In the Digital Earth project, geoscientists and computer scientists want to better understand the Earth system using data scientific methods. The project has now been awarded the prestigious Digital Leader Award. We spoke to one of the researchers involved.

The rapid loss of ice in the Arctic is causing scientists particular concern about its effects on the global climate system. It is now becoming apparent that the melting of the ice is also releasing pollutants that were bound in the ice.

At the tip of Canada’s Yukon Territory, Hugues Lantuit studies how climate change is transforming the region. The geoscientist incorporates the experiences of local residents in his work.

When it comes to water scarcity, Marion Jegen is a sought-after specialist. The geophysicist from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel works in coastal regions, using cutting-edge technology to search for fresh water stored in the seabed – for example, off the coast of Malta.

An underwater station installed by GEOMAR in Eckernförde Bay at a depth of 14.5 meters had been reliably transmitting data to the Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel for many years. But it suddenly vanished without a trace—leaving researchers, specialist divers, and criminal investigators grappling with a mystery.

Jane Francis is one of Britain’s most famous female polar researchers. She has undertaken numerous Antarctic and Arctic expeditions and, when required, she also explores the Australian desert for traces of its polar past.

The largest polar research expedition in history is set to begin in fall 2019. The Polarstern icebreaker will spend a year trapped in a massive ice floe as it drifts by the North Pole and collects data that will benefit many generations to come. 

The rare isotope iron-60 is produced by huge star explosions. Only a small proportion comes from remote stars. Researchers have now discovered iron-60 in the Antarctic for the first time. They have been able to draw spectacular conclusions from their findings.

Bis zu zwei Wochen kann es dauern, bis Doris Abele ihren Arbeitsplatz - die Polarforschungsstation Carlini, erreicht. Hier, am nördlichsten Zipfel der Antarktischen Halbinsel, erforscht sie, wie sich die Gletscherschmelze auf den Lebensraum dieser Küsten auswirkt.