Black carbon pollution from tourism and research increasing Antarctic snowmelt, study says

Black carbon pollution in areas of Antarctica frequented by tourists and researchers is between two to four times higher than on other parts of the continent, researchers say. Photograph: Raul Cordero/University of Santiago, Chile

Black carbon pollution from tourism and research activities in Antarctica is likely increasing snowmelt on the continent by an estimated 83 tonnes for each visitor, according to new research.

Scientists have estimated that the black carbon produced by vessels, planes and diesel generators results in 23mm of additional snowmelt each summer in the most frequently visited areas of the ice-covered landmass.