New Frontiers and Future Directions in Antarctic Research

Summary

The focus and nature of Antarctic science is rapidly evolving in the 21st century. The questions being asked by scientists and society are becoming more complex requiring integrated and interdisciplinary approaches and diverse technologies. This reflects a holistic view of the world and the recognition that, far from being isolated, Antarctica and its surrounding ocean are integral parts of the Earth system. Equally, studies within Antarctica recognize the co-dependence of and linkages amongst physical and living systems. Trans- continental observations and experiments will be an increasing feature of programs and access to all corners of the continent will be desirable, if not required. In many instances large multi-national teams of scientists are involved, the range of disciplines and the supporting technologies are varied, the volume of data and information collected is immense, and real-time internal and external communications are essential. New frontiers and future directions include, but are not limited to: climate change and global warming; ecosystem structure and functioning; census of living resources and biodiversity; astronomy and near-earth space science; recovery of paleo-climate records; ice and sea level measurements and modeling; southern ocean oceanography; subglacial environments hydrology, biogeochemistry, and microbiology; and geophysical sensing and mapping of the continent above and below the ice. The importance of Antarctic science to global societal issues has never been greater and the opportunities to elevate these national endeavors to an even more prominent position will require international coordination and partnership as a cornerstone of future Antarctic research.

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