Future Science Opportunities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean

This issue suggests actions for the United States to achieve success for the next generation of Antarctic and Southern Ocean science. The report highlights important areas of research by encapsulating each into a single, overarching question. The questions fall into two broad themes: 1) related to global change, and 2) related to fundamental discoveries.

In addition, the report identified key science questions that will drive research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in coming decades, and highlighted opportunities to be leveraged to sustain and improve the U.S. research efforts in the region.

Contents
SUMMARY
Global Change
Discovery
Opportunities to Enhance Research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean
Recommendations
Closing Thoughts
1 INTRODUCTION
Content and Purpose of the Report
2 FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS OF GLOBAL CHANGE
How Will Antarctica Contribute to Changes in Global Sea Level?
What Is the Role of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in the Global Climate System?
What Is the Response of Antarctic Biota and Ecosystems to Change?
What Role Has Antarctica Played in Changing the Planet in the Past?
3 FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY
What Can Antarctica and the Southern Ocean Reveal about Past Climates?
How Has Life Adapted to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean Environments?
What Can the Antarctic Platform Reveal about the Interaction between the Earth and the Space Environment?
How Did the Universe Begin, What Is It Made of, and What Determines Its Evolution?
4 OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE RESEARCH IN ANTARCTICA AND THE SOUTHERN OCEAN
Collaboration
Energy, Technology and Infrastructure
Education
Observing Network with Data Integration and Scientific Modeling
5 FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN ANTARCTIC AND SOUTHERN OCEAN SCIENCE
Closing Thoughts
REFERENCES
APPENDIXES
A Statement of Task
B Summary of Online Questionnaire Results
C Emerging Technologies for Antarctic and Southern Ocean Science
D Icebreakers
E Components of an Antarctic and Southern Ocean Observing System
F Acronyms
G Biographical Sketches of Committee Members