The Sounds of Antarctica

Antarctica is often perceived as a place of silence, yet it is alive with an extraordinary symphony of natural sounds. From the deep, resonant calls of whales and seals beneath the ice to the explosive calving of glaciers, this frozen continent tells its own story through sound. This presentation explores the unique acoustic landscape of Antarctica, revealing how ice, wind, and wildlife create an unparalleled soundscape that is both haunting and beautiful.

Using field recordings collected over three years at sea, we will delve into the rhythmic cracking of shifting ice, the distant echoes of storms rolling across the Southern Ocean, and the calls of many animals navigating the harsh environment.  

Beyond the scientific value, the sounds of Antarctica evoke a deep emotional response, reinforcing the connection between humans and the natural world. By experiencing these auditory landscapes, we gain a renewed appreciation for one of the planet’s last great wildernesses. This presentation invites audiences to listen, reflect, and engage with the voices of the ice, offering a rare sonic perspective on Earth’s most remote continent.

Each session consists of 20-minute presentations, followed by a joint Q&A session of 15 minutes.

ABOUT DR ALEJANDRA VARGAS FONSECA

Alejandra Vargas Fonseca is a marine scientist at Nature’s Valley Trust and a Research Associate at Nelson Mandela University, specialising in ocean conservation, marine ecology, and the cultural significance of marine environments. With a strong background in both scientific research and community engagement, her work bridges the gap between ecological studies and the human dimensions of marine conservation.

Alejandra recently participated in a multi-month expedition aboard the RV Polarstern, a renowned German research vessel dedicated to polar and climate studies. During this Antarctic expedition, she contributed to cutting-edge research on marine ecosystems and acoustic environments in one of the most extreme and fragile environments on Earth.  Despite its remoteness, Antarctica is far from silent—it is alive with the sounds of whales, seals, shifting ice, and the forces of nature. You're invited to embark on an acoustic journey to the southernmost reaches of our planet and experience the hidden symphony of the frozen continent.