South Pole

Blue carbon may help slow climate change. Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are storing far more carbon than scientists once realized. In this episode, marine ecologist Dr. Narissa Bax explains how deep-sea corals, sponges, algae, and microscopic marine life help remove carbon from the atmosphere and lock it away in ocean sediments for centuries. The conversation explores Antarctic blue carbon, cl...

Elephant seals are helping to map the Southern Ocean. These extraordinary deep-diving animals are helping scientists study the Southern Ocean in places humans can barely reach, especially during the Antarctic winter. In this episode, Dr. Clive McMahon explains how southern elephant seals carry ocean sensors that collect real-time data on temperature, salinity, depth, and ocean productivity. The co...

First woman in Antarctica — Jackie Ronne’s story. Who was the first female Antarctic explorer? This episode explores the life of Jackie Ronne, the pioneering woman who joined a U.S. Antarctic expedition and overwintered on the continent in the 1940s. Polar historian Dr. Joanna Kafarowski explains how women were long barred from expeditions, why Ronne’s presence was controversial, and the scientifi...

Antarctic Treaty System explained—why it matters today. Season 3 of South Pole begins with a deep, accessible guide to the Antarctic Treaty System: the international agreement that keeps Antarctica demilitarized, dedicated to peace, science, and environmental protection. Political and environmental philosopher Dr. Alejandra Mancilla (University of Oslo) traces how the treaty emerged from overlappi...

Pine Forest Media is proud to present Oceanography , a new podcast hosted by South Pole creator Clark Marchese. This weekly series explores the science and global cooperation needed to protect our oceans. With guests ranging from marine biologists and oceanographers to UN policymakers and community organizers, the show connects science with society—diving into topics like whale communication, biol...

In this season finale, South Pole delves into Carol Devine's impactful projects that connect environmental stewardship with Antarctic history. Carol shares her experiences leading the Antarctic Cleanup Project, where volunteers removed waste left in polar regions, modeling environmental accountability. We also explore her Mapping Antarctic Women project, which celebrates female contributions to An...

Explore the secrets locked in Antarctica’s permafrost as we dive into soil formation, ecosystem changes, and climate impacts in the world’s coldest desert. Guest Dr. Joe Levy, a geomorphologist and planetary scientist, shares insights from years of fieldwork in Antarctica’s dry valleys and how studying “cold dirt” offers clues about Earth’s past and Mars’ potential. Discover how warming temperatur...

Dive into the fascinating world of Antarctic musicology in this episode of *South Pole*. Explore how music, soundscapes, and even silence shape our understanding of the icy continent. Dr. Carolyn Philpott, a senior lecturer and researcher, shares her journey into the interdisciplinary study of music, place, and environment. Discover the sounds of Antarctica—from cracking icebergs to the lively cac...

This episode explores an ambitious initiative to grant Antarctica legal rights as a distinct entity within international law. A representative from Antarctic Rights discusses how the movement aims to secure a unique legal status for Antarctica, allowing it to be represented in global policy spaces. Topics include the philosophical framework of Earth jurisprudence, the shortcomings of the current A...

In this episode of South Pole , host Clark Marchese dives into the science of paleoclimatology and the fascinating world of ice cores with Dr. Tas van Ommen, an Antarctic climate scientist from the University of Tasmania. Ice cores, described as time capsules, contain some of the oldest Earth system records, revealing invaluable data about past climate conditions, atmospheric composition, and even...

In this episode of South Pole , host Clark Marchese interviews Dr. Javier Arata, a marine biologist specializing in fisheries management in Antarctica. They delve into the sustainable harvesting of Antarctic krill, a crucial species supporting ecosystems for penguins, seals, and whales. Dr. Arata shares his experiences as a scientific observer, his work with CCAMLR, and his role in promoting respo...

In this episode, we sink our teeth into the Antarctic food web with marine ecologist Dr. Jose Xavier. Dr. Xavier, an expert in predator-prey interactions in the Southern Ocean, shares his insights on the complex relationships between species like penguins, squid, and krill. The conversation explores how biodiversity supports ecosystem resilience and how climate change threatens these delicate food...

In this episode of South Pole , we explore the use of satellite imagery to track Weddell seals and Emperor penguins in Antarctica. Dr. Michelle LaRue, a leading researcher in the field, explains how high-resolution imagery from space provides crucial insights into these marine predators' populations, habitats, and behaviors. We dive into the challenges of studying wildlife remotely, the surprises...

In this episode of South Pole , we learn about sea level rise with Dr. Heiko Goelzer, an expert in ice sheet modeling at the Norwegian Research Center, to explore the dynamics of Antarctica's ice sheets and their contribution to rising sea levels. The conversation delves into the differences between ice sheets, ice shelves, sea ice, and icebergs, while addressing the potential 57-meter sea-level r...

Join us on South Pole as we explore the adventures of Lincoln Ellsworth, the first person to fly across Antarctica. Author Jeff Maynard shares insights from his book, "Antarctica's Lost Aviator," revealing Ellsworth's pioneering spirit, personal challenges, and the significant yet overlooked contributions to antarctic exploration. Discover the fascinating interplay of adventure, historical context...

In this episode of South Pole, host Clark Marchese interviews Dr. Soledad Leonardi, a parasitologist at the National Research Council in Argentina, about her research on the fascinating interactions between elephant seals and seal lice in Antarctica. They discuss the coevolution of these species, the role of seal lice in disease transmission, and how these parasites have adapted to the extreme con...

This episode delves into the intriguing world of astrophysics and cosmic research in Antarctica. Featuring Dr. Jim Madsen, interim director of the Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center, the episode explores the fascinating work of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. Discover the differences between astronomy and astrophysics, the significance of neutrinos, and the unique advantages of condu...

In this episode of "South Pole," host Clark Marchese is joined by Dr. Meagan Dewar, a wildlife disease specialist from Federation University Australia, to explore the alarming spread of avian influenza to Antarctica. Dr. Dewar shares insights into how this disease has reached such remote regions, its impact on local wildlife, and the ongoing research aimed at understanding and mitigating its sprea...

In this captivating episode of "South Pole," host Clark Marchese explores the profound impact of Antarctic literature on public perceptions of the icy continent. Joined by Dr. Elizabeth Leane, a scholar who bridges the worlds of science and literature, they delve into how novels, poetry, and other media have historically shaped our understanding of Antarctica. From early gothic influences to moder...

Join us on South Pole as we delve into the fascinating world of pelagic notothenioids, genomics, climate change, and the Southern Ocean. Hosted by Clark Marchese, this episode features marine biologist Dr. Jilda Alicia Caccavo from the Institut Pierre Simon Laplace in Paris. Discover why these unique fish are vital to the Antarctic ecosystem, how they evolved to survive in frigid waters, and the s...

Join us on "South Pole," where host Clark Marchese explores the unexpected presence of plastic in Antarctica. Today's guest, Dr. Clara Manno, a marine ecologist at the British Antarctic Survey, discusses the extensive pollution reaching even the most remote ecosystems. Learn about the various forms of plastic infiltrating the Antarctic environment, their pathways, and the profound impacts on local...

In this episode of South Pole, host Clark Marchese engages with Dr. Elin Darelius, an esteemed physical oceanographer, to unravel the complex behaviors of Antarctica’s ice shelves. Together, they explore the vital interactions between the ice shelves and the Southern Ocean, illuminating their pivotal role in regulating the global climate and the serious implications of their melting. Dr. Darelius...

In this enlightening episode of South Pole , host Clark Marchese takes us above the icy landscapes of Antarctica for a closer look at its less-celebrated but equally fascinating avian residents—albatrosses and petrels. Join us as we explore the crucial roles these seabirds play in the Antarctic ecosystem and how their behaviors provide insights into climate change and environmental health. Our gue...

Join host Clark Marchese in this enlightening episode of "South Pole," the podcast that delves deep into the fascinating history and enduring mysteries of Antarctica. In today’s show, we explore the extensive and multifaceted history of the world’s coldest continent. Clark is joined by Dr. Ursula Rack, a distinguished polar historian from the University of Canterbury, who shares intriguing stories...

 In the inaugural episode of "South Pole" starts the series off with a deep dive into public engagement with Antarctica. Joined by Dr. Katie Marx, an Antarctic social scientist and tour guide, the conversation explores the unique relationship people around the world have with this icy continent. From the concept of Gateway Cities like Hobart to the profound social interactions among those who...