It's Summer Somewhere - Let the Science Begin!

As winter weather rolls into the District and work slows down for the holidays, it is important to remember that the chilly rain and biting wind aren’t felt everywhere.  In fact, ice and snow are melting throughout the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica and it’s coastal islands.  Glaciers calve, snow melts, and sea ice slowly retreats as the ecosystem shakes off it’s cold slumber and comes to life.  In the Austral summer, phytoplankton blooms and stimulates feeding frenzies and bursting life that reverberates up the food chain.  Sea lions gulp down krill and bottom-dwelling sea stars and worms feast on the sunken remains;  penguins give birth to their chicks, seals nurse their pups, and large orca and humpback whales migrate to their feeding grounds.  

Not only do these areas come to life, but so do the passionate scientists that study them.  Starting in early December, countless Antarctic research groups begin the arduous trek to this incredible landscape, their minds filled with excitement and anxiety about the coming field season.  These groups spend months preparing and organizing supplies for the journey south, including personnel, medical exams, food supplies, and research equipment.  Despite the best preparation, working in such a dramatic and harsh environment often presents unforeseen challenges that encourage adaptability and a good-natured attitude. 

To all of the consortiums and groups shipping out, we wish you safe and fruitful field seasons!  Follow NOAA’s Antarctic Environment Division, the Long Term Ecological Research program from Woods Hole, and the British Antarctic Survey activities throughout the coming months.