Introduction
From Our Changing World
Each year hundreds of scientists travel to Antarctica to investigate the climate history of our planet, to study the icy continent’s hardy life forms, and to seek answers to far-reaching questions about the universe. We’ve been able to join some of them during their Antarctic fieldtrips, and here is a collection of interviews and features we have collected during our time on ice as well back in New Zealand.
Biology
Antarctica is a frozen desert surrounded by a super-cooled ocean. Meet some of the creatures that thrive in this challenging environment.
Climate
Join geologists and glaciologists as they drill deep into sediment or ice to study past climates and learn about the implications of today’s climate change for the future.
Environment
From extremophile microbes on top of Mount Erebus to mapping entire ecosystems in the Dry Valleys, the simple ecosystems of the frozen continent are a hunting ground for microbiologists and geographers.
Evolution
Antarctica’s cold temperatures help preserve ancient DNA and several Antarctic animals have become models for genetic studies. Find out what they teach us about evolution.
Geology
Antarctica’s rocks are often buried beneath thick ice, but geology has been a strong research focus in Antarctica dating back to Scott’s expeditions.
IceFest
Audio of some of the discussions, lectures and presentations recorded during the 2012 IceFest in Christchurch.
Physics
From solar flares and neutrinos to sea ice and the planet’s biggest seasonal change, physicists find lots to study in Antarctica.
More About Antarctica
From the restoration of historic huts, to books on Antarctica and polar psychology – a miscellany of other Antarctic topics.
Voices from Antarctica
Alison Ballance finds out what it takes to live in and do science in Antarctica, in a podcast series recorded in November 2019.
Gallery
More about Antarctica on RNZ
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Pole To Pole
A three-part documentary series marking the International Polar Year 2007-2008. -
Nine to Noon in Antarctica
Kathryn Ryan visits Scott Base and meets scientists researching climate change.
