Science And Stewardship In The Antarctic

With the negotiation of the International Protocol on Environmental Protection in 1991, those nations conducting scientific research programs in Antarctica face new challenges for stewardship of the southern continent and protection of its environment. Science and Stewardship in the Antarctic examines how the implementation of the 1991 agreement in the United States can be done in such a way to ensure the compatibility of scientific and environmental protection goals in this global laboratory. The book also addresses the potential for the new requirements both to benefit and harm research activities in Antarctica.

Antarctica is renowned for its extreme cold; yet surprisingly, radar measurements have revealed a vast network of lakes, rivers, and streams several kilometers beneath the Antarctic ice sheet. Sealed from Earth's atmosphere for millions of years, they may provide vital information about microbial evolution, the past climate of the Antarctic, and the formation of ice sheets, among other things. The next stage of exploration requires direct sampling of these aquatic systems. However, if sampling is not done cautiously, the environmental integrity and scientific value of these environments could be compromised. At the request of the National Science Foundation, this National Research Council assesses what is needed to responsibly explore subglacial lakes. Exploration of Antarctic Subglacial Aquatic Environments concludes that it is time for research on subglacial lakes to begin, and this research should be guided by internationally agreed upon protocols. The book suggests an initial protocol, which includes full characterization of the lakes by remote sensing, and minimum standards for biological and other types of contamination.

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Antarctica is renowned for its extreme cold; yet surprisingly, radar measurements have revealed a vast network of lakes, rivers, and streams several kilometers beneath the Antarctic ice sheet. Sealed from Earth's atmosphere for millions of years, they may provide vital information about microbial evolution, the past climate of the Antarctic, and the formation of ice sheets, among other things. The next stage of exploration requires direct sampling of these aquatic systems. However, if sampling is not done cautiously, the environmental integrity and scientific value of these environments could be compromised. At the request of the National Science Foundation, this National Research Council assesses what is needed to responsibly explore subglacial lakes. Exploration of Antarctic Subglacial Aquatic Environments concludes that it is time for research on subglacial lakes to begin, and this research should be guided by internationally agreed upon protocols. The book suggests an initial protocol, which includes full characterization of the lakes by remote sensing, and minimum standards for biological and other types of contamination.

This is the first book to draw together a history of science in Antarctica.

The Technocratic Antarctic is an ethnographic account of the scientists and policymakers who work on Antarctica. In a place with no indigenous people, Antarctic scientists and policymakers use expertise as their primary model of governance. Scientific research and policymaking are practices that inform each other, and the Antarctic environment—with its striking beauty, dramatic human and animal lives, and specter of global climate change—not only informs science and policy but also lends Antarctic environmentalism a particularly technocratic patina. Jessica O’Reilly conducted most of her research for this book in New Zealand, home of the "Antarctic Gateway" city of Christchurch, and on an expedition to Windless Bight, Antarctica, with the New Zealand Antarctic Program. O’Reilly also follows the journeys Antarctic scientists and policymakers take to temporarily "Antarctic" places such as science conferences, policy workshops, and the international Antarctic Treaty meetings in Scotland, Australia, and India. Competing claims of nationalism, scientific disciplines, field experiences, and personal relationships among Antarctic environmental managers disrupt the idea of a utopian epistemic community. O’Reilly focuses on what emerges in Antarctica among the complicated and hybrid forms of science, sociality, politics, and national membership found there. The Technocratic Antarctic unfolds the historical, political, and moral contexts that shape experiences of and decisions about the Antarctic environment.

This stunning chronicle of the first civilian Antarctic clean-up project, with contemporary and historic anecdotes and photographs, journal entries, and more than forty delicious recipes, is an intricately woven ode to the last wilderness. With more than 130 full-color photographs

In this highly informative book, Professor Julian Dowdeswell and Professor Michael Hambrey walk us through a detailed account of life on a continent that is as beautiful as it is unforgiving. A richly illustrated account of the Antarctic continent, covering the physical environment, biology and history. It also examines the future and environmental implications for the rest of the planet. The book draws on the authors own experiences during many seasons of fieldwork on the continent and surrounding oceans. They use photographs and images from their own extensive and continent-wide collections and from the world-renowned archives of the Scott Polar Research Institute. "Wide-ranging and extremely well illustrated, this authoritative yet accessible book is a must for anyone interested in the Antarctic." - Sir Ranulph Fiennes "Richly illustrated and expertly written, this book reveals our least known continent in all its power and glory" - Michael Palin AUTHORS: Professor Julian Dowdeswell is Director of the Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge. He authored the foreword to 'Blue Ice' by Alex Bernasconi, published by Papadakis in 2016. Professor Michael J. Hambrey is Professor of Glaciology, Centre for Glaciology, Aberystwyth University, Wales. Michael's research has yielded nearly 200 scientific papers, several edited books and a variety of books on glaciers and the Arctic for the wider public.

Science into Policy: Global Lessons from Antarctica reveals a unique model for integrating Earth system science with environmental and resource policies to balance economic, governmental, and societal interests. Since the International Geophysical Year in 1957-1958, scientific investigation has fostered international cooperation and the rational use of Antarctica for peaceful purposes only. Beyond merely presenting information, this book integrates content and concepts in a manner that will appeal to individuals with interests in the natural and the social sciences. Integrated chapters convey the natural and the human dimensions of Antarctica Time and space concepts are introduced from diverse perspectives to facilitate insights into ecosystem and environmental variability Included CD-ROM provides searchable access to a comprehensive database of Antarctic Treaty documents The author has been leading international expeditions to "the ice" for the past three decades