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Dear Colleagues,
Happy New Year! NSF work continues apace, thanks to an abundance of patience and determination.
Antarctic News: The Antarctic field season is underway, and while science activity is reduced (to approximately one-third of normal levels), discovery and innovation persist, and modernization moves forward! The Ross Island Earth Station telecommunications hub, a joint NSF/NOAA project that will modernize satellite communications, is scheduled for completion in early 2022. Equally exciting, the materials and equipment needed to rebuild the Palmer Station Pier have arrived, and work continues. Finally, the Antarctic Research Vessel Project has completed its journey through the conceptual design phase and into preliminary design, a critical milestone for U.S. leadership in polar oceanography. We are grateful for the dedication of U.S. Antarctic Program colleagues, who continue to surmount challenges and hit curveballs out of the park, to advance our science mission. USAP-supported science recently received international recognition, with articles in the New York Times and Washington Post featuring results from several NSF-funded projects, including SOCCOM and the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration.
Arctic News: The Arctic Section is deeply engaged in planning for field activities. The Annual Program Plan, which codifies research and support activities for the next field season, will be completed in January. As we move toward implementation of the plan, our Arctic colleagues will keep a close eye on COVID-19 and the availability of vaccines, an ever-changing puzzle requiring vigilance and awareness. NSF will implement quarantine and COVID mitigation requirements situationally, and in accordance with CDC guidance, to maximize field safety and minimize transmission. The visioning for Summit Station reconstruction continues, with an emphasis on space planning. The future station will consist of six elevated buildings designed to provide flexibility and efficiency for state-of-the-art science support. Nationally, we are excited by the recent announcement from Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) that reactivates the Arctic Executive Steering Committee (AESC). We look forward to working closely and collaboratively with AESC to address the many domestic and international challenges that the region faces.
OPP-wide Opportunities: The OPP Advisory Committee (AC) is seeking nominations for seven new members. If you would like to nominate a colleague, or yourself, please fill out this form. Also, we encourage members of our community to consider future opportunities in Polar Programs.
Again, Happy New Year and stay safe!
 Roberta Marinelli
Director, Office of Polar Programs
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Changes in the northern Alaskan Arctic Ocean could result in widespread, and common toxic algae blooms. Increased algae blooms can threaten a wide range of marine wildlife and the people who rely on local marine resources for food.
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A new study has unlocked some of the mysteries of the Palmer Deep Canyon biological hotspot. The results show that a subsurface, closed eddy increases how long nutrient-rich particles stay at the top of the canyon.
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A recent study reviews and synthesizes Arctic rain on snow events and their impacts. The work addresses human-environment relationships, meteorological conditions, and challenges in their detection.
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Scientists studying baleen whales have discovered their previous decline in populations also led to a decline of krill. The study also discovered that baleen whales eat two to three times more than previously thought.
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A recent paper publishes work using UAVs to better understand the exchange between atmospheric water vapor across the planetary boundary layer.
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Have an NSF-supported research highlight to share? Contact us.
Opinions, findings or recommendations of NSF awardees or their institutions do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
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Wishing everyone a happy new year!
 Photo credits: Left: Amelia Grose, middle top: Lia Lajoie, middle bottom: Steve Rupp, right: Jeff Keller
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OPP sections
Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics (AIL)
AILs mission is to provide the operational and logistical platform necessary for the U.S. to conduct world-class science in Antarctica and maintain its active and influential presence on the continent.
Antarctic Sciences (ANT)
ANT supports cutting-edge research across all scientific fields that improves understanding of the interactions between the Antarctic region and global systems; expands fundamental knowledge of Antarctic systems and processes; and uses the unique characteristics of Antarctica as a science observing platform. ANT supports non-fieldwork-based analysis and modeling as well as Antarctic fieldwork for research that must be performed, or is best performed, in Antarctica.
Arctic Sciences (ARC)
ARC supports fundamental research at the forefront of understanding the Arctic, including its human and natural components and its global linkages. The section also works to develop and encourage good Arctic stewardship through education, training, dialogue, and planning. In addition to its scientific programs, ARC also includes a Research Support & Logistics program that improves the efficiency and safety of our research community.
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Front Office Integration Team (FIT)
FIT supports the innovative scientific research, engineering, and education taking place in and about the polar regions. FIT provides administrative, policy, and communications support to the entire polar program, and ensures that research and related activities in the regions are environmentally sound.
Safety and Occupational Health (SOH)
SOH facilitates a culture of safety throughout the Polar regions to enhance the success of science by protecting life and property. SOH partners with stakeholders and integrates an effective risk management system through policy development, process and project plan evaluations, incident review and investigations, site safety evaluations, and a deployment medical system implementation.
Polar Programs Advisory Committee (AC)
The AC provides advice and recommendations to the NSF concerning polar research, education, infrastructure and logistics, and activities. Additionally, the AC Sub-Committee on Diversity and Inclusion has been tasked to identify, examine and recommend strategies to pursue enhanced diversity and inclusion in the polar sciences in both the near and long term.
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