Scientists Just Got One Step Closer to Solving an Antarctic Mystery

Giant holes in the Antarctic, called polynyas, have baffled scientists for years. But now with the help of seals and robots, they might have the answers to these mysterious phenomena.

A Dead Satellite Is Unlocking the Secrets Lurking Beneath Antarctica

Read More:
Mysterious Hole in Antarctic Sea Ice Explained by Robots and Seals
"These seals are especially helpful to scientists studying Antarctica because they regularly dive around 600 meters below the ocean surface, and sometimes surpass 2,000 meters of depth."

Polynyas
"Polynyas are large, persistent regions of open water and thin ice that occur within much thicker pack ice, at locations where climatologically, thick pack ice would be expected."

Sea Ice Features : Polynyas
"Polynyas are also important resources for wildlife. They provide access between the ocean and atmosphere for a variety of animals, including seals and penguins.

____________________

Elements is more than just a science show. It’s your science-loving best friend, tasked with keeping you updated and interested on all the compelling, innovative and groundbreaking science happening all around us. Join our passionate hosts as they help break down and present fascinating science, from quarks to quantum theory and beyond.

Seeker explains every aspect of our world through a lens of science, inspiring a new generation of curious minds who want to know how today’s discoveries in science, math, engineering and technology are impacting our lives, and shaping our future. Our stories parse meaning from the noise in a world of rapidly changing information.

[nickgehr]

Scientists: **put radio on seal*
Seal: *look!! I'm a unicorn*

[YeppyNope]

Yeah, Sharks with Lasers on their head are cool.

But have you ever seen a cute elephant seal with a sensor attached on their heads and helps scientists on their research?

[monstersinsideme]

The seal at 0:07 on the right🤣
"Gus. Gus look, I'm a scientist! Told you guys I'd make it".

[Master_Therion]

Dr Evil: Seals with frickin' sensors attached to their heads!

[glorysky]

The seals look happy that they are helping scientists solve this mystery XD

[bokchoiman]

Researcher: "okay now I'm just gonna put this thing on your head and..."
Seal: "yeah yeah just give me the fish already"

[anselm]

Seal: "Seals reporting in for duty”
Human Command: "Roger that"

[Mars]

Tbh they really should have made the seal the thumbnail.

[erichopper]

I'm curious if wearing a sensor affects elephant seal social interactions.

[melisa]

0:04 Those adorable seals will one day rule the world with the power of their sensors.

[probably_seohyun]

Sharks?
Lasers?
*LASER SHARKS?!*
nah...
Seals?
Radio?
*I'M A UNICORN LOOK AT ME!! HEE HEE*

[BCElginTex]

Great video. Love this topic. Not sure what's going on with the audio but luckily the captions were available.

[Jefff]

The seal at 2:25 looks like it's thinking, " hey someone get this stupid thing off my head!"

[Vandebirt]

I believe NERV is behind this, I'm positive that it has to do with the second impact.

[Shaden]

So a polynya is what happens when you get a lenticular cloud over a mountain top but underwater.

[TheBlueBmber]

Research team 1: we've developed a highly sophisticated submersible drone.

Research team 2: we strapped a GoPro to a seal.


Ok, so where'd the other 50% of the funding REALLY go?

[brianreiss]

Great video! Unrelated; I feel as though this channel posts a lot of astronomy/marine biology/environmental sciences related videos, which is great, but I would appreciate more coverage on topics in the fields of microbiology/cell biology/oncology/molecular biology (but i am biased).

[agent-]

Me: _(Reads the title)_
Me: I never thought Linkin Park's song will be this helpful to Science.

[naveenrajeee]

Hi seeker
Learned a term polynyas..
Thanks to you...🙏👍😊

[slicendize]

You are the best, i am watching almost every new video. :) Don't stop uploading great content :)