Antarctica InSync (International Science & Infrastructure for Synchronous Observation) is a new major programme led by the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research (AWI). The programme aims to better understand, protect and sustainably manage the Southern Ocean and Antarctica in the framework of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030.
Presented to the Swiss polar science community during the Swiss Polar Day, the multiannual programme aims to make detailed scientific observations in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, to help create a complete picture of how ice, ocean, climate, and environment are connected, and to share data and knowledge to support better decision-making.
As an institutional partner, the Swiss Polar Institute has taken the lead to support Swiss participation and will ensure coordination and regular exchange between the delegates. Swiss researchers will actively contribute to the Ocean, Atmosphere, Ice Sheet, and Sea Ice expert working groups.
The preparatory phase starts in 2024 and focuses on planning and coordinating scientific and infrastructure processes. It aims to create alliances and working groups with all stakeholders. It will be followed by the implementation and analysis phase from 2027 to 2030 with joint field campaigns. Observations will cover all parts of the Antarctic/Southern Ocean region and will study the unique biodiversity using various technologies.
More information:
- Antarctica InSync official website
- Antarctica InSync presentation by Alexander Haumann, AWI (pdf 5.01Mb)
Header photo credit: © Noé Sardet, Parafilms/EPFL, all rights reserved