A bold new map of the frozen continent

Land Information New Zealand and the New Zealand Antarctic Society have partnered in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty. They have sent out the map to all schools across Aotearoa this year. The map themes address climate change issues such as ice sheets, ocean currents and sea ice.

The latest map includes a radical redesign of traditional cartographic conventions, and incorporates the very latest in satellite technology with the most accurate elevation data yet achieved in a map of Antarctica. Uncertainties in the altitude of the ice sheet surface have been reduced to less than one metre.

Unlike earlier maps of Antarctica, the sea bed bathymetry of the Southern Ocean is shown with the continental shelf, demonstrating the critical interconnection between continent and ocean, and how they impact the global climate system.

About the Speaker

Dr Natalie Robinson is a scientist at NIWA, with six field trips to Antarctica under her belt. 

About the New Zealand Antarctic Society

The New Zealand Antarctic Society brings people interested in the Antarctic region together to share their knowledge with others, foster interest in the region, and support the protection of the Antarctic environment. Membership is open to anyone. 

Attendees will be able to join the Society and obtain the map at this event.