Expedition Science

❄ What are tropical glaciers? ⛄️ Tropical #glaciers exist in high-altitude regions where temperatures allow snow to form, but they are highly sensitive to #climatechange. In Papua, home to the 'Eternity Glaciers', rising temperatures could cause these glaciers to disappear by 2026. 🌨 Shifting rainfall patterns, exacerbated by the global weather phenomenon El Nino, causes more rain instead of snow - leading to accelerated melting. Climate scientists predict that if the current trend continues, the glaciers in Papua at lower elevations may vanish first, potentially followed by other tropical glaciers around the world. 🥾 #thelastrideproject aims to document the changes affecting these glaciers by climbing Puncak Jaya, the highest mountain peak of an island on Earth, in Spring 2025. They are looking for #glaciologists to join them on their expedition - to find out more email info@expd.science More info here: https://lnkd.in/ewU3NEas #glaciology #glaciers #indonesia #puncakjaya #mountain #research

🌏 Are #phytoplankton blooms the key to limiting melting ice? 🌾 Research published this month in the Journal of Geophysical Research (Oceans) explored how these microalgae influence the ocean's heat flow and nearby ice shelves in West Antarctica's Amundsen Sea. 🌊 The study's models found that phytoplankton, most abundant in areas of open water (termed #polynyas), trap heat in surface waters, which later dissipates into the atmosphere during the summer. Importantly, they provide shade to deeper waters, helping keep them cool and reducing ice shelf melting by 7% compared to clearer waters elsewhere. ❄ As Antarctic waters lose #seaice and expose more of the ocean's surface to sunlight, the role of these microbes in influencing light absorption and heat distribution becomes increasingly significant in limiting the impacts of #climatechange. Source: JGR (Oceans), https://lnkd.in/edjS9FaY #ocean #research #climate #science #phytoplankton #geophysics #ecology

📈 Newly published #climate simulations have predicted that by 2100, Arctic coastal permafrost erosion is expected to increase by 2-3 times. 🌊 When #permafrost erodes, it releases organic carbon into the ocean which is not currently accounted for in Earth system models. This erosion reduces the Arctic Ocean's ability to absorb CO2 from the air and act as a carbon sink, decreasing total uptake by 7-14% and reintroducing CO2 back into the atmosphere. ❄ These findings emphasize the role of permafrost erosion in intensifying climate change and suggest that it should be included in future climate assessments as permafrost-ocean research is improved. Source: Nature Portfolio https://lnkd.in/egjAWtYM #permafrost #climate #polar #research #arctic #natureclimatechange

❔ What is Cairngorms Connect? The 200-year visionary project covers over 600 square kilometers of ancient woodland and Arctic-like mountain in the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Scotland. It focuses on large-scale ecosystem restoration by reforesting native woodlands, rewetting peatlands (huge carbon sinks) and restoring rivers. 🌳 With 60 full-time staff and numerous volunteers, they have removed nearly 6000 hectares of non-native conifers, restored over 1000 hectares of peatlands and over 1,200 hectares of native woodland planted. 🏡 How can you get involved? If you are local to the area you can volunteer, MSc and PhD students on forestry/ecology-related programmes can join on a 1-4 month basis, or, you can simply sign up to their newsletter. There is lots to do to get involved! See more here: https://lnkd.in/eZbjNjXa Source: Cairngorms Connect Cairngorms National Park Authority #mountain #scotland #cairngorms #nationalpark #reforestation

🌱 Scientists at Swansea University, including Associate Professor Richard Unsworth and his team in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, are developing methods to restore #seagrass meadows, huge areas that can #capturecarbon. 🌾 Working with Project Seagrass, WWF-UK, Sky Rescue Ocean and Carlsberg Group, the first seagrass nursery has been established in west Wales, as well as the planting of 2 hectares of meadows, that's over 750,000 seeds! 🌊 The project aims to support the ocean's #biodiversity, as well as responding to the increased need for fishery habitats and #sustainable coastal livelihoods. You can find out more on Swansea's website, or by visiting #ProjectSeagrass. Are you currently involved in ocean research? Let us know so we can share your science! Source: Swansea University #ocean #research #seagrass #carboncapture #sustainability

❄️ What an incredible statistic and amazing to see so many school children listening to Hanna Yevchun about her experiences and research in Antarctica! We are excited to be working with Wicked Weather Watch to deliver talks from polar scientists on our database, so if you are interested in helping Wicked Weather Watch with their commitment to outreach please get in touch at claire@expd.science !

💧'Room for the River' is a climate adaptation strategy in the Netherlands to address increased flood risks due to climate change. 🌧 The project allows rivers more space to flood safely by lowering floodplains, relocating dikes, and creating water storage areas. It includes 34 projects across the country, focused on making #landscapes more resilient to flooding. 🌊 The program has improved #flood safety for millions, restored #natural ecosystems, and involved #communities in planning and land-use changes. The approach combines traditional and nature-based solutions such as utilising the historical levees in place, enhancing the Netherlands' long-term adaptability to #climate risks. Source: https://lnkd.in/erBVw33

🌳 Until 1986, Costa Rica suffered one of the world’s worst deforestation rates, with its forest cover falling to just 24% of the country. Today, forests occupy approximately 57% of the country, including areas that were previously never forested. 🌴 Through the Tree Nursery Program, the government, private landowners and communities have access to affordable or free seedlings, which are then planted in deforested or degraded areas to promote forest recovery and #biodiversity. 🍀 One notable project involved the Osa Peninsula, where tree nurseries provided over 1 million seedlings for the reforestation of critical habitats. This initiative has helped restore biodiversity, promote forest #research and strengthen #ecosystems vulnerable to #climatechange. Source: https://lnkd.in/eBzm9Aqa

💨 The #FaroeIslands are aiming for 100% green energy by 2030. A key component of this transition involves expanding wind power, with the Torshavn onshore wind project adding six more turbines to more than double the islands' wind capacity. This project has taken sustainable production of electricity in the Faroes from 40% to 67%. 👨👩👧👧 By 2030, the Faroese energy company, SEV, and Danish Energy Association plan to become completely independent of fossil fuel for power production. Strategies include electrifying half of the heating in the Faroes and double the amount of electric cars on the roads by the end of 2025. As well as top-down approaches, the community are encourage to participate in 'co-op' schemes, allowing them to invest in renewable energy infrastructure and gain monetary value back. #faroes #faroeislands #sustainability #climate #initiative #cleanenergy

❔ Want to do something different this dreary Monday afternoon? 🙋♀️ Wicked Weather Watch is a UK-based charity focused on raising awareness about climate change and its impact on polar regions, particularly the Arctic, in a positive and engaging way. Founded in 2016 by Sir David Hempleman-Adams, a renowned polar explorer, the charity aims to educate children (over 25,000 so far!) and young people, providing resources, workshops and information to help students and teachers understand the science of climate change, encouraging positive action to mitigate its effects. 💬 They have recently released a crowdfunder to expand their reach, develop new resources and provid more support for teachers in schools. As little as £5 could pay for one child to attend a multi-school event, or £200 could fund an explorer or scientist to give a whole-school talk! ➡️ Donate now via the link: https://lnkd.in/eDPGASQN 🤸 Alternatively, sign up to give a talk (either in-person or virtual) by emailing info@wickedweatherwatch.org.uk !