Drones help scientists check the health of Antarctic mosses, revealing climate change clues

Mosses are sensitive to even minor changes in their living conditions. Sharon Robinson, Author provided

Using the specially designed drones is faster, kinder to the environment and delivers detailed images that satellite imagery cannot match.

Drones also allow mapping of much larger areas than previously possible, showing how the moss health responds to meltwater in real time.

These methods could be used for similar research in other harsh environments like desert or alpine regions.