Objective 2. Antarctic Drivers of Global Change
Changing ice extent in Antarctica is a major influence on Southern Hemisphere climate and ocean circulation systems. Polar ice extent is also the predominant influence on global sea levels. However, there is considerable uncertainty over the future behaviour of Antarctic ice cover as a consequence of global warming, especially with regard to threshold responses leading to abrupt collapses of ice shelves or ice sheets.
By comparing climate and environmental archives in New Zealand, the South Pacific Ocean and Antarctica, this research aims to link Antarctic climate drivers to environmental consequences in the South Pacific region.
Promotion and leadership of ANDRILL, a multinational drilling project in the southern McMurdo Sound area, was included in this objective, but ANDRILL research has now been removed to its own Programme. Research in the ANDRILL Programme will continue to be closely linked with this objective. For more information contact Tim
Naish (objective leader)
Current Research:
Previous Research Highlights:
