Hobart centre delves into the mysteries of East Antarctica

Hobart has long been known as the gateway to Antarctica, and now a new research centre will seek to gain a better understanding of the climate risks emerging from the East Antarctica region and Southern Ocean.

The Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science (ACEAS) aims to build a robust understanding of tipping points in the Antarctic region and the consequences of passing them.

The centre is a consortium of eight Australian universities, led by the University of Tasmania, and the work is expected to be of global significance.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

ACEAS will set out to understand how the Antarctic region is influencing climate-driven warming, drought, floods, and sea-level rise.

Industries, infrastructure, housing, and lifestyles will all be impacted as the ice sheet increasingly discharges more ice into the Southern Ocean. Ocean acidification will impact ocean food web and fisheries. Changing sea ice will shift Australia's weather and climate.

It's hoped the centre's research — integrating new and existing knowledge of the region's waters, atmosphere, cryosphere and ecosystems — will help communities prepare for the impacts of climate change.

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Professor Matt King ACEAS director

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Hobart centre delves into the mysteries of East Antarctica

Hobart has long been known as the gateway to Antarctica, and now a new research centre will seek to gain a better understanding of the climate risks emerging from the East Antarctica region and Southern Ocean.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

“

There is $230b of Australian infrastructure within a (rising) metre of sea level ... (which) is in play this century.So these are big important questions and we need to get ahead of them rather than being surprised by them.