Arctic
The hole in the ozone layer was late this year. It’s not good news
Normally, the hole begins to form in mid to late August, and it closes towards the end of November, but this year it was delayed because of disturbances in the stratospheric polar vortex.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons
Latest
Holiday guide
Antarctica
The ends of the Earth
The Arctic and Antarctic are otherworldly places of furious extremes, where unfamiliar rhythms and patterns will keep you in a perpetual state of wonder.
Perspective
World War II
The Yachties, cruelly overlooked but now not forgotten
Few of us know that hundreds of Australians fought and suffered in the British Royal Navy in World War II, only to be largely left out of their nation’s war history – until now.
- by Tony Wright
In Beijing, Putin calls for help to fund Arctic shipping route
Putin is asking for multinational investment in his “dear friend” Xi’s Belt and Road project. The route could cut the distance between Asia and Europe in half.
- by Eryk Bagshaw
See ‘the most beautiful place on Earth’ while you still can
Everything on an Arctic trip is delivered with a degree of melancholy since all the beauty we see comes with a disclaimer: best you see it now.
- by Craig Tansley
Australian actor’s parents among 200 ‘well and truly stuck’ after failed rescue
An attempt to free the Ocean Explorer with a fishing trawler failed and the Danish navy patrol boat sent to help won’t get there until Saturday.
- by Sarah Keoghan
Our permafrost is thawing – and with it bacteria and viruses
At the ends of the world, ground that has long been frozen is warming – and scientists are discovering that some ancient bacteria and viruses can spring to life. Could dangerous pathogens emerge?
- by Liam Mannix
Fire and (melting) ice: Record temperatures in Asia, wildfire smoke cloaks US
Scientists say the warning bells on climate change are at a deafening pitch as temperature records are being broken in Asia and North America is choked by smoke.
- by Miki Perkins
You may think I’m crazy, but I had a sub-zero score to settle
Each runner had to carry their food and medical kit, plus some extra clothing, in a rucksack and it was too much for me.
- by Enda Brady
Explainer
Russia-Ukraine war
The Arctic ice between Russia and the US is melting. What’s at stake at the top of the world?
Russia’s northern fleet is on high alert and NATO is stepping up its presence in the Arctic. Why is it a hotspot? And how could this Very Cold ‘War’ play out?
- by Sherryn Groch
US creates ambassador for the Arctic amid fears over Russian, Chinese ambitions
Russia has reopened hundreds of Soviet-era military sites in the region, NATO warned, while China has described itself as a “near-Arctic” state.
- by Arshad Mohammed and Rob Gillies
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/arctic-1m6m