Environmental factors
It is important to also understand what else is happening in Antarctica that may affect Adélie penguins. We collect information on sea ice conditions, weather, ocean currents, and other physical data.
Satellite images are being used to assess:
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Distance from Adélie colonies on Ross Island to open water and the pack ice edge.
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Ice concentration and disposition.
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Satellite image showing light ice year - there is little sea ice offshore from the penguin colonies on Ross Island. Image - MODIS Rapid Response Imagery |
Satellite image showing thick sea ice offshore from the Adelie colonies on Ross Island. Image - MODIS Rapid Response Imagery |