Precipitation and clouds play a key role in the Earth’s climate system. Clouds are an essential component in the conversion chain from atmospheric water vapor to precipitation. In turn, precipitation determines the water availability at the surface of the earth. Similarly for Antarctica, where precipitation is the only source of mass to the ice sheet. Despite the importance of Antarctic precipitation and clouds, their representation in ...
The aim of ANTAR-IMPACT is to contribute to the evaluation of the environmental impact of the construction and functioning of the Belgian research station 'Princess Elisabeth' (East Antarctica), by providing the baseline data regarding the current pre-impact biodiversity (microbial included). The results will be transferred to the 'Comittee for Environmental Protection'.
Coupled climate and earth-system models predict increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns in vast regions of Maritime and coastal Continental Antarctica, which will likely result in more extensive glacial melt and the expansion of ice-free areas, increasing connectivity between regions, and changes in their hydrology. Terrestrial and lacustrine biota in the Antarctic are more globally distinct and biogeographically structured ...
Antarctica and the Southern Ocean play a key role in the Earth's climate system, influencing global heat balance and carbon uptake. Recent anomalies, including a drastic sea ice decline, anomalous snowfall, and unprecedented heat waves, challenge our understanding of the region's response to climate change. This proposal aims at an improved understanding of recent changes occurring in the Antarctic climate ...