SIPEX - exploring the Antarctic sea ice zone

Sea ice in the polar regions plays a key role in both regulating global climate and maintaining marine ecosystems. The international Sea Ice Physics and Ecosystem eXperiment (SIPEX) explored the sea ice zone around Antarctica in September and October 2007, investigating relationships between the physical sea ice environment and the structure of Southern Ocean ecosystems. One of the main goals of SIPEX was to conduct large-scale sea ice and snow thickness surveys for the validation of satellite-based measurements. SIPEX scientists used a variety of techniques including helicopter-based radar and laser altimetry, as well as a remotely operated underwater vehicle, to gather baseline data on Antarctic sea ice thickness and the under-ice environment. These data will be invaluable for monitoring possible future changes in the sea ice around Antarctica.