Want to go to the Sub Antarctic?
Look out for the Enderby Trust Scholarships – they may pay up to 70% of your expenses!
Formed in 1998, the Enderby Trust is named after Charles Enderby, a cooper (wooden barrel maker) who embarked on several exploratory voyages in Antarctica and the southern oceans during the 1830’s. The trust, which is named so to acknowledge Enderby’s geographical study and exploratory activities, works with Heritage Expeditions who provide travel for successful applicants on their polar research vessel Spirit or Enderby. It is envisaged that after their trip their experiences and enthusiasm will create further awareness and appreciation of the subantactic area.
It is very easy to apply for a scholarship. All applicants (aged 18 - 30) need to do is write up to 400 words about why they are fascinated about the subantarctic area in the Pacific Ocean they wish to visit.
The 2009 closing date is October 30, however people who are interested future scholarships should contact the Enderby Trust on enderby@hotmail.com or write to the Enderby Trust at P O Box 29 529, Fendalton, Christchurch, 8540
Showing posts with label Antarctica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Antarctica. Show all posts
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Monday, June 9, 2008
Exciting discovery made on the South Pacific Ocean's Macquarie Ridge
During their month long research trip to the Macquarie Ridge recently, scientists aboard the Research Vessel Tangaroa of New Zealand’s National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA), discovered an seemingly unlikely colony of starfish-like echinoderms called brittlestars living at the summit of a huge seamount. These critters take advantage of the dramatic 4km/hr ocean current of the dramatic 4km/hr ocean current at the summit, capturing prey as it is blown over the seamount. According to Dr. Mike Willams of NIWA, “This current is estimated to be 110 to 150 times larger than all the water flowing in all the rivers of the world.”
The Macquarie Ridge extends southwest of New Zealand and then curves southeast before ending at around 58 degrees south. Running along the Macquarie Fault Zone, a major right lateral-moving transform fault along the seafloor of the south Pacific Ocean, and also the tectonic plate boundary between the Indo-Australian Plate to the northwest and the Pacific Plate to the southeast the ridge is the result of the two abutting plates. Macquarie Island, along the ridge, was formed from the thrusting of the two plates. It does not have large-scale sediment, was not formed by a volcano and does not have suffered from glacial activities. The age of the rocks forming the island is extremely young geologically and there is much interest from scientists and geologists to study the island, the ridge, the trenches alongside it, and the life it supports.
Very few of the 100,000 seamounts which rise higher than 1km above the sea have been explored. It was originally thought that only corals and sponges covered the seamounts, so the discovery of the brittle stars was an exciting and significant find.
The Census of Marine Life seamount programme, CenSeam, hosted the trip. The voyage was largely funded by the New Zealand Foundation for Research, Science and Technology.
Sources
www.survivalmachine.org
http://censeam.niwa.co.nz
This ten year old organizations, mission is “to determine the role of seamounts in the biogeography, biodiversity, productivity, and evolution of marine organisms, and to evaluate the effects of human exploitation on seamounts.” A detailed account of the Tangaroa is on the site, along with similar expeditions and their outcomes. Very interesting reading, about the trips,t he people, and life on board.
The Macquarie Ridge extends southwest of New Zealand and then curves southeast before ending at around 58 degrees south. Running along the Macquarie Fault Zone, a major right lateral-moving transform fault along the seafloor of the south Pacific Ocean, and also the tectonic plate boundary between the Indo-Australian Plate to the northwest and the Pacific Plate to the southeast the ridge is the result of the two abutting plates. Macquarie Island, along the ridge, was formed from the thrusting of the two plates. It does not have large-scale sediment, was not formed by a volcano and does not have suffered from glacial activities. The age of the rocks forming the island is extremely young geologically and there is much interest from scientists and geologists to study the island, the ridge, the trenches alongside it, and the life it supports.
Very few of the 100,000 seamounts which rise higher than 1km above the sea have been explored. It was originally thought that only corals and sponges covered the seamounts, so the discovery of the brittle stars was an exciting and significant find.
The Census of Marine Life seamount programme, CenSeam, hosted the trip. The voyage was largely funded by the New Zealand Foundation for Research, Science and Technology.
Sources
www.survivalmachine.org
http://censeam.niwa.co.nz
This ten year old organizations, mission is “to determine the role of seamounts in the biogeography, biodiversity, productivity, and evolution of marine organisms, and to evaluate the effects of human exploitation on seamounts.” A detailed account of the Tangaroa is on the site, along with similar expeditions and their outcomes. Very interesting reading, about the trips,t he people, and life on board.
245 Million-year-old Burrows of Land Vertebrates found in Antarctica
June 2008. For the first time paleontologists have found fossilized burrows of tetrapods (land vertebrates with four legs or leglike appendages) in Antarctica dating from the Early Triassic epoch, about 245 million years ago.
The fossils were created when fine sand from an overflowing river poured into the animals' burrows and hardened into casts of the open spaces. The largest preserved piece is about 14 inches long, 6 inches wide and 3 inches deep. No animal remains were found inside the burrow casts, but the hardened sediment in each burrow preserved a track made as the animals entered and exited. In addition, scratch marks from the animals' initial excavation were apparent in some places, said Christian Sidor, a University of Washington assistant professor of biology and curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture at the UW.
"We've got good evidence that these burrows were made by land-dwelling animals rather than crayfish," said Sidor, who is lead author of a paper describing the find, which is being published in the June edition of The Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
Co-authors are Molly Miller, a geology professor at Vanderbilt University, and John Isbell, a geosciences professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The work was funded by the National Science Foundation.
Fossils of tetrapod bones from later in the Triassic period have been found in a section of Antarctica called Victoria Land, but the fossil burrows predate those bone fossils by at least 15 million years, Sidor said. The fossilized burrows were collected in 2003 and 2005-06 from the Fremouw Formation at Wahl Glacier and from the Lashly Formation at Allan Hills, both toward the outer edges of Antarctica.
Pangea
Despite the absence of fossil bones, the burrows' relatively small size prompted Sidor to speculate that their owners might have been small lizardlike reptiles called Procolophonids or an early mammal relative called Thrinaxodon. Burrows, some containing tetrapod bones, have previously been excavated in South Africa, which is considered to be perhaps the world's richest fossil depository, and those burrows are nearly identical to the fossils unearthed in Antarctica. During the Triassic period, Antarctica and South Africa were connected as part of a supercontinent called Pangea.
Because even at that time Antarctica was substantially colder than South Africa, and because sea levels likely were higher than today, it is much rarer to find fossils there that date from as far back as the Early Triassic.
"Everywhere has a spotty fossil record, but Antarctica has an extremely spotty fossil record because it is difficult finding exposed rocks amid all the ice," Sidor said.
Ice free Antarctic
At the time the burrows were dug, Antarctica would have been ice free. However temperatures still would have been quite cold, since both areas where the burrows were found are within the Antarctic Circle and so experience at least one day a year of complete darkness.
"We have documented that tetrapods were burrowing, making dens in Antarctica, back in the Triassic," Sidor said. "There are lots of good reasons for burrowing at high latitudes, not the least of which is protection from the elements."
The fossils were created when fine sand from an overflowing river poured into the animals' burrows and hardened into casts of the open spaces. The largest preserved piece is about 14 inches long, 6 inches wide and 3 inches deep. No animal remains were found inside the burrow casts, but the hardened sediment in each burrow preserved a track made as the animals entered and exited. In addition, scratch marks from the animals' initial excavation were apparent in some places, said Christian Sidor, a University of Washington assistant professor of biology and curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture at the UW.
"We've got good evidence that these burrows were made by land-dwelling animals rather than crayfish," said Sidor, who is lead author of a paper describing the find, which is being published in the June edition of The Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
Co-authors are Molly Miller, a geology professor at Vanderbilt University, and John Isbell, a geosciences professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The work was funded by the National Science Foundation.
Fossils of tetrapod bones from later in the Triassic period have been found in a section of Antarctica called Victoria Land, but the fossil burrows predate those bone fossils by at least 15 million years, Sidor said. The fossilized burrows were collected in 2003 and 2005-06 from the Fremouw Formation at Wahl Glacier and from the Lashly Formation at Allan Hills, both toward the outer edges of Antarctica.
Pangea
Despite the absence of fossil bones, the burrows' relatively small size prompted Sidor to speculate that their owners might have been small lizardlike reptiles called Procolophonids or an early mammal relative called Thrinaxodon. Burrows, some containing tetrapod bones, have previously been excavated in South Africa, which is considered to be perhaps the world's richest fossil depository, and those burrows are nearly identical to the fossils unearthed in Antarctica. During the Triassic period, Antarctica and South Africa were connected as part of a supercontinent called Pangea.
Because even at that time Antarctica was substantially colder than South Africa, and because sea levels likely were higher than today, it is much rarer to find fossils there that date from as far back as the Early Triassic.
"Everywhere has a spotty fossil record, but Antarctica has an extremely spotty fossil record because it is difficult finding exposed rocks amid all the ice," Sidor said.
Ice free Antarctic
At the time the burrows were dug, Antarctica would have been ice free. However temperatures still would have been quite cold, since both areas where the burrows were found are within the Antarctic Circle and so experience at least one day a year of complete darkness.
"We have documented that tetrapods were burrowing, making dens in Antarctica, back in the Triassic," Sidor said. "There are lots of good reasons for burrowing at high latitudes, not the least of which is protection from the elements."
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Passionate about Antarctica? Exciting Opportunity for Young People !
A new scheme for young New Zealanders to work with an environmental team in Antarctica has been launched to celebrate the 50th anniversary Scott Base on the continent.
Sir Blake’s son, James, welcomes the scheme which is a partnership between Antarctica New Zealand and the Sir Peter Blake Trust. The 20 year old believes that his Dad would have been very excited about this programme in the land which he was so passionate about.
Each year, during the summer months the Antarctic Youth Ambassador would work with Antarctica New Zealand in areas such as the International Antarctica Centre in Christchurch, or at various locations in Antarctica.
Applications are open now until May 4, 2007 for people aged between 18 and 25 years. For more information and to apply, go to www.sirpeterblaketrust.org or www.antarcticanz.govt.nz.
Sir Blake’s son, James, welcomes the scheme which is a partnership between Antarctica New Zealand and the Sir Peter Blake Trust. The 20 year old believes that his Dad would have been very excited about this programme in the land which he was so passionate about.
Each year, during the summer months the Antarctic Youth Ambassador would work with Antarctica New Zealand in areas such as the International Antarctica Centre in Christchurch, or at various locations in Antarctica.
Applications are open now until May 4, 2007 for people aged between 18 and 25 years. For more information and to apply, go to www.sirpeterblaketrust.org or www.antarcticanz.govt.nz.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Who does New Zealand’s Minister for the Environment work for?
New Zealand…. or Japan??
According to a press release just posted on the world conservation seashepherd.org website, it is suspected that NZ Minister for the Environment Chris Carter, is not telling anyone where the Japanese whaling fleet are illegally slaughtering whales – because Japan told him not to!!
Two ships from Sea Shepherd are patrolling the Antarctic Whale Sanctuary at this minute. Unlike Greenpeace, they are not there to physically protest whaling, but to “enforce international conservation law against illegal whaling activities in accordance with the principles established for intervention by non-governmental organizations enshrined in the United Nations World Charter for Nature.”
The organization is desperate to find out the where the Japanese Whaling fleet is. In fact, it is offering $USD25,000 to anyone who can supply them the co-ordinates. See their website www.seashepherd.org.
Yes, it’s true that in December last year Chris Carter led a deputation of 27 countries, including Australia and the United States, in a diplomatic protest at the Japanese Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, but absolutely nothing has happened. Was this a ploy of some sort?
So what is going on? Why is Chris Carter taking orders from Japan, allowing them to illegally and commercially fish in Antarctica’s Whale Sanctuary?
I want to know! We all want to know! Can you shed some light on this?
And what are other countries doing? Australia, for example? Are they working for Japan too?
If you are as mystified as I am, about Chris Carter’s stance, why not email Chris on ccarter@ministers.govt.nz and ask him?. Oh, and let me know the outcome, would you?
Rae of Sunshine
According to a press release just posted on the world conservation seashepherd.org website, it is suspected that NZ Minister for the Environment Chris Carter, is not telling anyone where the Japanese whaling fleet are illegally slaughtering whales – because Japan told him not to!!
Two ships from Sea Shepherd are patrolling the Antarctic Whale Sanctuary at this minute. Unlike Greenpeace, they are not there to physically protest whaling, but to “enforce international conservation law against illegal whaling activities in accordance with the principles established for intervention by non-governmental organizations enshrined in the United Nations World Charter for Nature.”
The organization is desperate to find out the where the Japanese Whaling fleet is. In fact, it is offering $USD25,000 to anyone who can supply them the co-ordinates. See their website www.seashepherd.org.
Yes, it’s true that in December last year Chris Carter led a deputation of 27 countries, including Australia and the United States, in a diplomatic protest at the Japanese Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, but absolutely nothing has happened. Was this a ploy of some sort?
So what is going on? Why is Chris Carter taking orders from Japan, allowing them to illegally and commercially fish in Antarctica’s Whale Sanctuary?
I want to know! We all want to know! Can you shed some light on this?
And what are other countries doing? Australia, for example? Are they working for Japan too?
If you are as mystified as I am, about Chris Carter’s stance, why not email Chris on ccarter@ministers.govt.nz and ask him?. Oh, and let me know the outcome, would you?
Rae of Sunshine
Monday, January 22, 2007
DO YOU REALIZE THAT ANTARCTICA’S ICONIC TREASURES COULD DISAPPEAR WITHOUT OUR HELP?
Remember reading with fascination the success and demise of Sir Robert Scott when he reached the South Pole? And the triumph of Sir Ernest Shackleton when, after his ship ‘Endurance’ was broken up by Antarctica’s formidable ice, he rescued all his crew from certain death?
Today there is considerable interest worldwide, to visit the Huts of these heroic explorers on site. Especially as it's so easy to travel to Antarctica.
However, to protect the huts, much preservation work needs to be done. $16 million’s worth, to be exact. New Zealand Government and the Antarctica Heritage Trust have contributed $7 million, and Prime Minister Helen Clark has asked British Prime Minister Tony Blair to cough up the rest. But so far, no go.
But then, why should Britain cough up?
Could it be because British born Scott, for the first time ever, contributed a massive amount of scientific, meteorological, biological and geological information about Antarctica?
Or maybe because Anglo/Irish born Shackleton explored a vast area of Antarctica, and, against everything that Antarctic threw at him, ensured that his crew came home?
Does it matter that the beginning of the 20th century, Britain’s Most Heroic Age of Exploration was focussed on Antarctica?
On 1910 the world will be celebrating the centenary of Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition. There will be considerable attention on Antarctica; in particular Scott’s hut at Cape Evans, from where he and his team departed for their final, fateful journey.
What would happen if, in spite of the considerable preservation effects of the freezing Antarctica weather, Scott’s and Shackleton’s huts disintegrated to piles of rubble?
What would our children, and their children think? That Britain does not care about its heroes??? That Scott’s and Shackleton’s work was not valued? That role models are not important?
I feel so strongly about this - we must keep our heroes and historical icons alive for our children to benefit from in the future.
How can we make Britain sit up and listen?
Here are my suggestions – I am sure you have more!
Write to PM Tony Blair
Write to the World Monument fund – they are on the web
Write to the British High Commission.
Tell everybody – in fact, pass this message on!
Post your ideas on this site! Lets get action! Preserve the huts on Antarctica! Start now! Tell me what you are going do! We’ll get Britain on board yet …..
Today there is considerable interest worldwide, to visit the Huts of these heroic explorers on site. Especially as it's so easy to travel to Antarctica.
However, to protect the huts, much preservation work needs to be done. $16 million’s worth, to be exact. New Zealand Government and the Antarctica Heritage Trust have contributed $7 million, and Prime Minister Helen Clark has asked British Prime Minister Tony Blair to cough up the rest. But so far, no go.
But then, why should Britain cough up?
Could it be because British born Scott, for the first time ever, contributed a massive amount of scientific, meteorological, biological and geological information about Antarctica?
Or maybe because Anglo/Irish born Shackleton explored a vast area of Antarctica, and, against everything that Antarctic threw at him, ensured that his crew came home?
Does it matter that the beginning of the 20th century, Britain’s Most Heroic Age of Exploration was focussed on Antarctica?
On 1910 the world will be celebrating the centenary of Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition. There will be considerable attention on Antarctica; in particular Scott’s hut at Cape Evans, from where he and his team departed for their final, fateful journey.
What would happen if, in spite of the considerable preservation effects of the freezing Antarctica weather, Scott’s and Shackleton’s huts disintegrated to piles of rubble?
What would our children, and their children think? That Britain does not care about its heroes??? That Scott’s and Shackleton’s work was not valued? That role models are not important?
I feel so strongly about this - we must keep our heroes and historical icons alive for our children to benefit from in the future.
How can we make Britain sit up and listen?
Here are my suggestions – I am sure you have more!
Write to PM Tony Blair
Write to the World Monument fund – they are on the web
Write to the British High Commission.
Tell everybody – in fact, pass this message on!
Post your ideas on this site! Lets get action! Preserve the huts on Antarctica! Start now! Tell me what you are going do! We’ll get Britain on board yet …..
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