Antarctic expedition may help search for life beyond Earth

What does Antarctica have to do with Jupiter's moons?

Much more than we might think – what Kiwi scientists discover on Earth's windiest, coldest and driest continent, 628.3 million kilometers away.

But, more pressingly, their study into Antarctica's sea ice training could answer important issues.

"Said Niwa Navy physicist Dr. Natalie Robinson, who is presently leading a" team on the ice.

Each year, the Antarctica expands in winter and retreats in summer, doubling the size of the continent.

This marks the largest annual physical change on Earth and the atmosphere.

Robinson's work looks at how cooler water flowing from under the Ice Ice Shelf puts a warmer on the ocean and contributes to sea ice growth – and how to reduce the ice shelf.

Antarctica New Zealand acting chief scientific advisor Dr. Fiona Shanhun said this work posed some globally significant issues about sea ice.

"The long-term trend shows Antarctic sea increases its extent, despite a warming ocean," she said.

"This goes against climate-model predictions." Dr. Robinson's work seeks to understand how and why is it better to have a better understanding of climate change. "

This year, Robinson's team would collaborate with US scientists who were collecting data from the sea with a purpose-built underwater robot funded by NASA.

Robinson's team, working from the surface, would measure the thickness of the sea ice.

The two teams would then be able to share and compare information which may have implications for exploring life on Europa.

Europa is one of Jupiter's 79 identifiable moons, with an ocean that lies beneath a thick ice shell.

Like Earth, it is thought to have an iron core, a rocky mantle, an ocean of salty water – and perhaps even environments where life could exist.

"Antarctica is the closest Earth-based comparison to Europa," Robinson said.

"We can test instruments here for potential use on Europa."