Author Archive

Storms and Drifting Sea Ice Are Linked in Global Warming Study

Stormy weather in the Arctic may have unanticipated effects on global warming, according to a new study by NASA. Researchers were looking to confirm a theory that a warming climate could cause an increase in storminess. They now believe it may be possible that new sinks for carbon dioxide may emerge from the relationship between […]

Posted in Topics: Arctic, Current News, Oceans, Polar News & Notes

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Researcher Who Coined ‘Global Warming’ Receives a Top Science Award

One of the world’s largest and most prestigious prizes has been awarded to the climate researcher who is credited with coining the term “global warming.” The geochemist from Columbia University, Wallace S. Broecker, receives the $885,000 Balzan Prize for his breakthrough studies in climatology and his early warnings about changes in the climate.
In 1987, Broecker […]

Posted in Topics: Current News, Polar News & Notes, Science

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Robotics Competition Focuses on Climate Change

“Climate Connections” is the theme of the 2009 LEGO League challenge sponsored by the organization founded by well-known inventor Dean Kamen — FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).
Teams of children ages 9 to 14 in 40 countries are challenged to research climate and use robotics in climate-based tournaments. In the project part […]

Posted in Topics: Science, Technology

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U.S. Satellite Laboratory Adds Online Polar Research Program

U.S. Satellite Laboratory, an online provider of curriculum products and teacher training, has added a program on polar research for upper elementary to high school students to its offerings. With the purpose of using technology and real-time science and mathematics content, the organization works with NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National […]

Posted in Topics: Education, International Polar Year, Upcoming Opportunities

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Air Service Comes to Antarctica in the Darkness

From late March to the middle of August, scientists and others at Antarctica research stations were resigned to no air service during the months without sunlight. A C-17 Globemaster III changed all that in September by landing at McMurdo Station in complete darkness using night-vision goggles technology and reflective cones on the runway.
The mission was […]

Posted in Topics: Antarctica, Current News, Polar News & Notes, Technology

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Dogs Track Seals on the Arctic Sea Ice

A trio of seal-sniffing dogs was featured in the September issue of Current, a monthly newsletter of the National Science Foundation. Marine biologist Brendan P. Kelly and researchers at the University of Alaska Southeast use the three Labrador retrievers to locate ringed seals in the sea ice of the far north.
Researchers are seeking to […]

Posted in Topics: Arctic, Current News, Polar News & Notes

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Polar-Palooza Continues Nationwide Tour

The Polar-Palooza tour of presentations at science centers and natural history museums continues this fall with stops scheduled from coast to coast (see schedule below).
Three-day presentations in major U.S. cities feature scientists who are working in polar research, authentic props, such as a piece of ice core over 2,000 years old and fossilized wood […]

Posted in Topics: Current News, Ezine Departments, International Polar Year, Polar News & Notes, Presentations, Professional Development, Upcoming Opportunities

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Polar News & Notes: Island Nations in Both Hemispheres Have Common Cause - Surviving Environmental Change

Small islands in the South Pacific and the Caribbean as well as islands and coastal communities in the Arctic consider themselves to be weather vanes of global environmental change. All are carrying out research and assessments of expected changes to their regions. Now they are working together in a program called Many Strong Voices to […]

Posted in Topics: Current News, Polar News & Notes

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Polar News & Notes: Global Sea Levels May Rise Less Than Predicted But Still Be Dangerous

Predictions of how much seas will rise as a result of climate change continue to differ. Some say the global seas will rise by 20 feet or more by the end of this century. Now the University of Colorado at Boulder has issued a study concluding that the seas cannot rise more than 6 feet.
The […]

Posted in Topics: Current News, Polar News & Notes

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Polar News & Notes: Bangladesh Says High Carbon-Emitting Nations Should Pay for Damage

Bangladesh, a South Asian country that believes climate change is responsible for repeated natural disasters, is asking rich nations to pay four billion dollars to repair present and future damage. Environment Secretary A.H.M. Rezaul cites a World Bank study and climate scientists in placing the blame on the big carbon emitters.
Located on the Bay of […]

Posted in Topics: Current News, Polar News & Notes

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