Images Dated 3rd February 2004

Glaciological research

Glaciological research. Aerial view of four glaciologists taking measurements and drilling a hole through floating sea ice in Antarctica in order to determine its thickness. Sea ice (frozen sea water) is only a few metres thick, but it insulates the sea and reduces heat transfer between ocean and atmosphere, keeping air cold and dry. The extent of sea ice is critical to the climate of the Southern Ocean

© DAVID VAUGHAN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Fossil leaves of Neuropteris

Fossil leaves of Neuropteris, a genus created to account for a type of pteridosperm (seed fern) leaf, which appeared in fossil form detached from the original plant. The leaves are found on plants such as Medullosa an arboreal form of seed fern. Neuropteris is typical of the Upper Carboniferous period (280 million years ago) & is widespread in European & North American strata. They are found only in fossil form having been made extinct

© SINCLAIR STAMMERS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

kenya-train-transport

Commuters aboard an overloaded passenger train 03 February 2004, celebrate after arrival at the train station in the centre of the capital Nairobi. Public transport has almost been paralyzed in Kenya after buses and minibuses were kept off the roads for the third day for failing to comply with new government rules requiring them to be fitted with safety devices. AFP PHOTO SIMON MAINA / AFP PHOTO / SIMON MAINA

© Agence France-Presse (AFP) - All Rights Reserved