Search for sea ice algae reveals hidden Antarctic icescape
A Remotely Operated Vehicle travelling two metres beneath Antarctic ice floes could provide a rapid way of determining where sea ice algae prefer to grow, and the effect of this distribution, if any, on krill.
Twenty metres under the sea ice
A submersible robot working 20 m beneath the Antarctic ice, will contribute to the first complete 3D maps of Antarctic ice floes.
Scientists used experimental pumping technology to capture live krill from open water leads in the Antarctic sea ice.
Clock genes that regulate the daily and seasonal internal rhythms of krill are the target of research by Antarctic scientists seeking a better understanding of what makes these important crustaceans tick.
A brave new world as Macquarie Island moves towards recovery
More than one year after aerial baiting to rid Macquarie Island of its destructive rabbits, rats and mice, there are encouraging signs that the eradication effort has been successful.
Antarctic scientists have tracked and located more than 50 blue whales using acoustic technology to eavesdrop on the animals' resonant song.
Bugs, soils and rocks in the Prince Charles Mountains
Scientists have discovered a range of organisms, including mites, mosses and lichens, in this little-studied Antarctic region.
Antarctic bottom water disappearing
New research by teams of Australian and US scientists has revealed a massive reduction in the amount of Antarctic Bottom Water found off the coast of Antarctica.
Antarctic bioregions enhance conservation planning
New research into the biogeography of Antarctica has identified 15 distinct regions on the continent and near-shore islands, which will assist future conservation planning.
Some of the lowest temperatures and the highest ice clouds ever observed in the Earth’s atmosphere have been recorded at Davis station.
Australia hosts Antarctic Treaty meeting
In June 2012 it was Australia’s turn to host the 35th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting. One of the key organisers of the meeting takes us behind the scenes.
Australia has entered into new or updated agreements with the Chinese, Russian and French national Antarctic programs.
Cooperative spirit steers Antarctic meeting
Among the outcomes of the 35th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting were reports on globally significant science, adoption of site-specific guidelines for tourism, and discussions around communicating climate change information to international forums.
Continent-wide studies support Antarctic environmental protection
Highlights of the annual meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection include development of a clean-up manual, review of an Antarctic tourism report, and a new system to guide area protection.
Dr Gormly was a long-serving member of the Australian Antarctic program, working as a Medical Officer on some 20 voyages, conducting much of the pre-departure training for doctors and lay staff, and responsible for the first ANARE First Aid Manual and eight subsequent editions.
The former Head of Polar Medicine at the Antarctic Division reflects on his meetings with some of the men from the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration, including Douglas Mawson, Eric Webb and John King Davis.
Shipwreck, loss and reunion in the Antarctic
Geologist Chris Wilson’s Swiss Army knife has a chequered Antarctic history.
Author Jesse Blackadder travelled to Antarctica to research Ingrid Christensen; the first woman to reach the Antarctic continent.
Meet the four recipients of this year’s Antarctic Medal.
Read more about Prince Charles’ visit to our Antarctic research hub, the status of East Antarctic Marine Protected Areas, new books, art, awards and our Station Leaders for 2013.
Aaron Spurr took this silhouette of a scientist hard at work during this year’s Sea Ice Physics and Ecosystem eXperiment voyage.
