Ukrainian Polar Researchers Conduct Study on Climate Change Over the Last 20,000 Years

Ukrainian scientists from the polar station "Academic Vernadsky" conducted geological research to study the changes in the planet's climate over the past 20,000 years and anticipate future consequences. This was reported by the National Antarctic Scientific Center of Ukraine.

During the voyage of the icebreaker "Noosphere" from Chile to the "Vernadsky" Antarctic station, Ukrainian scientists collected seven samples of bottom sediments at seven different locations near the station. The collected samples were thoroughly described, photographed, and divided into parts for further study in Ukraine. They will be analysed in laboratories in Kyiv and Odesa. Studying these samples will help understand the history of climate change on our planet over the past 20,000 years.

The polar researchers explain that the choice of Antarctica for research was not random. The continent has been minimally affected by human activity and has preserved its ice cover for tens of millions of years.

"Exiting the last glacial period (about 20,000 years ago) to the current temperature maximum did not occur in one stage. This process occurred step by step, with warmer periods followed by short cooling periods," explains participant of the seasonal expedition, geologist Serhiy Kadurin.

According to him, this research will help understand what is actually happening with the global climate and what to expect for humans in the near future - further warming or cooling instead.

Recall that The Gaze reported that during the penguin nesting season, which lasts from September to April, Ukrainian polar researchers counted a record number of subantarctic penguins on Galindez Island, where the National Antarctic Scientific Center named after Academician Vernadsky is located. Currently, there are over 7,000 individuals.

This indicates that warming and the reduction of sea ice in Antarctica are leading to animal migration, occupying new territories that were previously uninhabited by certain species.

For example, until 2007, subantarctic penguins did not nest near the Ukrainian station "Academic Vernadsky" at all. Scientists consider the late melting of water around our Galindez Island to be the main reason for this.