Voice of the Sea Ice

Step out onto a frozen landscape with New Zealand researchers investigating the future of Antarctica.

Hosted and produced by Claire Connanon

A square image where the top half is the a deep blue ocean with wave lines, and the bottom half of the image is white ice with light wave lines and small penguins. The words 'Voice of the Sea Ice' appears in the middle.

RNZ exclusive

This podcast is only available on the RNZ website and apps, ad‑free and uninterrupted.

Antarctica's heartbeat

All episodes:

Antarctica's heartbeat

Episode 2
Step out on the sea ice just outside New Zealand’s Scott Base with researchers studying the physics of its annual cycle. Each year a massive patch of ocean around Antarctica freezes and then melts again come summer – Antarctica’s heartbeat. In winter, the ice effectively more than doubles the size of this already massive continent, and it plays a huge role in controlling our planet’s climate.
New episode
Four people in orange cold-weather gear engaged in various activities on a flat expanse of ice in front of a green-and-range Hagglund vehicle. Two people are wielding are long metal drill/pole, and the other two are crouched behind heaped up snow next to an array of flags. The sky is blue with a few bands of cloud.

A land of ice and ambition

Episode 1
Welcome to Antarctica - a land of ice, extremes, and ambition. From historic expeditions to modern day science projects, Antarctic exploration is a unique, and dangerous, experience. We meet one researcher involved in an epic journey across the largest ice shelf in Antarctica, mapping a safe route through a crevassed landscape for others to follow. Plus, we learn about the different types of ice found in this vast, frozen landscape.
An aerial image looking down on a flat white expanse of ice with three vehicles towing long trailers of gear and small portable buildings. The front vehicle is carving a track parallel to the other two; both tracks extend from the bottom right corner into the middle of the white expanse.

Introducing: Voice of the Sea Ice

Trailer
Each winter the sea ice that forms around Antarctica effectively doubles the size of this massive continent. It’s one of the biggest annual global changes. It reflects sunlight, drives ocean currents and is home to a host of critters key to the Antarctic food web. But the last few years have seen unusually low sea ice extents in Antarctica, and scientists are sounding the alarm. Is this a blip, or a trend?

Other podcasts
like this one

More podcasts with similar themes or ideas that you might enjoy.

  • Stylised kelp graphic ontop of dark ocean coloured background, with 'Voice of Tangaroa' on top

    Voice of Tangaroa

    Exploring the state of our oceans & the extraordinary life that calls it home.

  • A stylised photograph of a paua shell mimicking the image of 'earth' with the podcast title 'our changing world' on top.

    Our Changing World

    Stories of NZ science and nature from out in the field and inside the labs.

  • A green podcast tile featuring Kākāpō and a large title saying "Kākāpō files".

    Kākāpō Files

    A romp through the landmark, boom or bust 2019 kākāpō breeding season.

  • Moody dark blue skies with text reading "Voice of the Iceberg" above several icebergs and choppy dark water.

    Voice of the Iceberg

    Sail to Antarctica to discover the sights - & unforgettable sounds - of icebergs