Australia's Antarctic runway melting due to global warming
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This file photo taken on January 11, 2008 shows passengers, scientists, government officials and ground crew walking on the purpose-built Wilkins glacial blue ice runway to an Airbus A319 jet. Australia said on Oct 24, 2012 it was searching for a new aircraft landing site for planes supplying its three bases in Antarctica because the current runway is melting. -- PHOTO: AFP
SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia said on Wednesday it was searching for a new aircraft landing site for planes supplying its three bases in Antarctica because the current runway is melting due to global warming.
Australia has three stations on the icy continent - Casey, Davis and Mawson - occupied by scientists and support staff, with the Wilkins runway, carved into glacial blue ice, a vital transport link.
But a melting surface is restricting use of the A$45 million (S$56.8 million) landing strip near Casey and the Australian Antarctic Division said they were looking at alternatives.
They include the ice-free Vestfold Hills near Davis.
