Through our partnership with the New Zealand Antarctic Science Platform, SAEF scientists Laura Phillips and Dr Richard Jones are heading to the Morozumi Mountains in Northern Victoria Land. The two Monash University scientists will conduct a collaborative project with scientists from the University of Waikato.
This expedition will survey the biodiversity in the Morozumi Mountains, which is poorly understood and of interest to both the Australian and New Zealand science communities.
The team will collect environmental data and physical samples to assess terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Samples will undergo microscopic and molecular analyses to evaluate biodiversity, while rock samples will undergo cosmogenic dating to reconstruct ice history and provide context for biodiversity patterns. These findings will improve understanding of the Morozumi Mountains’ environment and biodiversity, supporting broader conservation efforts across Antarctica.
Read more about Antarctica New Zealand’s 2024-2025 Science Programme.