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Author National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Principles of Environmental Stewardship for the Exploration and Study of Subglacial Environments.

Title Exploration of Antarctic subglacial aquatic environments : environmental and scientific stewardship / Committee on Principles of Environmental Stewardship for the Exploration and Study of Subglacial Environments, Polar Research Board, Division of Earth and Life Studies, National Research Council of the National Academies
Published Washington, D.C. : National Academies Press, ©2007

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Description 1 online resource (x, 152 pages) : illustrations (some color), maps (some color)
Contents Geological and Geophysical Setting -- Subglacial Environments: Biological Features -- Drilling and Sampling Technologies and the Potential for Contamination -- Antarctic Governance and Implications for Exploration of Subglacial Aquatic Environments
Summary 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. The report concludes that it is time for research on subglacial lakes to begin, and this research should be guided by internationally agreed upon protocols. The report suggests an initial protocol, which includes full characterization of the lakes by remote sensing, and minimum standards for biological and other types of contamination
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (pages 129-140)
Notes Print version record
Subject Oceanography -- Research -- Antarctica
Subglacial lakes -- Antarctica -- Discovery and exploration
Subglacial lakes -- Polar regions -- Discovery and exploration
Subglacial lakes -- Research -- Antarctica
Aquatic ecology -- Research -- Antarctica
Scientific expeditions -- Antarctica.
SCIENCE -- Earth Sciences -- Oceanography.
NATURE -- Ecosystems & Habitats -- Oceans & Seas.
Aquatic ecology -- Research
Oceanography -- Research
Scientific expeditions
Antarctica
Polar regions
Form Electronic book
ISBN 9780309106368
0309106362
1280934646
9781280934643