Collecting data in Antarctica

Observation and data gathering

Gathering data by conducting field experiments in Antarctica is both expensive and dangerous. All of the gear has to be flown in from places like Christchurch or carried by ship. Travel around the continent is mostly by air. Scientists live in tents or field stations, and they and their research are at the mercy of the weather. Imagine what it must feel like to travel all the way down there and then be confined to a tent for days due to white-out conditions!

Why do scientists go to the effort and expense to research in Antarctica when technologies like satellites and remote sensing can collect information for them? There are several reasons.

Collecting samples

One reason to visit Antarctica is to collect samples. There are protocols surrounding the removal of any natural material, but approved projects allow for the collection of ice, soil or other items for study. Lab space, availability and specialist equipment at Scott Base are limited, so often scientists take the samples back to New Zealand for further research. (Of course, all scientists have to follow biosecurity guidelines when bringing samples into New Zealand.)

Tagging and direct measurements

Satellites might allow scientists to count numbers of mammals or birds, but a visit to Antarctica enables scientists to collect more precise data. Dr Amy Whitehead uses both high-tech and low-tech gadgets to monitor Adélie penguin chicks. Electronic tagging enables her to identify specific animals, but she and Nigel also use old-fashioned tools – a ruler, a spring balance and a notebook – to record the growth of individual chicks.

Collecting information from data loggers and weather stations

In addition to direct measurements, scientists use on-site equipment to collect data. Amy uses a sensing bridge to obtain information on microchipped penguins, tracking their movements and behaviour. She has to visit her research site at Cape Bird to download the data.

Ben Jolly sets up temporary weather stations to record information about weather in specific locations. The data is detailed and precise and can take time to interpret. Both scientists take their data back to New Zealand for analysis.

Validating satellite data

Measurements from weather stations – like those set up by Ben – are compared with weather measurements obtained via satellites. The comparisons help to establish the accuracy of satellite data. Working out why differences occur between actual observations and satellite observations helps to make predictive models more accurate.

So, the next time you are sitting at home watching the weather, think about people like Ben here on the Antarctic continent, gathering data to help the rest of us understand not just the weather in our country but how this place affects weather in the entire world.

Nigel Latta

The need for on-going data collection

Our understanding of the world continues to grow and change – new evidence may come to light, or existing evidence may be interpreted in new ways.

The world also continues to change. Antarctica is a polar desert and very responsive to changes in climate. Returning to the Dry Valleys year after year to take samples and make observations helps scientists build up knowledge about the impacts of climate change – both in Antarctica and the rest of the world.

There is also still much to discover about some of the unique ecosystems that exist in Antarctica, as Dr Regina Eisert points out. Because of this, and what research in Antarctica can tell us about the rest of our world, scientists will continue to travel to Antarctica in spite of the costs and danger.