Khalifa University team becomes first from UAE to deploy scientific instruments in Antarctica

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Khalifa University of Science and Technology has made a significant scientific breakthrough, as a team of scientists and researchers from its Environmental and Geophysical Sciences (ENGEOS) laboratory and the Earth Science department has successfully deployed the Snow Ice Mass Balance (SIMBA) instrument in Antarctica. This marks the first time a UAE-based academic institution has sent operational instruments to Antarctica for scientific research. The deployment is a key step in studying sea ice formation and melting in the region, with the goal of improving understanding of the risks associated with rising sea levels.

The research project is led by Dr. Diana Francis, Head of the ENGEOS lab and Assistant Professor of Earth Sciences at Khalifa University. The team is composed of five dedicated researchers, who are working in collaboration with two scientists from the Australian Antarctic Division, bringing together international expertise for the endeavor. This initiative is part of a larger ongoing project that began in 2020, designed to contribute to global efforts to address the environmental challenges posed by climate change.

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Professor Bayan Sharif, Provost of Khalifa University, expressed pride in this landmark achievement, stating: "We are honored to be the first academic institution from the UAE to deploy this instrument in Antarctica. By studying sea ice formation and melting, we can better understand the risk of rising sea levels. This significant milestone reflects our commitment to scientific exploration, particularly in the context of climate change, and underscores our role as innovators in the global scientific community."

Antarctic sea ice formation typically begins in May, reaching its peak during July’s austral winter. The SIMBA instrument was strategically deployed in April, ahead of this seasonal cycle, to gather critical data on the ocean and atmosphere before the sea ice begins to form. This will provide essential insights into the environmental conditions driving sea ice formation. Once the ice forms, the SIMBA instrument continues to monitor and record data, including the thickness of the sea ice over time. When the melting phase begins during the austral fall, the instrument again tracks the evolving conditions, offering a comprehensive view of the changes in ice, water, and atmospheric conditions.

Dr. Diana Francis elaborated on the importance of this research, noting that sea ice in the Southern Ocean plays a vital role in acting as a buffer between Antarctica and oceanic forces. "The ice acts as a protective shield, slowing down the flow of ice from the glaciers and the interior of the continent. By understanding the processes involved in the formation and melting of sea ice, we can better predict the risks associated with rising sea levels, which are of critical concern for coastal regions worldwide."

The research being conducted by Khalifa University’s team is essential, as Antarctic ice covers over 99.5 percent of the continent and contains around 90 percent of the planet’s freshwater ice. This massive ice sheet plays a pivotal role in regulating the Earth’s climate, reflecting solar heat, controlling global sea levels, and generating the cold, salty water that drives global ocean currents. The melting of this ice due to climate change poses a significant threat to global sea levels, making studies like this one crucial for future planning and environmental protection.

In addition to providing new data on Antarctic sea ice, the research will also enhance the understanding of how climate change is impacting one of the most remote and environmentally significant regions on the planet. By gathering this information, the Khalifa University team hopes to contribute valuable knowledge that can help inform global efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.