Seals used to collect data from the ocean

GLACIERS may be disappearing quicker than expected, according to a study that used seals to collect data.

Water released by melting glaciers, known as meltwater, is stopping sea ice from forming in the Antarctic Ocean, according to the findings.

Because meltwater is warmer and fresher than seawater, it naturally rises to the surface, bringing with it warmth and nutrients.

Studying meltwater has been difficult as Antarctica’s harsh conditions prevent scientists from using traditional transport such as ships and planes.

To make matters worse, the best time to study meltwater is in the middle of winter, when its hydrographic signature is strongest.

Researchers at the University of East

Anglia have came up with a unique solution by attaching their instruments to the heads of seals living near the Pine Island Glacier in Western Antarctica.

Lead author Dr Yixi Zheng said: “The temperature and salinity of water change everywhere glacial meltwater exists.

“Just like looking for a ‘fingerprint’ of glacial meltwater, we use temperature and salinity data to track the meltwater.”

Seven southern elephant seals and seven Weddell seals were captured and tagged with Ctd-satellite Relayed Data Loggers around the Amundsen Sea.

Data collected by the tagged animals revealed the water’s temperature and salinity.

The researchers found two layers of meltwater, one above 250 metres and another 450 metres deep.