An international research team discovered a previously unknown island during an expedition in the northwestern Weddell Sea. The expedition took place aboard the German research icebreaker “Polarstern” and was organized by the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI). Since February 8, 2026, 93 scientists have been studying a key region for global ocean currents.
Due to poor weather conditions, the research vessel had to seek shelter in the lee of Joinville Island. During this time, the team noticed a previously unknown object that was marked on nautical charts only as a hazard zone.
Bathymetry expert Simon Dreutter analyzed the data more closely. At first, the researchers believed the object to be an unusually shaped iceberg. However, upon closer inspection, it turned out to be solid rock, a previously unmapped island.
The crew approached cautiously and began systematic measurements. Using modern technology such as multibeam sonar and drone imagery, the island was precisely mapped.
The results show:
• Length: approx. 130 meters
• Width: approx. 50 meters
• Height: about 16 meters above sea level
This makes the island slightly longer than the research vessel itself and significantly wider.
Why was the island undiscovered?
The reasons for the missing mapping remain unclear. Although the area was marked as hazardous, the exact position deviated by about one nautical mile. In addition, ice cover made identification on satellite images difficult, as the island was hardly distinguishable from drifting icebergs.
Since the island does not yet have an official name, an international naming process will now be initiated. The expedition leader for bathymetry, Boris Dorschel-Herr, already has experience with such procedures.
After completion of this process, the island will be added to international nautical charts as well as to key datasets such as the bathymetric map of the Southern Ocean. This is particularly important, as unmapped objects can otherwise be lost due to data gaps.
Important Findings for Ocean Research
In addition to the discovery, the expedition delivered significant scientific results. Researchers studied ocean currents, seafloor habitats, and changes in Antarctic deep water.
The decline of sea ice was also a major focus. According to expedition leader Christian Haas, there has been a noticeable decrease in summer sea ice extent in the Weddell Sea since 2017. At the same time, unusual melting processes have been observed, some resembling Arctic conditions.
The collected data are crucial for understanding global ocean currents and climate change. In particular, the interactions between sea ice, the ocean, and biological processes play an important role in the global carbon cycle.
Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal