NERC - Planet Earth

The science we support is amazing. Our researchers study every aspect of our planet, and how humans are changing it - from the poles to the tropical rainforests, and from the depths of the ocean to the edge of space. Planet Earth brings you the latest stories, pictures and videos about their work.

The Arctic

The Arctic is beautiful and awe-inspiring. It is also a vital element of the Earth's climate system, helping to regulate global temperatures. Warm water comes into the region by strong currents from the Atlantic and Pacific, where it cools, sinks and eventually returns to the global oceans. During the long dark winter, heat is lost to the atmosphere and the central Arctic Ocean begins to freeze.

9 July 2019

Following the ocean's flow

The dramatic sight of Atlantic waves crashing onto UK shores from the vast, surging ocean illustrates perfectly the joke behind its nickname of 'The Pond'.

20 Jun 2019

Get to know the UK's new polar research ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough

Once you have set eyes on the RRS Sir David Attenborough, you won't forget her. From rock drills and marine robots to the intriguingly named moon pool, take a closer look at everything the ship has to offer.

11 Jun 2019

What happened to Helike?

Cliffs, clams and coral reefs: Looking below the sea's surface

Change of tune for Hawaiian crickets?

From childhood ambition to ocean explorer: Looking back on a life at sea

Copepods: The unsung heroes of the ocean

Widespread British pollinator losses

Listening in: Sounds of minke whales recorded for first time

How are plankton changing?

Working with China to find a solution to pollution

Plastics are being glued together in the ocean

Loch Ness trees to help Scotland's carbon store

Climate change spells disaster for small businesses in southern Africa

Missing ocean monitoring instrument found after five years at sea

Trees can help mitigate ammonia emissions from farming

Saving the forest on a shoestring

The Goldilocks effect: Weighing the world's forests

What happened to Helike?

Cliffs, clams and coral reefs: Looking below the sea's surface

Change of tune for Hawaiian crickets?

From childhood ambition to ocean explorer: Looking back on a life at sea

Copepods: The unsung heroes of the ocean

Widespread British pollinator losses

Listening in: Sounds of minke whales recorded for first time

How are plankton changing?

Working with China to find a solution to pollution

Plastics are being glued together in the ocean

Loch Ness trees to help Scotland's carbon store

Climate change spells disaster for small businesses in southern Africa

Missing ocean monitoring instrument found after five years at sea

Trees can help mitigate ammonia emissions from farming

Saving the forest on a shoestring

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