Advancing Airborne Geophysical Research in Antarctica
Opportunity
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the University of Texas at Austin recognized the critical need for a comprehensive scientific, technical, and operational strategy to enhance airborne geophysical research in Antarctica. This initiative aimed to utilize advanced technologies such as radar and magnetometers to map and understand the region’s ice and sub-ice geological conditions, addressing the urgent demands posed by climate change and its impact on polar ice caps and coastal ice shelves.
Approach
As a Steering Committee Member over three years, I played a pivotal role in developing and managing the strategic framework for the Support Office for Aero geophysical Research (SOAR). This involved coordinating multi-national partnerships with research institutions and the National Science Foundation while collaborating with key supply-side stakeholders like Ken Borek Air for aircraft and pilots.
A comprehensive safety planning and management approach was established to ensure the success of airborne operations in these extremely remote environments. Additionally, a robust data management plan was formulated to handle the collection, storage, and dissemination of critical geophysical data, enhancing accessibility and utility for all stakeholders involved.
Efforts were made to foster stakeholder cohesiveness, aligning scientific partners, suppliers, and funding agencies towards common goals, thus streamlining operational efficiency and research outputs.
Impact
The initiatives undertaken resulted in significant advancements in our understanding of Antarctic geology and the effects of climate change on its ice structures. The successful execution of safety protocols allowed for secure operations in challenging environments, while the structured data management plan facilitated collaboration among international researchers.
The strengthened partnerships among stakeholders not only enhanced the research capabilities of the SOAR initiative but also laid the groundwork for future explorations and studies in Antarctica. Overall, these efforts have contributed to the scientific community’s broader understanding of climate dynamics and the critical role of polar regions in global climate systems.
