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A Vision for the International Polar Year 2007-2008 (2004) / Chapter Skim
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2 Scientific Challenges for the International Polar Year
Pages 18-21

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From page 18...
... Such a program would not only add to our understanding of environmental change and scientific exploration, it would result in a world community with shared ownership in the results. Five broad scientific challenges provide a framework for organizing IPY 2007-2008 activities: ASSESSING LARGE-SCALE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE IN THE POLAR REGIONS Environmental observations demonstrate that dramatic change on timescales from years to many millions of years is a hallmark of Earth's history.
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From page 19...
... Recent technological advances, including satellite observations and remotely operated equipment, demonstrate that major breakthroughs in scientific understanding of the extreme environments are possible. Realization of this potential for new insights poses a major challenge in the development of innovative technologies, the design of system-scale observing systems, and the development of strategies for interdisciplinary observations.
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From page 20...
... In addition, human activities are affecting the polar regions; increasing public awareness that the polar regions play a key role in the Earth system, and may be harbingers for detecting some environmental change, is of critical importance. However, effectively communicating our scientific knowledge to the public is a significant challenge.
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From page 21...
... Still, our most recent data suggest that additional mercury continues to move into the area from the atmosphere." Hermanson is concerned because the majority of the Inuit diet consists of the fish and seal the people hunt from the waters around their islands. They will eat birds and bears when they can get them he says, but there is a restriction on the number of bears that may be hunted, so they eat fewer of these than in the past.
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Key Terms

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  • mark hermanson
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  • arctic lakes
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  • logistical capabilities
  • ipy results
  • five broad
  • mercury continues
  • sheet bed

  • profound effect
  • polar research
  • required spatial
  • broad scientific
  • increasing public

  • occurred repeatedly
  • recent data
  • contaminant impacts
  • critical importance
  • spatial coverage

  • uniquely adapted
  • operated equipment
  • natural reaction
  • require effective
  • additional mercury


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