Join Us at ICG 2025 in New Zealand – Call for Abstracts: Geomorphological Insights from the Sub-Antarctic
The International Conference on Geomorphology (ICG) 2025 is set to take place in breathtaking New Zealand, a land renowned for its dynamic landscapes and geological wonders. This global gathering of geomorphologists will provide a platform for cutting-edge discussions on landform processes, climate interactions, and Earth surface dynamics. We invite researchers, early-career scientists, and professionals to contribute to this exciting event by submitting abstracts to the special session:
Geomorphological Insights from the Sub-Antarctic
Description: Sub-Antarctic islands, situated in the remote Southern Ocean, offer a unique geomorphological perspective due to their distinct geographical setting. These cold islands, characterized by both glacial and periglacial processes, provide crucial insights into the historical and ongoing changes in oceanic and atmospheric circulation patterns within the southern hemisphere mid-latitudes. Unlike their northern hemisphere counterparts, these islands experienced a different Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and complex deglaciation, leading to unique geomorphological features and processes. The landforms of these islands serve as invaluable proxies for understanding landscape responses to climate change. Palaeo-climatic shifts have profoundly influenced geomorphological and cryogenic dynamics, shaping landforms and influencing ecosystem processes. Contemporary climatic changes, such as rising temperatures, moisture fluctuations, and increased frequency of extreme events, pose significant threats to these delicate geomorphological systems. These changes have the potential to push landscape and ecosystem processes beyond their existing environmental thresholds, impacting landforms and biodiversity. This session aims to explore the geomorphological significance of Sub-Antarctic islands and their role as indicators of environmental change. We invite contributions that highlight the geomorphological processes and dynamics that shape the landscape of these Sub- Antarctic Islands. Research focusing on the region’s geomorphological responses to past and present climatic conditions and the possible implications for ecosystem processes are particularly welcome. Emerging researchers are encouraged to submit their work to advance our understanding of these critical sentinel landscapes.
Who Should Submit?
We strongly encourage early-career researchers, postgraduate students, and experienced scientists to contribute their work. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your research to an international audience, gain valuable feedback, and network with leading experts in the field.
Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 May 2025!!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of ICG 2025 and contribute to this vital discussion on the evolving landscapes of the Sub-Antarctic.
Message from Prof Werner Nel:
“Dear Friends and Colleagues, We are putting a session together for the International Conference on Geomorphology that will be held in Christchurch in February 2026. As you can see the session description is very open, so we can really put a nice diverse session together. We would like to ask you to consider submitting an abstract to the session.
Hope to see you there. All the best.” Werner Nel
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is pleased to announce the upcoming voyage schedule for the S.A. Agulhas II for the 2025/2026 season. This state-of-the-art polar research and supply vessel will continue its vital role in supporting South Africa’s research stations in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. Below is the planned itinerary provided by the Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment:
We would like to take this moment to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has supported our overwintering teams. To the families, friends, and loved ones who provide the emotional support necessary for our teams to thrive, your understanding and encouragement are invaluable. To the various stakeholders, including the South African government, research organizations, and our international collaborators, thank you for your continued partnership and belief in the importance of Antarctic research.
To the overwintering teams themselves, we are incredibly proud of your unwavering dedication. Your perseverance, expertise, and positive spirit inspire us all and are the foundation of the success of the South African National Antarctic Programme. We also want to acknowledge the incredible teamwork that made all of this possible. The spirit of cooperation among SANAP’s overwintering teams is something that continues to inspire us all. Even in isolation, you worked together as a family, relying on each other to overcome the challenges the Antarctic winter throws your way.
To all our overwintering teams, their families, we wish you a peaceful and joyous holiday season. May 2025 bring new discoveries, further achievements, and continued collaboration.
Happy Holidays and a Successful 2025!
The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Pretoria is offering one suitably qualified candidate an opportunity to spend a year on Marion Island to measure various aspects of the impact of the house mouse on the diversity and function of the terrestrial ecosystems of Marion Island. This work will entail collecting baseline data, mostly on invertebrates and plants. (Photo Credit: Michelle Greve)
Every year, the South African vessel, the SA Agulhas II, embarks on a journey to Antarctica, marking the beginning of its annual research and supply voyage. This critical mission is not only a symbol of South Africa’s dedication to scientific research but also a lifeline for the overwintering team, personnel rotations, and vital logistical support for stations on the frozen continent. On the 15th of December, the SA Agulhas II departed from Cape Town, South Africa, bound for Antarctica. This voyage marks the commencement of a multifaceted operation, which encompasses research, supply deliveries, and personnel exchanges between Antarctica and the rest of the world. Left: Shiraan Watson DCO of DFFE 
The SA Agulhas II plays a pivotal role in supporting research and exploration in one of the most extreme and least understood environments on Earth. South Africa’s station in Antarctica, SANAE IV Station, rely on the vessel’s annual voyages for everything from scientific supplies to food, equipment, and fuel. The vessel also delivers critical scientific personnel, scientists, and engineers who are essential for conducting experiments, research, and environmental monitoring on the frozen continent.
Above: SANAE64 Overwintering Team with DFFE Takeover Personnel.
