Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
reindeer, for example. Shrinking sea ice is increasing marine access to the Arctic
Ocean and will enable exploration for oil, gas, and other mineral resources, as well
as increased tourism, creating economic benefits but also increasing risks for envi-
ronmental damage. These changes are accompanied by strategic implications for
Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia, and the United States, in particular. A major
concern is to improve maritime infrastructure, including aids to navigation, port
facilities, icebreaking escort, ship tracking, oil spill prevention and response, envi-
ronmental monitoring, and search and rescue capabilities. With regard to naviga-
tion, it is important to recognize that only about 10 percent of the Arctic has ade-
quate hydrographic charts.
Where will Arctic research go in the twenty-first century? Given current trends,
we will see continued emphasis on better elucidating the role of the Arctic in global
climate variability and change, and in elucidating the regional impacts of change
within the Arctic. A major lesson learned over the past thirty years or so is that while
the Arctic is a major player in global climate, fully understanding its role requires
that we come to grips with the intimate couplings between its atmosphere, land,
and ocean. Although achieving this goal must draw in part from better synthesis
of observations, the community must also capitalize on the growing capabilities of
models and satellite remote sensing. An equally fundamental requirement is captur-
ing the interest of bright and inquisitive new minds and bringing them into the field
of Arctic climate science. If the present textbook helps in this regard, the authors
will consider themselves to have made a contribution.
Focus Questions and Exercises
1) How could international collaboration in Arctic research be strengthened?
What are the impediments to collaboration?
2) Describe the major issues that may determine whether the Northwest Passage
or Northern Sea Route become viable options for commercial ship travel
between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
3) Why should climate change in the Arctic be of concern to residents of middle
latitudes?
