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EOS, TRANSACTIONS AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION, VOL. 86, NO. 4, doi:10.1029/2005EO040004, 2005

Science Opportunities for a Long-Range Antarctic Research Aircraft

Michael Studinger

Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York, USA


David Bromwich

Byrd Polar Research Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA


Bea Csatho

Byrd Polar Research Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA


Robin Muench

Earth and Space Research, Seattle, Washington, USA


Tom Parish

Department of Earth Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA


Jeff Stith

Earth Observing Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado, USA


Abstract

The polar regions play a critical role in the geodynamic and climate system of the Earth. Although located far from the main centers of human civilization, the polar atmosphere and oceans have strong global connections and therefore directly affect global weather, climate, and the world's population, living mostly in tropical and midlatitude environments. Antarctic geodynamic processes are the driving forces for ice sheet dynamics and global environmental change that affect current and long-term, large-magnitude sea level changes. The importance of the polar regions for our natural environment has long been recognized. Many nations around the world are currently planning the International Polar Year 2007–2008 (IPY), an intense, coordinated effort of novel and comprehensive observations combined with multidisciplinary research, analysis, and educational activities (http://www.ipy.org).

Published 25 January 2005.

Index Terms: 9310 Geographic Location: Antarctica (4207); 9805 General or Miscellaneous: Instruments useful in three or more fields; 9815 General or Miscellaneous: Notices and announcements.

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Citation: Studinger, M., D. Bromwich, B. Csatho, R. Muench, T. Parish, and J. Stith (2005), Science Opportunities for a Long-Range Antarctic Research Aircraft , Eos Trans. AGU, 86(4), doi:10.1029/2005EO040004.