Future Science Opportunities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean (Repost)
Future Science Opportunities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean
Committee on Future Science Opportunities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean; Polar Research Board; Division on Earth and Life Studies; National Research Council
2011 | ISBN: 0309214696 | 195 pages | PDF | 6 MB
Committee on Future Science Opportunities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean; Polar Research Board; Division on Earth and Life Studies; National Research Council
2011 | ISBN: 0309214696 | 195 pages | PDF | 6 MB
Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean remains one of the world's last frontiers. Covering nearly 14 million km² (an area approximately 1.4 times the size of the United States), Antarctica is the coldest, driest, highest, and windiest continent on Earth. While it is challenging to live and work in this extreme environment, this region offers many opportunities for scientific research. Ever since the first humans set foot on Antarctica a little more than a century ago, the discoveries made there have advanced our scientific knowledge of the region, the world, and the Universe–but there is still much more to learn. However, conducting scientific research in the harsh environmental conditions of Antarctica is profoundly challenging. Substantial resources are needed to establish and maintain the infrastructure needed to provide heat, light, transportation, and drinking water, while at the same time minimizing pollution of the environment and ensuring the safety of researchers.