Antarctica and the Earth System

1.  Introduction: Antarctica and Planet Earth 2. Geological and Paleoclimatic Evolution of the Southern Ocean–Antarctic System 3. Global Atmospheric Influence on Antarctica 4. Southern Ocean Circulation: Global Drivers and Ongoing Changes 5. The Southern Ocean Coupled Carbon and Climate Feedback Links to the Earth System: The Present, the Past, and the Future 6. Antarctic Sea-Ice: Ongoing Changes and Compelling Issues 7. The Antarctic Ice Sheet and Sea Level: Contemporary Changes and Future Projections 8. Pollution in Antarctica 9. Ecosystem Resilience, Fisheries and Conservation in the Southern Ocean: Status of Knowledge, Prognoses and Challenges 10. Power at the Bottom of the World: Emerging Geopolitics in an Exceptional Place 11. Cultural Connections with Antarctica and the Southern Ocean 12. Conclusions                 

Biography

Michael P. Meredith is an ocean scientist at the British Antarctic Survey and Joint Director of the UK National Climate Science Partnership. He is also Professorial Fellow in Oceanography at Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge, UK.

Jess Melbourne-Thomas is a Principal Research Scientist and leads the Marine Socio-Ecological Systems Team in the Sustainable Marine Futures Research Program with CSIRO Environment in Nipaluna/Hobart, Australia.

Alberto C. Naveira Garabato is the Regius Professor of Ocean Sciences at the University of Southampton, UK. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the British Antarctic Survey.

Marilyn Raphael is a Professor of Geography at UCLA, USA and Director of UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. She is Chair of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research’s expert group, Antarctic Sea-ice Processes and Climate.

'Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are at the heart of our planet's functioning, and we must raise awareness about the vulnerability of the polar regions. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the authors of this work'.

 His Serene Highness  Prince Albert II of Monaco

'This remarkable volume reviews everything Antarctic, in a stunning sweep encompassing geophysical history, climate, ice sheets, sea ice, ecology, politics, pollution, and more. A distinguished set of authors and editors has somehow managed to make every chapter not only authoritative but also concise, resulting in a ‘must-have’ book that will enlighten everyone from tourists to senior researchers'.

Susan Solomon, 1999 National Medal of Science Laureate for work on the Antarctic ozone hole

'This book effectively synthesizes the latest research and insights, written in a way that makes it an invaluable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of Antarctica and our planet. Its interconnecting chapters illuminate the complexities of our relationship with Antarctica, fostering a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary region, and inspiring the next generation of polar researchers'.

Professor Julienne Stroeve, University College London