Year after year, the sub-zero waters around Antarctica go through Earth's biggest seasonal transformation. Around this time, they are usually freezing over, eventually almost doubling the continent's whiteness. In spring, much of the frozen ocean starts melting again, only to repeat the cycle from the end of summer.
But this year, Antarctica's icy fringe retreated further than during any late summer since satellite observations began in 1979. This record low followed a season that was "completely unprecedented since we've been able to see Antarctica's sea ice from space", says Niwa oceanographer Natalie Robinson.
Last October, Robinson embarked on her eighth Antarctic visit, but only after weeks of uncertainty whether there would be any sea ice thick enough to hold her team's field camp of several shipping containers. Southerly blizzards had been blasting the area, dragging any newly formed ice out to sea.
This story is from the May 27 - June 2 2023 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 27 - June 2 2023 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.
