Australia's Antarctic runway melting due to global warming

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.