Issue 14: 2008
Australia in the International Polar Year
Introducing this issue of the Australian Antarctic Magazine, which features, among other things, research conducted for two of Australia's major International Polar Year projects, the first passenger flight of the A319 to Wilkins, and the activities of our Arts Fellows.
Underwater world gives up its secrets
Giant sea spiders, jellyfish and marine worms were among the many surprises encountered by scientists during the Collaborative East Antarctic Marine Census (CEAMARC).
Ship's Log: Collaborative East Antarctic Marine Census
On board the Aurora Australis, Voyage Leader, Dr Martin Riddle, captured the excitement of the CEAMARC sea-bed surveys in his situation reports.
Sound decisions for sea-bed sampling
High-resolution three-dimensional (3-D) maps of the sea-bed gave researchers a new window into the deep during the recent Collaborative East Antarctic Marine Census.
Sequencing secrets of whole microbial communities
For the first time whole microbial communities and their functions, in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, are being examined using DNA sequencing technology.
Broadcasting marine science to the world
Margot Foster, Executive Producer of ABC Radio National's Bush Telegraph program, broadcast a snapshot of life and work on board the Aurora Australis during the Collaborative East Antarctic Marine Census.
Venom evolution
Venomous Antarctic marine animals are helping one researcher advance a general theory of venom evolution.
Supporting scientists at sea
The creativity and skill of a small group of specialist technicians have provided scientists with the first insights into the Antarctic sea ice environment in early spring and an unprecedented glimpse at life on the bottom of the Southern Ocean.
Sea Ice Physics and Ecosystem eXperiment
During this major International Polar Year project, scientists studied the physics and biology of the sea ice, and the effects of sea ice structure, thickness and snow cover on the under-ice algae and ecosystem of the Southern Ocean.
Determining sea ice thickness with an airborne scanning laser
Advances in technology are helping scientists make precise local measurements of sea ice thickness, which can be used to validate satellite-based measurements for large-scale monitoring of sea ice change.
Sea ice algae put spring in krill growth
Spring-time growth of sea ice algae is critical to krill growth and reproductive potential.
Today's youth - tomorrow's Antarctic scientists
Two Tasmanian teachers created an interactive information package for students and teachers around the world during the Sea Ice Physics and Ecosystem eXperiment.
Tracing elements in the ocean
The surface waters of the Southern Ocean are suffering from 'marine anaemia' - a serious deficiency in the micronutrient iron.
South with Russia
Pork fat chasers and 'paparazzi' were among Sandra Potter's memorable experiences during a two-month expedition with her Russian hosts aboard the RV Akademic Federov.
Rapid disintegration of another ice shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula
The collapse of the Wilkins Ice Shelf in February 2008 underlines the complexity of an Antarctic system undergoing rapid change and highlights the need to more fully understand the processes responsible for the collapse and its impact.
Making Australian aviation history
Australia made aviation history this year with the landing of its first passenger aircraft, the Airbus A319 on Wilkins Runway in Antarctica.
Cosmic clues into solar activity and climate
Radioactive beryllium isotopes in ice cores could help scientists unravel potential links between solar activity and climate.
Understanding the tolerance of Antarctic mosses to climate change
Some Antarctic mosses are likely to be more susceptible to climate change than others. Researchers, Sharon Robinson and Laurence Clarke, explain why.
On guard against an alien invasion
The first major investigation into the effect of human activities in Antarctica on the invasion potential of alien (non-native) species is underway.
First Antarctic ground-satellite view of ice aerosol clouds at the edge of space
The first simultaneous observations of noctilucent clouds by radar, lidar and satellite, were made at Davis this year.
Igloo Satellite Cabins: 25 years in Antarctica
Nick-named 'apples', these brightly coloured domes - a feature of Antarctic field life for 25 years - are finding new homes in unusual locations.
Antarctic dreaming
Arts Fellow, Craig Cormick, completed an ambitious program of writing and workshops, including an 85 000 word book, during his visit to Antarctica.
Drawing in Antarctica
Nicholas Hutcheson's Antarctic experience will provide the foundation for an exhibition of paintings and drawings later this year.
There's something about Antarctica
Arts Fellow, Lynnette Finch, revelled in the Antartctic experience that will help fuel the creation of her biography of Syd Kirkby.
In Brief
Awards, celebrations, new books and a change of government.
Freeze Frame
Chris Wilson captures a Weddell seal surfacing for air.
Antarctic Magazine 14: 2008 
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