Exploration of Antarctic Subglacial Aquatic Environments: Environmental and Scientific Stewardship

National Research Council

doi:10.17226/11886

Consensus Study Report

VIEW LARGER COVER

Exploration of Antarctic Subglacial Aquatic Environments

Environmental and Scientific Stewardship

(2007)

Antarctica is renowned for its extreme cold; yet surprisingly, radar measurements have revealed a vast network of lakes, rivers, and streams several kilometers beneath the Antarctic ice sheet. Sealed from Earth's atmosphere for millions of years, they may provide vital information about microbial evolution, the past climate of the Antarctic, and the formation of ice sheets, among other things. The next stage of exploration requires direct sampling of these aquatic systems. However, if sampling is not done cautiously, the environmental integrity and scientific value of these environments could be compromised. At the request of the National Science Foundation, this National Research Council assesses what is needed to responsibly explore subglacial lakes. Exploration of Antarctic Subglacial Aquatic Environments concludes that it is time for research on subglacial lakes to begin, and this research should be guided by internationally agreed upon protocols. The book suggests an initial protocol, which includes full characterization of the lakes by remote sensing, and minimum standards for biological and other types of contamination.

Contributor(s): National Research Council; Division on Earth and Life Studies; Polar Research Board; Committee on Principles of Environmental Stewardship for the Exploration and Study of Subglacial Environments

RESOURCES AT A GLANCE

Report Brief

Topics

Suggested Citation

National Research Council. 2007. Exploration of Antarctic Subglacial Aquatic Environments: Environmental and Scientific Stewardship. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/11886.

Import this citation to:

Publication Info

162 pages | 7 x 10 |

ISBNs:

Paperback: 978-0-309-10635-1
Ebook: 978-0-309-17924-9

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17226/11886

Chapters		skim
Front Matter	i-x
Summary	1-10
1 Introduction	11-31
2 Geological and Geophysical Setting	32-61
3 Subglacial Environments: Biological Features	62-80
4 Drilling and Sampling Technologies and the Potential for Contamination	81-103
5 Antarctic Governance and Implications for Exploration of Subglacial Aquatic Environments	104-113
6 Findings and Recommendations	114-128
References	129-140
A Statement of Task	141-144
B Biographical Sketches of Committee Members	145-149
C List of Acronyms	150-152

What is skim?

The Chapter Skim search tool presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter. You may select key terms to highlight them within pages of each chapter.

Report Brief

Copyright Information

The National Academies Press (NAP) has partnered with Copyright Clearance Center's Rightslink service to offer you a variety of options for reusing NAP content. Through Rightslink, you may request permission to reprint NAP content in another publication, course pack, secure website, or other media. Rightslink allows you to instantly obtain permission, pay related fees, and print a license directly from the NAP website. The complete terms and conditions of your reuse license can be found in the license agreement that will be made available to you during the online order process. To request permission through Rightslink you are required to create an account by filling out a simple online form. The following list describes license reuses offered by the National Academies Press (NAP) through Rightslink:

Republish text, tables, figures, or images in print
Post on a secure Intranet/Extranet website
Use in a PowerPoint Presentation
Distribute via CD-ROM
Photocopy

Click here to obtain permission for the above reuses.If you have questions or comments concerning the Rightslink service, please contact:

Rightslink Customer Care
Tel (toll free): 877/622-5543
Tel: 978/777-9929
E-mail: customercare@copyright.com
Web: http://www.rightslink.com

To request permission to distribute a PDF, please contact our Customer Service Department at 800-624-6242 for pricing.

To request permission to translate a book published by the National Academies Press or its imprint, the Joseph Henry Press, pleaseclick here to view more information.

Loading stats for Exploration of Antarctic Subglacial Aquatic Environments: Environmental and Scientific Stewardship...