antarctic

"It's like dropping a nutrient bomb into the middle of an empty desert," says Prof Nadine Johnston from British Antarctic Survey.

Even seemingly small increases to global sea-level – from mountain glaciers, the major Greenland and Antarctic ice-sheets, and warmer ocean waters taking up more space - can significantly increase the frequency of coastal flooding.

Arctic sea-ice is currently at its smallest recorded extent for the time of year, while Antarctic sea-ice is close to a new low in satellite records going back to the late 1970s.

Due to its unusual climate, the island is rich in biodiversity, serving as a breeding site for southern elephant and sub- Antarctic fur seals.

Scientists say subtle differences in the colour of seawater will enable them to count tiny - but critically important - Antarctic marine creatures from Space.