Seal scientists

Climate scientists concerned about global warming keep a close eye on Antarctica. There, some of the ice shelves that extend from the continent into the ocean are melting, adding freshwater that boosts sea level. Like other scientists, Tore Hattermann of the Norwegian Polar Institute wants to understand how that watery environment is changing.

But unlike other scientists, Hattermann is recruiting assistance from blubbery, nonhuman helpers.

In a recent study, elephant seals helped the researcher learn about water temperature and currents around Antarctica’s large Fimbul Ice Shelf.