The peer-reviewed, open-access journal Advances in Polar Science (APS) published Issue 36(2) in June 2025. This issue covers six papers, the titles and highlights of which are presented below. More details are available on APS website: https://aps.chinare.org.cn.

Picture: Cover of Issue 36 (2)

(1) 5th International Polar Year (IPY-5) 2032–2033 with global inclusion

The 5th International Polar Year (IPY-5) 2032–2033 is the next step with the “oldest continuous climate research program created by humanity”, which started in 1882–1883 with IPY-1 intentionally during a Solar Maximum after the “Little Ice Age” had impacted Europe across the previous four centuries. IPY-5 is a rare research opportunity to stimulate transdisciplinary initiatives with efficiencies and synergies that are relevant to all people and life on Earth pole-to-pole, across the cryosphere that includes high mountains on lands in between, connected by the atmosphere and ocean with Solar forcing across periods relevant to human survival. This editorial explores current and accelerating momentum to implement science with society across the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development 2024–2033 with IPY-5 as a guiding light.

Citation: Berkman P A. 5th International Polar Year (IPY-5) 2032–2033 with global inclusion. Adv Polar Sci, 2025, 36(2): 89-94, doi: 10.12429/j.advps.2025.0013

(2) Geomorphometry of the Bunger Hills, East Antarctica

Geomorphometric modeling and mapping of Antarctic oases are promising for obtaining new quantitative knowledge about the topography of these unique landscapes and for the further use of morphometric information in Antarctic research. Within the framework of a project to create a thematic physical-geographical scientific reference geomorphometric atlas of ice-free areas of Antarctica, we performed geomorphometric modeling and mapping of the Bunger Hills (Knox Coast, Wilkes Land, East Antarctica), one of the largest Antarctic oases. By processing a fragment of the Reference Elevation Model of Antarctica (REMA) covering the Bunger Hills and adjacent glaciers, we created, for the first time, a series of 37 medium- to large-scale maps of nine of the most scientifically important morphometric variables (i.e., slope gradient, slope aspect, vertical curvature, horizontal curvature, maximal curvature, minimal curvature, catchment area, topographic wetness index, and stream power index). The morphometric maps describe the topography of the Bunger Hills in a quantitative, rigorous, and reproducible manner. New morphometric data can be useful for further geological, geomorphological, glaciological, ecological, and hydrological studies of this Antarctic oasis.

Citation: Florinsky I, Zharnova S. Geomorphometry of the Bunger Hills, East Antarctica. Adv Polar Sci, 2025, 36(2): 95-112, doi: 10.12429/j.advps.2024.0042

(3) Comprehensive analysis of seismic activity on King George Island, Antarctica: insights from the September–October 2020 seismic swarm

A comprehensive analysis of the September–October 2020 seismic swarm southeast of King George Island, Antarctica, is presented using data from the AM.R4DE2 seismological station at the Uruguayan Artigas Antarctic Scientific Base. Over 6300 seismic events were manually parameterized, with estimates suggesting nearly 20000 events during the study period. The swarm exhibited a southeastward migration away from King George Island, as demonstrated by a progressive increase in epicentral distance over time. Most events were classified as volcanic or volcano-tectonic, supporting a magmatic origin for the swarm and aligning with the hypothesis of dike intrusion associated with the opening of the Bransfield Ridge. The study’s single-station methodology was validated through comparison with regional and global seismic catalogs, showing strong consistency in magnitude and location estimates. These findings provide critical insights into the active tectono-magmatic processes in the Bransfield Basin and highlight the importance of continuous seismic monitoring in one of Antarctica’s most dynamic regions. The results not only enhance the current understanding of Antarctic seismicity but also contribute to the broader knowledge of back-arc basin evolution and volcanic activity in polar environments.

Citation: Chanes A, Sánchez-Bettucci L, Loureiro-Olivet J, et al. Comprehensive analysis of seismic activity on King George Island, Antarctica: insights from the September–October 2020 seismic swarm. Adv Polar Sci, 2025, 36(2): 113-123, doi: 10.12429/j.advps.2024.0028

(4) Spatiotemporal characteristics of population structure for Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) during austral summer in Amundsen Sea

The population structure of Antarctic krill serves as a key indicator reflecting ecosystem and climate change responses in the Amundsen Sea. This study investigated the spatiotemporal characteristics of length and sexual maturity stages of Antarctic krill in the Amundsen Sea. The results revealed significant diel variations in length and sexual maturity stages of Antarctic krill during the morning to morning twilight period. The dominant age groups for different clustered populations (Group I, Group II, and Group III) were 3+, 0 and 3+, and 3+ to 4+, respectively. Significant spatial variations in maturity stages and different clustered populations occur, with a marked regional boundary around 130°W. The study area features a significant continental slope, where adults and gravid females were primarily distributed on its slopes and to the south. Group I and Group II inhabited flat seabed areas with sparse isobaths, whereas the Group III concentrated along the continental slope with dense isobaths in a northeast-southwest orientation.

Citation: Li S, Yang J L, Zhao G Q, et al. Spatiotemporal characteristics of population structure for Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) during austral summer in Amundsen Sea. Adv Polar Sci, 2025, 36(2): 124-136, doi: 10.12429/j.advps.2024.0025

(5) Spatiotemporal variations in sea ice kinematics in the Transpolar Drift of the Arctic Ocean in 2019–2020 derived from buoy measurements during MOSAiC

Using data from nine ice-tethered buoys deployed during the 2019–2020 MOSAiC expedition, this study investigated the spatiotemporal variations in sea ice kinematics and deformation along the Arctic Transpolar Drift (TPD). Between October 2019 and July 2020, the buoy array spanned the marginal ice zone (MIZ) and pack ice zone (PIZ), capturing seasonal transitions in ice motion. In early winter, deformation rates showed a strong negative correlation with initial ice thickness (R=−0.84), while spatial heterogeneity in kinematics declined by 65% during the consolidated ice cover phase from December to March. In spring, as some buoys entered shallow waters north of Svalbard, deformation rates doubled compared to the deep basin.  By June 2020, tidal forcing in the MIZ further amplified sea ice deformation, with semi-diurnal spectral density exceeding 0.25 d⁻¹，about 1.5 times that in the PIZ. These results advance our understanding of momentum balance along the TPD, offering critical insight for modelling sea ice outflow from the Arctic to the North Atlantic.

Citation: Liu M H, Lei R B, Li N, et al. Spatiotemporal variations in sea ice kinematics in the Transpolar Drift of the Arctic Ocean in 2019/2020 derived from buoy measurements during MOSAiC. Adv Polar Sci, 2025, 36(2): 137-151, doi: 10.12429/j.advps. 2025.0006.

(6) Shipping decarbonization governance in Arctic waters: theoretic logic and implementation pathways

This research addresses the critical challenge of reconciling Arctic shipping decarbonization with conflicting interests. The results reveal three major barriers: the International Maritime Organization’s regulations are not adequately adapted to Arctic environmental risks, enforcement mechanisms among Arctic and non-Arctic States are fragmented, and there are technological limitations in adopting clean fuels for ice-class vessels. To tackle these issues, this study proposes a tripartite governance framework. It suggests amending the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) to establish specific energy efficiency standards and extending energy efficiency regulations to fishing vessels in Arctic waters. A phased fuel transition is also recommended, prioritizing liquefied natural gas and methanol, followed by hydrogen-ammonia synthetics. Furthermore, the framework emphasizes strengthening multilateral cooperation through an Arctic Climate Shipping Alliance to coordinate joint research and development in cold-adapted technologies and ice-route optimization. By integrating United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) obligations with International Maritime Organization (IMO) Polar Code implementation, this research offers policymakers a dynamic interest-balancing framework, providing actionable pathways to achieve Paris Agreement targets while protecting Arctic ecosystems.

Citation: Li W W, Hu Z L. Shipping decarbonization governance in Arctic waters: theoretic logic and implementation pathways. Adv Polar Sci, 2025, 36(2): 152-166, doi: 10.12429/j.advps.2025.0001

        (7) Special Issue publications scheduled in 2025 and 2026

The Special Issue entitled “New Horizons in the Exploration of Polar Biodiversity, Ecosystem and Genetic Resources” will be published in December 2025, as the general issue (Vol. 36, No.4). Special Issues “Changes of the Arctic Climate System and Its Global Connections”, “New Earth Science Research on the Polar Regions” and “Changes in Polar Ice Sheets and Global Sea Level” are scheduled to be published in June, September, December of 2026, respectively.

       Source: Editorial Office of Advances in Polar Science