Researching in Antarctica
Scientists Megan Balks and Jackie Aislabie from the University of Waikato regularly ventured to the coldest place on Earth, visiting climate research stations in Antarctica. They undertook a range of research, including studying oil spills in Antarctica.
Researching in Antarctica – slideshow
This slideshow presents images from Megan Balks and Jackie Aislabie's trips to Antarctica.
Use the Slideshow menu for further options, including view full screen, and go here for the download option.
These videos below also give a picture of what it was like to work in Antarctica. Technology has moved on from Megan and Jackie's initial visits but the excitement of working in Antarctica and the challenges it brings remain the same.
Camping in Antarctica is quite different, but surprisingly warm.
A tent in Antarctica
Dr Megan Balks talks about the special tents used in Antarctica, called 'Scott’s Polar Tents' which are very durable and keep in the heat.
Challenges in setting up a research station on sea ice.
Researching on sea ice
Find out how the research station on the sea ice in McMurdo Sound is set up.
There are many other organisations and universities also involved in research in Antarctica, below are some examples:
Antarctic Heritage Trust is a New Zealand-based charity with a mandate to care for the early explorers’ legacy in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica. The Trust’s mission is to conserve, share and encourage the spirit of exploration. Find out more about the Antarctica's historic huts and the work being undertaken to save them.
Antarctica New Zealand develops and manages New Zealand Government activities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. It also manages Scott Base, New Zealand’s Antarctic research station.
Antarctic Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington mission is to research the field of Antarctic earth sciences with a focus on past climate history and processes and their influence on NZ and global climate.
Deep South Challenge, the objective of this National Science challenge was to understand the role of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean in determining our climate and our future environment. The challenge ended in 2024.
Gateway Antarctica is the Centre for Antarctic Studies and Research at the University of Canterbury, it plays a leading role in the quest for knowledge in a diverse range of national and international Antarctic research projects.
Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research core purpose is to drive innovation in the management of terrestrial biodiversity and land resources, whilst based in New Zealand it's research includes field trips to Antarctica.
Scientists recording data in Antarctica
Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research study global and local climate change processes, and work with business and industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other waste. They conduct their research in many places including Antarctica, here two scientists record data on location.
NIWA scientists have worked for many years on Antarctic atmospheric processes and aquatic ecosystems. Find out more about the research vessel Tangaroa and it's 8-week voyage to the Ross Sea to survey the marine environment and explore biodiversity in the region.
Related content
Find out about the work of other Antarctica researchers:
Adventure and innovation on the ice – Dr Paul Mayewski and Dr Daniel Dixon
Educators and journalists also get in on the research action:
