Julia Smith Wellner
@wellner.bsky.social
Sedimentologist mainly interested in ice sheets and sea-level changes. Professor trying to make more people care about what those sediments are telling us.
We've come a long way in our understanding of the Antarctic Ice Sheet history, even while we have a ways to go to know how fast future changes are coming. I'm lucky to be a part of John Anderson's group. See story on his career: naturalsciences.rice.edu/milestones-s...
📷 Linda Welzenbach
📷 Linda Welzenbach
November 3, 2025 at 4:30 PM
We've come a long way in our understanding of the Antarctic Ice Sheet history, even while we have a ways to go to know how fast future changes are coming. I'm lucky to be a part of John Anderson's group. See story on his career: naturalsciences.rice.edu/milestones-s...
📷 Linda Welzenbach
📷 Linda Welzenbach
A clear summary of much of what we have learned about Thwaites Glacier, and what we still need to learn.
🧪🧵 Future change to #ThwaitesGlacier, Antarctica constitutes the largest uncertainty in #sea-level rise forecasts. The Science Coordination Office of the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration recently issued a briefing document summarising some key findings - thwaitesglacier.org/findings
October 30, 2025 at 4:48 PM
A clear summary of much of what we have learned about Thwaites Glacier, and what we still need to learn.
The NBP has finished her last USAP cruise. Not the outcome we’ve been hoping to see. I’m of course glad that researchers are being supported by substitute vessels. But, it’s not clear how this will work in the long run.
October 27, 2025 at 8:23 PM
The NBP has finished her last USAP cruise. Not the outcome we’ve been hoping to see. I’m of course glad that researchers are being supported by substitute vessels. But, it’s not clear how this will work in the long run.
Reposted by Julia Smith Wellner
Nice synopsis of #IODP379 #AmundsenSea research that examines the early #Pliocene record of warming of West Antarctica, using sediment cores from deep sea @passchier.bsky.social @wellner.bsky.social
#JOIDESResolution
#JOIDESResolution
Early Pliocene West Antarctic Ice Retreat Explored
In a groundbreaking new study published in Nature Communications, an international team of geoscientists has unveiled compelling evidence of significant West Antarctic ice retreat during the early
scienmag.com
October 12, 2025 at 3:51 AM
Nice synopsis of #IODP379 #AmundsenSea research that examines the early #Pliocene record of warming of West Antarctica, using sediment cores from deep sea @passchier.bsky.social @wellner.bsky.social
#JOIDESResolution
#JOIDESResolution
Reposted by Julia Smith Wellner
University of Houston students had the chance to participate in a marine mapping short course that included field work and hands on exercises.
www.uh.edu/nsm/earth-at...
www.uh.edu/nsm/earth-at...
September 10, 2025 at 10:08 PM
University of Houston students had the chance to participate in a marine mapping short course that included field work and hands on exercises.
www.uh.edu/nsm/earth-at...
www.uh.edu/nsm/earth-at...
Reposted by Julia Smith Wellner
CDC scientists receive a heroes welcome after walking out today.
August 28, 2025 at 8:26 PM
CDC scientists receive a heroes welcome after walking out today.
Reposted by Julia Smith Wellner
Just after publication, an NSF spokesperson responded to @science.org confirming the plan: "NSF is terminating the lease of the research vessel Nathaniel B. Palmer in FY 2026. NSF has also begun the process to identify vessels and partnerships to support marine science. "
We're updating the story.
We're updating the story.
July 28, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Just after publication, an NSF spokesperson responded to @science.org confirming the plan: "NSF is terminating the lease of the research vessel Nathaniel B. Palmer in FY 2026. NSF has also begun the process to identify vessels and partnerships to support marine science. "
We're updating the story.
We're updating the story.
🥼❄️
My latest: Polar scientists warn that the White House and NSF are planning to terminate the Nathaniel Palmer, the only US research icebreaker capable of handling Antarctic extremes, this October.
So far the plan has seen minimal pushback from Congress.
So far the plan has seen minimal pushback from Congress.
NSF plans abrupt end to lone U.S. Antarctic research icebreaker
Imminent termination of the RV Nathaniel B. Palmer shocks polar scientists
www.science.org
July 28, 2025 at 9:14 PM
🥼❄️
Thanks to @voosen.me for helping spread the word about this potential major blow to U.S. polar science. @carlosmoffat.com and I are grateful to all the people who have shared their concerns by signing our letter. Keep reaching out to protect the USAP icebreaker---and science in general.
My latest: Polar scientists warn that the White House and NSF are planning to terminate the Nathaniel Palmer, the only US research icebreaker capable of handling Antarctic extremes, this October.
So far the plan has seen minimal pushback from Congress.
So far the plan has seen minimal pushback from Congress.
NSF plans abrupt end to lone U.S. Antarctic research icebreaker
Imminent termination of the RV Nathaniel B. Palmer shocks polar scientists
www.science.org
July 28, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Thanks to @voosen.me for helping spread the word about this potential major blow to U.S. polar science. @carlosmoffat.com and I are grateful to all the people who have shared their concerns by signing our letter. Keep reaching out to protect the USAP icebreaker---and science in general.
Are you a scientist that wants to support the Antarctic marine research community? And coastal access? And access to USAP stations? See below to join 120+ of our peers in fighting to keep the NBP.
Did you know there is a plan to terminate the lease of the NB Palmer, the US icebreaker supporting Antarctic science?
@carlosmoffat.com
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
@carlosmoffat.com
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Antarctic Research Vessel Letter of Support
If you are a scientist interested in adding your name to our letter in support of the US Antarctic Program Research Vessel Capabilities, please email one of the following organizers by July 28th, 3:00...
docs.google.com
July 25, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Are you a scientist that wants to support the Antarctic marine research community? And coastal access? And access to USAP stations? See below to join 120+ of our peers in fighting to keep the NBP.
Did you know there is a plan to terminate the lease of the NB Palmer, the US icebreaker supporting Antarctic science?
@carlosmoffat.com
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
@carlosmoffat.com
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Antarctic Research Vessel Letter of Support
If you are a scientist interested in adding your name to our letter in support of the US Antarctic Program Research Vessel Capabilities, please email one of the following organizers by July 28th, 3:00...
docs.google.com
July 25, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Did you know there is a plan to terminate the lease of the NB Palmer, the US icebreaker supporting Antarctic science?
@carlosmoffat.com
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
@carlosmoffat.com
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Reposted by Julia Smith Wellner
Nominate an Expert for the SCAR Physical Sciences Group
Submit nominations by Mon, July 28, to Lindsay Moller (LMoller@nas.edu). Include candidate’s name, affiliation, area of expertise, and brief description why the nominee is appropriate. Self nominations are welcome.
usscar.org/news/nominat...
Submit nominations by Mon, July 28, to Lindsay Moller (LMoller@nas.edu). Include candidate’s name, affiliation, area of expertise, and brief description why the nominee is appropriate. Self nominations are welcome.
usscar.org/news/nominat...
July 8, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Nominate an Expert for the SCAR Physical Sciences Group
Submit nominations by Mon, July 28, to Lindsay Moller (LMoller@nas.edu). Include candidate’s name, affiliation, area of expertise, and brief description why the nominee is appropriate. Self nominations are welcome.
usscar.org/news/nominat...
Submit nominations by Mon, July 28, to Lindsay Moller (LMoller@nas.edu). Include candidate’s name, affiliation, area of expertise, and brief description why the nominee is appropriate. Self nominations are welcome.
usscar.org/news/nominat...
Reposted by Julia Smith Wellner
NOAA Climate and Global Change fellows were furloughed this week. One of many losses.
Big up to @rdzombak.bsky.social for bringing eyes to this story. 🧪
So many people beyond my little cohort of fellows are impacted by slowdowns at NOAA. America is rapidly losing footing as a leader in climate science and we all are paying the cost.
So many people beyond my little cohort of fellows are impacted by slowdowns at NOAA. America is rapidly losing footing as a leader in climate science and we all are paying the cost.
Recipients of a U.S. Climate Science Fellowship Are Put on Unpaid Leave
www.nytimes.com
July 9, 2025 at 6:20 PM
NOAA Climate and Global Change fellows were furloughed this week. One of many losses.
This is more than making lemonade after being given a bad sea-ice field season. Nice work, Sandra!
Check out our latest #IODP #Exp379 contribution about the #Antarctic Ice Sheet's history @natcomms.nature.com. Read the full article here: rdcu.be/euikE
West Antarctic ice retreat and paleoceanography in the Amundsen Sea in the warm early Pliocene
Nature Communications - A geological climate archive documents the effects of ocean warming on Antarctic marine ice-sheets. Large sediment fluxes from the interior of West Antarctica precede the...
rdcu.be
July 1, 2025 at 5:41 PM
This is more than making lemonade after being given a bad sea-ice field season. Nice work, Sandra!
Maybe good news for those of us hoping to see a new research icebreaker built someday?
Something huge is coming to Galveston and Port Arthur.
Arctic shipbuilder plans $1 billion overhaul on Texas coast
Something huge is coming to Galveston and Port Arthur.
bit.ly
June 19, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Maybe good news for those of us hoping to see a new research icebreaker built someday?
Reposted by Julia Smith Wellner
"[Research universities] are behind the breakthroughs that shape daily lives. Undermining them doesn’t just jeopardize higher education, it threatens national and global strength," writes University of Rhode Island president Marc B. Parlange in a new #ScienceEditorial. scim.ag/4ky2K4I
June 12, 2025 at 7:40 PM
"[Research universities] are behind the breakthroughs that shape daily lives. Undermining them doesn’t just jeopardize higher education, it threatens national and global strength," writes University of Rhode Island president Marc B. Parlange in a new #ScienceEditorial. scim.ag/4ky2K4I
Reposted by Julia Smith Wellner
How bad will it be? Catastrophic.
Proposed cuts to #NSF, #NIH, and #NASA will set the US R&D landscape back 25 yrs+, cause economic and job loss now, and undermine innovations to come.
But, this is the WH's *proposed* budget.
Speak up now before it is too late.
(inflation adjusted $-s below)
Proposed cuts to #NSF, #NIH, and #NASA will set the US R&D landscape back 25 yrs+, cause economic and job loss now, and undermine innovations to come.
But, this is the WH's *proposed* budget.
Speak up now before it is too late.
(inflation adjusted $-s below)
May 31, 2025 at 2:50 AM
With a deadline Monday, I’m wondering how much of my weekend to spend on my proposal? Should I keep working nights and days off scrambling for a piece of the remaining pie? This is not auspicious timing for keeping my motivation going.
Trump administration cuts to NSF will result in more than 200,000 FEWER people per year involved in basic science, training, and education - what should have been the next generation of US scientists. This isn't even eating your seed corn, it is setting your seed corn on fire and salting the earth.
May 31, 2025 at 3:47 AM
With a deadline Monday, I’m wondering how much of my weekend to spend on my proposal? Should I keep working nights and days off scrambling for a piece of the remaining pie? This is not auspicious timing for keeping my motivation going.
Reposted by Julia Smith Wellner
Tune in to the @wclivestream.bsky.social bright and early tomorrow to learn about how and why scientists use robots to observe our blue planet! www.youtube.com/@wclivestrea...
🧪 🌊 🌍
🧪 🌊 🌍
May 30, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Tune in to the @wclivestream.bsky.social bright and early tomorrow to learn about how and why scientists use robots to observe our blue planet! www.youtube.com/@wclivestrea...
🧪 🌊 🌍
🧪 🌊 🌍
Reposted by Julia Smith Wellner
A poignant picture: NSF staff overcome obstacles to mark agency's 75th anniversary. www.science.org/content/arti...
Is a photo subversive? NSF staff overcome obstacles to 75th anniversary portrait
Management tried to quash outpouring of support for beleaguered agency
www.science.org
May 22, 2025 at 7:36 PM
A poignant picture: NSF staff overcome obstacles to mark agency's 75th anniversary. www.science.org/content/arti...
I’m currently in the field with grad students. We will lose a generation of highly trained individuals if we can’t pay them or keep the labs open. Hard to keep morale up on long days when this type of news comes in.
Staff members at the US National Science Foundation (NSF) were told on 30 April to “stop awarding all funding actions until further notice,” according to an email seen by Nature.
https://go.nature.com/44Ugf9V
https://go.nature.com/44Ugf9V
Exclusive: NSF stops awarding new grants and funding existing ones
US science funder also plans to screen grant applications for compliance with ‘agency priorities’.
go.nature.com
May 2, 2025 at 12:29 AM
I’m currently in the field with grad students. We will lose a generation of highly trained individuals if we can’t pay them or keep the labs open. Hard to keep morale up on long days when this type of news comes in.
Overall I think it is critical to make sure our protests don’t focus too much just on a couple people. There are lots of enablers that need to be held accountable. But I was proud to march alongside this guy in Houston today. @maddow.msnbc.com
April 19, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Overall I think it is critical to make sure our protests don’t focus too much just on a couple people. There are lots of enablers that need to be held accountable. But I was proud to march alongside this guy in Houston today. @maddow.msnbc.com
Reposted by Julia Smith Wellner
In defiance of the Supreme Court & without any evidence, the White House claims that Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a “terrorist,” who was “sent to the right place.”
This is a blatant LIE. He is innocent.
He cannot be allowed to rot in an El Salvadorian jail. He must be brought home.
This is a blatant LIE. He is innocent.
He cannot be allowed to rot in an El Salvadorian jail. He must be brought home.
April 14, 2025 at 10:46 PM
In defiance of the Supreme Court & without any evidence, the White House claims that Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a “terrorist,” who was “sent to the right place.”
This is a blatant LIE. He is innocent.
He cannot be allowed to rot in an El Salvadorian jail. He must be brought home.
This is a blatant LIE. He is innocent.
He cannot be allowed to rot in an El Salvadorian jail. He must be brought home.
Reposted by Julia Smith Wellner
I wrote about Trump cuts at the ends of the Earth, to NSF support of science in Antarctica. 🧪
“We’re all trying to find other ways of doing our research,” says @leighstearns.bsky.social, “because they are not the stable entity.”
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
“We’re all trying to find other ways of doing our research,” says @leighstearns.bsky.social, “because they are not the stable entity.”
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Does US science have a future in Antarctica? Trump cuts threaten to cancel fieldwork and more
Funding for the National Science Foundation, which finances research at US bases on the icy continent, has already been reduced, and the agency faces steeper cuts soon.
www.nature.com
April 9, 2025 at 9:39 PM
I wrote about Trump cuts at the ends of the Earth, to NSF support of science in Antarctica. 🧪
“We’re all trying to find other ways of doing our research,” says @leighstearns.bsky.social, “because they are not the stable entity.”
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
“We’re all trying to find other ways of doing our research,” says @leighstearns.bsky.social, “because they are not the stable entity.”
www.nature.com/articles/d41...