Antarctic research stations could be adversely affecting the local environment by emitting magnetic pollution, a new study has found.

A new aerial survey is the first to research and assess the possible impact of a research station in Antarctica on magnetic fields.

Estimations indicated that the station generated a magnetic field that extends up to 650 metres from the station with a peak strength of 2800 nanotesla (nT) within 100 metres from the station on the ground.

This may have implications for organisms in Antarctica that are negatively affected by magnetic fields but the report’s authors say further research is needed to investigate this.