Holiday on ice Scientists and fossil hunters in Antarctica hunker down to climate work

Most of us will not get a white Christmas this year, but a group of scientists is guaranteed one while carrying out research on the Antarctic peninsula.

- Nicola Davis

Dr Kate Winter of Northumbria University and colleagues will be deploying instruments on the Flask glacier to study how meltwater affects how quickly glaciers flow into the ocean.

On Christmas morning, she will start sharing a pyramid tent with two other researchers.

"We might put some extra spices in our porridge," Winter said, adding that the team will deck their tent in hand-crocheted wool baubles and possibly indulge in some hot chocolate. "Then I think we'll go and do some science in the morning. It can be a long day in a tent thinking about those at home."

The team plans to ski the 4 miles or so to their research site, where they will undertake jobs such as putting up solar panels for equipment.

While skiing, the scientists will be roped to each other like Santa's reindeers. "If one of us falls down a crevasse, we rely on the others to save us," Winter said.