The Alfred Wegener Institute carries out research in the Arctic and Antarctic as well as in the high and mid latitude oceans. The institute coordinates German polar research and makes available to national and international science important infrastructure, e.g. the research ice breaker “Polarstern” and research stations in the Arctic and Antarctic.
Marine species of the month in the International Year of Biodiversity
The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity, in order to foster awareness that the welfare of mankind depends on the conservation of biodiversity, on preventing the loss of diversity and to demonstrate achievements in the protection of biodiversity.
In this context, the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research intends to introduce a "Marine species of the Month" during 2010, as proxy for different and specific research topics of the Institute. The "species of the Month" will epitomize various aspects of climate change and its impact on the ocean as a habitat, as is seen for example in the decrease of sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctic, or the warming and acidification of the oceans. Other topics addressed will be related to changes in species composition in our coastal waters, e.g. the invasion of new species into the North Sea and the consequences.
Latest Press Releases
4. February 2010: Antarctica: Neumayer Station III successfully raised
Hydraulic lifting devices prevent Neumayer Station III from sinking in the ice. The snow and ice surface in the Antarctic grows continuously so the research station has to be raised annually. The construction concept and technology prove effective right from the beginning.
To press release: Antarctica: Neumayer Station III successfully raised
2. February 2010: Private support organisation at Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven
The Institute established the organisation “Friends of the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research” in 2009. All those interested can obtain information and support research financially and morally in the future.
To press release: Private support organisation at Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven
28. January 2010: German research vessel Polarstern in New Zealand for the first time
On 26 January 2010 the research vessel Polarstern docked in Wellington, New Zealand for the first time. This marked the end of the two-month leg of an expedition with a marine geological focus that started in Punta Arenas, Chile. Representatives of the research community and the political sphere took advantage of the short stop in the port to share experiences and ideas and intensify the good cooperation within the framework of a reception on board.
To press release: German research vessel Polarstern in New Zealand for the first time
30. November 2009: First comprehensive review of the state of Antarctica’s climate
The first comprehensive review of the state of Antarctica’s climate and its relationship to the global climate system is published this week by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR).
To press release: First comprehensive review of the state of Antarctica’s climate
