Saturday 23 December 2023

Our team are on the largest shelf they can think of, and it's nearly Christmas (for those who celebrate). So of course there needs to be an elf!

Since we can’t celebrate with our family and friends at home, we do our best to celebrate together on the ice. And this year we're doing with it an Elf. We are happy to report Elf is joyously helpful here on the Ross Ice Shelf.

What do elves do on the biggest shelf they've ever seen? Everything from gazing at the beauty, to being inducted into driving a dingo, fixing a generator, directing coffee breaks, and trying to go for a dip in the flubber.

More photos of the Elf on the Ross Ice Shelf's adventures are here.

Elf on the Ross Ice Shelf
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Media releases
Mission for ancient climate clues beneath 500 m of Antarctic ice gets underway

Mission for ancient climate clues beneath 500 m of Antarctic ice gets underway

12 December 2025

An international team has set up camp 700 km from the nearest base, to drill for mud and rocks holding insights about the fate of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. 

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Ross Shelf Reports
Al the Antarctic deep-field camp chef

Al the Antarctic deep-field camp chef

17 September 2025

There are many home comforts that our on-ice team had to learn to do without, but delicious meals was not one!

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