NOVA

S43E12 Mystery Beneath the Ice

The small, translucent krill play a vital role in the Antarctic ecosystem, yet their populations are plummeting for reasons that remain unclear to scientists. A prominent hypothesis suggests that krill's life cycle is influenced by an internal clock that syncs with the Antarctic ice's fluctuations, and climate change is upsetting this timing. To investigate, NOVA boards the Polarstern, a cutting-edge research vessel, venturing into the icy expanse during winter. From ice camps, researchers dive to explore the underwater ice caves that provide refuge for young krill, aiming to uncover the factors behind their decline and the broader implications for global ecosystems amidst climate shifts.