Modern Research in Polar Regions

Abstract

esearch in the polar regions, in particular in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, is demanding on scientists, equipment, and financial resources. However, it is also urgently needed by governments, not only because of the sensitivity of the polar regions to global change in real time but also because of the role of the polar regions as major drivers for global climate and environmental changes (e.g., sea level, ocean circulation through the “conveyor belt,” etc.). As highlighted by the present president of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), Antarctic research is research at the “frontiers to the unknown” (subglacial geology, subglacial lakes, ice older than 1 million years, etc.), and the topics selected for the Antarctic Treaty Summit (the ozone hole, the ice core story, cosmology from Antarctica, and the Southern Ocean) not only cover an enormous range of scales in time and space but also demonstrate the excellence and relevance of Antarctic research. Research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean is challenging and also dangerous because the environment is hostile to mankind, and thus, it is exceptionally important that we have the right tools. Are we properly equipped and are our methods robust and safe? During the last International Polar Year (IPY) many traverses were organised using nonspecialist vehicles, but frequent breakdowns of vehicles illustrated how dangerous they could be; luckily, no lives were lost. Over the past 50 years many stations have been established in Antarctica, probably too many in some places (i.e., the situation on King George Island). Some are now outdated and little used, and yet the international exchange of scientists that could use these station is really in its infancy. The hypermodern FrenchItalian station on Dome Concordia is an extraordinary exception and shows that at least at the bilateral level international stations are possible (compare with the ArgentineGerman station at Jubany). The leading nations in Antarctic research should be more forthcoming with their support to the emerging polar research nations, certainly much more than they have been so far, through sharing their infrastructure, both on land and at sea, as well as developing their scientific programs jointly with their “younger” partners. There have been remarkable political changes in the attitude of nations with interests in Antarctic research. First, there are a remarkable number of new nations that have joined SCAR, adding strength to all of the scientific efforts in and Modern Research in Polar Regions