Exploration of Antarctic subglacial aquatic environments environmental and scientific stewardship /

• Corporate Author: National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Principles of Environmental Stewardship for the Exploration and Study of Subglacial Environments.
• Format: Electronic
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, D.C. : National Academies Press, c2007.
• Subjects: Oceanography > Research > Antarctica.; Subglacial lakes > Discovery and exploration. > Antarctica; Subglacial lakes > Discovery and exploration. > Polar regions; Subglacial lakes > Research > Antarctica.; Aquatic ecology > Research > Antarctica.; Scientific expeditions > Antarctica.; SCIENCE > Oceanography. > Earth Sciences; NATURE > Oceans & Seas. > Ecosystems & Habitats; Electronic books.
• Online Access: ebrary; View fulltext via EzAccess; MyiLibrary
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (x, 152 p.) : ill. (some col.), maps (some col.)
• Bibliography: Includes bibliographical references (p. 129-140).
• ISBN: 9780309106368 (electronic bk.); 0309106362 (electronic bk.); 1280934646; 9781280934643

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.