Russian scientists have discovered a significant accumulation of ancient whale and seal remains on the Franz Josef Land archipelago. Researchers from the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI) reported that these findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of climate change. The discovery was made during the “Arctic Floating University” expedition, which successfully completed its scientific research program in the Barents Sea waters and islands.
A large concentration of whale and seal skeletons was found on Wilczek Island after the retreat of a glacier. This paleontological find is of great interest for studying sea level dynamics, glaciation processes, and the climate of Franz Josef Land, as well as for understanding the broader context of contemporary global warming.
The scientists emphasized that the unearthed remains date back to the pre-industrial era, providing compelling evidence of rapid changes occurring in the Arctic even before significant human impact on natural cycles. To determine the age of the remains and to study sea level dynamics at various elevations, samples of whale bones, mollusk shells, and driftwood were collected for radiocarbon dating.
Nikita Demidov, a researcher at AARI, added that future plans include DNA analysis of the bone fragments to identify the whale species, as well as paleontological analysis of marine shells found on the terraces. He also noted that the intact state of the discovered skeletons suggests they were not moved by glaciers or the sea, indicating that the animals perished precisely where their remains were found.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth