Understanding through Science

Research under the ice. Photo: Nicole Hill

Australia has pursued scientific research in Antarctica since the 1950s. Today's modern Antarctic research program is critical to our understanding of global change. The ice covered regions of Antarctica and its surrounding waters provide vital information on:

• past climate and atmospheric changes - such as from Antarctic ice core and ocean sediment records;
• sea-ice extent and duration, which is critical to the support of marine food webs; and
• the process of ice formation, which affects ocean circulation around the globe.

Our science is directed by the Science Strategy 2004/05-2010/11, developed by the Antarctic Science Advisory Committee and approved by the Australian Government in October 2004. Its four priority programs are:

• Ice, ocean, atmosphere and climate
• Southern Ocean ecosystems
• Adaptation to environmental change
• Impact of human activities in Antarctica

In addition to this work, the Australian Marine Mammal Centre at the Australian Antarctic Division gives us a high-profile role in coordinated studies of Australia's cetacean research.

Australia's active membership of the Committee for Environmental Protection of the Antarctic Treaty is supported by a program of research into site remediation and environmental clean-up.

Australia's role in the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, the International Whaling Commission and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels requires the highest quality of science to provide credibility and accountability.

More than 100 projects are undertaken in Antarctica, the subantarctic and in Australia, involving scientists from some 28 countries and 176 institutions. About 90 Australian graduate students are also associated with the program.