The peer-reviewed, open-access journal Advances in Polar Science (APS) has published Volume 36, Issue 2 (June 2025), featuring a range of cutting-edge studies on polar climate dynamics, ecosystems, seismic activity, governance, and related topics. This issue features six original research papers and an editorial exploring themes with global relevance, from sea ice deformation in the Arctic to decarbonizing shipping in polar waters.
Below are some of the key highlights:
IPY-5: A New Era of Global Polar Cooperation
Paul Berkman outlines the vision for the 5th International Polar Year (2032–2033), a global initiative aimed at promoting transdisciplinary science and inclusive collaboration across the cryosphere. Framed within the UN Decade of Science for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), IPY-5 is positioned as a transformative opportunity for science and society to engage in collective climate action.
Title of article: 5th International Polar Year (IPY-5) 2032–2033 with global inclusion (click on the title to access the full article)
Mapping Antarctica’s Ice-Free Landscapes
I. Florinsky and S. Zharnova present a geomorphometric atlas of the Bunger Hills, one of East Antarctica’s largest oases. Using high-resolution elevation data, they mapped nine key terrain variables to support future geological, ecological, and hydrological research in ice-free Antarctic environments.
Title of article: Geomorphometry of the Bunger Hills, East Antarctica (click on the title to access the full article)
Seismic Swarm Reveals Volcanic Activity near King George Island
A detailed study by A. Chanes et al. analyzed more than 6,300 seismic events during a 2020 swarm near King George Island, suggesting volcanic and tectonic activity related to the opening of the Bransfield Ridge. The findings underscore the value of continuous seismic monitoring in Antarctica’s dynamic regions.
Title of article: Comprehensive analysis of seismic activity on King George Island, Antarctica: insights from the September–October 2020 seismic swarm (click on the title to access the full article)
Antarctic Krill as Climate Indicators
S. Li et al. examined the spatiotemporal structure of Antarctic krill populations in the Amundsen Sea, showing how variations in maturity and distribution patterns are linked to oceanographic conditions and ecosystem changes—highlighting krill as a key bioindicator species in polar climate studies.
Title of article: Spatiotemporal characteristics of population structure for Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) during austral summer in Amundsen Sea (click on the title to access the full article)
Sea Ice Dynamics in the Arctic Transpolar Drift
Based on buoy data from the MOSAiC expedition, M. Liu et al. explore how sea ice deformation evolved across the Arctic Ocean’s Transpolar Drift during 2019–2020. The study sheds light on seasonal variability and momentum exchange processes critical for modeling Arctic sea ice export.
Title of article: Spatiotemporal variations of sea ice kinematics in the Transpolar Drift of the Arctic Ocean in 2019/2020 derived from buoy measurements during MOSAiC (click on the title to access the full article)
Governing the Decarbonization of Arctic Shipping
W.W. Li and Z.L. Hu address the complex governance challenges of decarbonizing Arctic shipping. Their proposed framework recommends revising MARPOL regulations, advancing fuel transition strategies, and establishing a multilateral Arctic Climate Shipping Alliance to align environmental goals with shipping realities.
Title of article: Shipping decarbonization governance in Arctic waters: theoretic logic and implementation pathways(click on the title to access the full article)
In addition, APS announces several upcoming Special Issues for late 2025 and 2026, covering themes such as polar biodiversity, Arctic climate change, new Earth science research, and polar ice sheets and sea-level rise.
Source: Chinare
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