Japanese researchers have discovered a approach to perform oceanographic analysis beneath the thick ice of East Antarctica; by deploying seals with antenna on their heads.
Ocean circulation performs a key function in how marine ecosystems develop however it is vitally poorly studied within the Southern Ocean because of excessive climate situations (Antarctica holds the document for the bottom measured temperature on Earth, −89.2 °C).
"Throughout the summer season, we will go to Antarctica on icebreakers to conduct precise analysis actions, in order that we will acquire knowledge there. However throughout the winter, such issues can't be accomplished in so many locations," says mission chief Nobuo Kokubun from the Nationwide Institute of Polar Analysis based mostly in Japan.
The scientists got here up with a mission the place they geared up eight Weddell seals with satellite tv for pc knowledge loggers. The loggers - hooked up to their heads - weighed about half a kilogram and have been in regards to the dimension of a small Rubik’s Dice.
The eight seals wore the gear from March to September 2017, which is winter within the southern hemisphere.
The information efficiently delivered to scientists included details about water temperatures and salt ranges, in areas with extraordinarily harsh environmental situations. This helps scientists to be taught extra in regards to the flows of water and vitamins round these areas of the southern continent.
The information additionally confirmed that one of many seals had travelled so far as 633km (393 miles) from the coast of Japan's Showa Station in Antarctica, whereas one other had descended to a depth of 700m (2,297 ft).
A examine describing the investigation approach and the researchers’ findings appeared within the journal Limnology and Oceanography in late 2021.
Click on on the video above and watch the seals at work.
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