In Antarctica, Canadian scientists have a ‘momentous’ chance to learn more about climate change
In the heart of an active volcano at the southernmost point of the world, fur seals lounge in the blowing wet snow as if they own the place. The black sand beach of Deception Island’s Whalers Bay is a haunting reminder of humanity’s impact on Antarctica, with rusted iron tanks and wooden boats scattered among the seals.
While tourists and scientists explore the remnants of early 20th-century whaling settlements, climate scientists are more focused on the bigger picture. Antarctica serves as a crucial laboratory for understanding the Earth’s climate, with studies showing how the continent’s glaciers, oceans, and wildlife are responding to the effects of fossil fuel emissions.
Thomas James, a scientist from Natural Resources Canada, leads the first all-Canadian expedition to Antarctica, emphasizing the global implications of what happens in this remote region. Antarctica’s ice and cold oceans play a vital role in regulating the planet’s climate, with recent research revealing how melting freshwater from glaciers is altering the chemistry of the Southern Ocean.
The Antarctic Circumpolar Current, influenced by the melting glaciers, is predicted to slow down by 20% by 2050, affecting ocean currents worldwide. This current also helps protect Antarctica’s ice sheets from warmer waters, preventing sea level rise that could impact coastal communities globally.
James and his team of 15 scientists, from various disciplines, are conducting comprehensive research on Antarctica’s ice sheets, glacial melt, ocean chemistry, and microplastics. Supported by the Royal Canadian Navy aboard the HMCS Margaret Brooke, they are collecting samples around the South Shetland Islands as part of Operation PROJECTION.
The scientists work tirelessly, using zodiac boats and specialized equipment to gather data on the ocean’s carbon absorption and chemical properties. Understanding how the oceans absorb carbon dioxide is crucial in predicting future climate change and the role of polar oceans in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
Brent Else, a researcher from the University of Calgary, emphasizes the importance of studying polar oceans as they undergo rapid changes. The Southern Ocean’s ability to sink carbon to deep depths plays a critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate, making it essential to monitor how melting ice sheets impact this delicate balance.
The interdisciplinary approach of the Canadian expedition aims to contribute to the global body of knowledge on climate change. The team will return with thousands of samples for further analysis, ensuring that the groundbreaking research conducted in Antarctica will have a lasting impact on our understanding of the planet’s climate.
As James reflects on the significance of the expedition, he remarks, “It feels momentous.” The team’s efforts in Antarctica are not just a scientific endeavor but a crucial step towards unraveling the complexities of our changing climate and its far-reaching consequences.
