Exploring the Antarctic waters with seals in electric hats
The production of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) is a key part of the global ocean circulation that distributes heat and regulates the Earths climate. The formation of AABW is dependent on enhanced sea-ice production, which influences water salinity and temperature, in specific coastal regions around...
| Published in: | Nature Reviews Earth & Environment |
|---|---|
| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Text |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Publishing Group
2020
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-020-0056-8 http://ecite.utas.edu.au/150739 |
| Summary: | The production of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) is a key part of the global ocean circulation that distributes heat and regulates the Earths climate. The formation of AABW is dependent on enhanced sea-ice production, which influences water salinity and temperature, in specific coastal regions around Antarctica called polynyas. Investigating the delicate balance between AABW formation, sea-ice production and the impact of Antarctic ice sheet melting in polynyas has traditionally been an extremely difficult endeavour, particularly during winter when ship logistics are affected by both sea-ice growth and poor weather conditions. To overcome the physical challenges of studying these under-ice and coastal processes, scientists have recruited special oceanographer helpers, elephant seals. |
|---|