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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Seals Plunge for Climate Data

Scientists use deep-diving creatures for Antarctic research

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(Newser) – Giant seals living in the chilly waters of Antarctica are helping researchers gather important data on climate change, reports Popular Mechanics. The elephant seals, tagged with hat-like sensors, make frequent dives deep into the Southern Ocean and surface with valuable details about water temperature and salinity. The dense waters of Antarctica drive ocean circulation around the planet.

The amount and thickness of Antarctic ice also has a huge effect on global weather patterns, and scientists are trying to understand more about how the ice forms. Satellites track surface changes, but most of what lies below the icy continent was a mystery until the seals were recruited in 2004. The massive mammals make an average of 60 dives per day, to depths of up to nearly 2,000 feet.

Researchers attach environmental sensors on a elephant seal in the Antarctic.
Researchers attach environmental sensors on a elephant seal in the Antarctic.   (AP Photo)
Tagged seals have helped collect data from the Wilkins Ice Shelf, which began collapsing on Feb. 28. The seals' data shows a previously unknown area of warm water that may have hastened the collapse.
Tagged seals have helped collect data from the Wilkins Ice Shelf, which began collapsing on Feb. 28. The seals' data shows a previously unknown area of warm water that may have hastened the collapse.   (AP Photo/British Antarctic Survey, Jim Elliott)
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We've seen alpha males go through an entire breeding season with one of these tags on and seen no effects on his ability to mate. - UC Santa Cruz biologist Dan Costa, on the behavioral impact created by his team's sensors

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