scholarly journals Preface

2014 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico Di Mauro
Keyword(s):  
Polar Regions ◽  
Physical Processes ◽  
Geophysical Research ◽  
International Polar Year ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
The Earth ◽  
International Polar

<p>The following collection of papers is dedicated to geophysical research and experiments conducted in the polar regions of the Earth, during a period centered around the last third International Polar Year (IPY, 2007-2009) and extending into succeeding years. The issues celebrating the IPY are intended to stimulate interest in the physical processes occurring at the polar regions, with the involvement of all the nations that collaborate and play key roles in these remote areas. [...]</p>

Arctic shipping guidelines: towards a legal regime for navigation safety and environmental protection?

Polar Record ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Øystein Jensen
Keyword(s):  
The Arctic ◽  
Legal Issue ◽  
Polar Regions ◽  
International Polar Year ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
International Polar ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Arctic Ice ◽  
The Antarctic ◽  
Near Future

ABSTRACTWith the International Polar Year (IPY) having commenced in March 2007, key issues relating to the polar regions are again in focus. This article reviews one central legal issue re-emerging in the Arctic: global regulation of safety standards for international shipping. The ‘Guidelines for ships operating in Arctic ice-covered waters’ are examined, with a view to the probable expansion of shipping in the Arctic in near future. Following an introduction to navigational issues within the Arctic context, the article describes how the guidelines came into being, and then analyses key elements and structure of the regulations and shortfalls of today's arrangements. The possible relevance of the guidelines to the Antarctic is also discussed briefly. Finally, the article inquires into the key repercussions of introducing binding regulations.

scholarly journals The State of Polar Research after the International Polar Year 2007–2008

2011 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 116
Author(s):  
Ian Allison
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Research ◽  
The State ◽  
Polar Regions ◽  
International Polar Year ◽  
International Geophysical Year ◽  
International Polar ◽  
International Geophysical ◽  
Second International

The International Polar Year 2007–2008—like its predecessors the first International Polar Year 1882–83 (championed by Georg von Neumayer as Chairman of the International Polar Commission), the second International Polar Year 1932–33 and the International Geophysical Year 1957–58—was an intensive, internationally coordinated campaign of scientific research in polar regions.

The International Geophysical Year

1957 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harold Spencer Jones
Keyword(s):  
Arctic Region ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Polar Regions ◽  
International Polar Year ◽  
International Geophysical Year ◽  
Primary Object ◽  
International Polar ◽  
Meteorological Observations ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Arctic Region

In 1874, the Austrian arctic scientist, Weyprecht, on his return from an Austro-Hungarian polar expedition stated that, though many countries had sent expeditions into the polar regions at great expense and involving appreciable hazards to those participating, no important contributions to knowledge had resulted from them. They had done a certain amount of mapping and obtained a few meteorological observations but the primary object had been, as a matter of national prestige, to plant the flag nearer to the Pole than had been reached before. In his opinion what was needed for the advancement of knowledge about the polar regions was that nations should collaborate in sending expeditions to various parts of the arctic region to make observations throughout the whole of one year. Largely because of his persistent advocacy of this view, the value of the proposal came to be recognized, and as a result the enterprise known as the First International Polar Year was developed. A number of countries combined to send expeditions to establish observing stations at selected points in the arctic region to make observations throughout the year 1882–3 in meteorology and geomagnetism and also of the aurora. The observations made during this Polar Year contributed appreciably to knowledge of geomagnetism and of meteorology.

Between markets and geo-politics: natural resource exploitation on Spitsbergen from 1600 to the present day

Polar Record ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dag Avango ◽  
Louwrens Hacquebord ◽  
Ypie Aalders ◽  
Hidde De Haas ◽  
Ulf Gustafsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resource ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Polar Regions ◽  
Resource Exploitation ◽  
International Polar Year ◽  
Natural Resource Exploitation ◽  
International Polar

ABSTRACTWhat are the driving forces behind large scale natural resource exploitation in the polar regions and how should we understand the relations between these forces? New historical-archaeological research performed during the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007–2009 on whaling, hunting and mining in Spitsbergen (1600–present) show both economic and geopolitical factors driving the development of those industries, both the whaling industries in the 17th century and 1900’s, and the mining industry of the early 20th century. However, the relation between these driving forces has differed, both between time periods and between actors. In most cases economic motives provided the main rationale for utilising resources and for government support for resource exploiters, but in some instances governments would support even unprofitable ventures in order to maintain a foothold on Spitsbergen.

scholarly journals British radio observations during the Second International Polar Year 1932-33

1937 ◽  
Vol 236 (764) ◽  
pp. 191-259 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Polar Regions ◽  
Radio Waves ◽  
Radio Observations ◽  
Geophysical Investigation ◽  
International Polar Year ◽  
Atmospheric Physics ◽  
New Methods ◽  
International Polar ◽  
Improved Methods ◽  
Second International

The present communication deals with radio observations made by British workers as part of the general geophysical investigation of polar regions carried out during the Second International Polar Year, 1 August, 1932, to 31 August, 1933. In the long period which has elapsed since the first International Polar Year of 1882-83, the field of geophysical inquiry has been greatly extended by the use of improved methods and instruments. Such advances have been especially notable in atmospheric physics. Among the new methods which have been developed we may count the use of radio waves for the exploration of upper-atmospheric electrification. The prosecution of such methods in recent years has supplemented in many ways the information obtainable from a study of terrestrial magnetism and the aurora. The development of radio methods of ionospheric exploration has proceeded in England during the last ten years under the auspices of the Radio Research Board of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. On the scientific side the work has been directed to the elucidation of the structure of the ionosphere, its variation with time, and the correlation of such variations with other geophysical phenomena. Quite independently of any participation in the work of the International Polar Year, the results of work in England had, for reasons which will be stated later, suggested the need for carrying out similar observations in high latitudes, and Sir George Simpson, F.R.S., a member of the Board, had pointed out the special suitability of Northern Norway for such work. The proposals for an expedition were, however, held in abeyance because of the great advantages which were seen likely to accrue from merging such work in the international effort of the Second Polar Year.

scholarly journals Polar Stratospheric Cloud Observations in the 2006/07 Arctic Winter by Using an Improved Micropulse Lidar

2009 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 2136-2148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Cordoba-Jabonero ◽  
Manuel Gil ◽  
Margarita Yela ◽  
Marion Maturilli ◽  
Roland Neuber
Keyword(s):  
The Arctic ◽  
Polar Regions ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Raman Lidar ◽  
International Polar Year ◽  
Polar Stratospheric Cloud ◽  
International Polar ◽  
Lidar Observations ◽  
Type Classification

Abstract The potential of a new improved version of micropulse lidar (MPL-4) on polar stratospheric cloud (PSC) detection is evaluated in the Arctic over Ny-Ålesund (79°N, 12°E), Norway. The campaign took place from January to February 2007 in the frame of the International Polar Year (IPY) activities. Collocated Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) Koldewey Aerosol Raman Lidar (KARL) devoted to long-term Arctic PSC monitoring is used for validation purposes. PSC detection is based on lidar retrievals of both backscattering ratio R and volume depolarization ratio δV. Two episodes were unequivocally attributed to PSCs: 21–22 January and 5–6 February 2007, showing a good correlation between MPL-4 and KARL backscattering ratio datasets (mean correlation coefficient = 0.92 ± 0.03). PSC layered structures were characterized for four observational periods coincident with KARL measurements. Also, PSC type classification was determined depending on the retrieved R and δV values as compared with those obtained by KARL long-term Arctic PSC measurements. Tropospheric cloud cover from lidar observations and both ECMWF potential vorticity and temperature at 475 K, in addition to temperature profiles from AWI daily radiosoundings, are also reported. Height-resolved and temporal evolution of both PSC episodes obtained from MPL-4 measurements clearly show that MPL-4 is a suitable instrument to provide long-term PSC statistic monitoring in polar regions. These results are the first reported on PSC detection in the Arctic by using a low-energy and highly pulsed lidar operating on autonomous and full-time continuous mode MPL-4.

Looking beyond the International Polar Year: What are the Emerging and Re-emerging Issues in International Law and Policy in the Polar Regions?

2009 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Leary
Keyword(s):  
International Law ◽  
Environmental Governance ◽  
Polar Regions ◽  
International Polar Year ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Law And Policy ◽  
Emerging Issues ◽  
International Polar ◽  
Specific Species ◽  
The University

Abstract The International Symposium, ‘Looking beyond the International Polar Year: Emerging and Re-emerging issues in International Law and Policy in the Polar Regions’ (the Symposium) was held on 7–10 September 2008 at the University of Akureyri, Akureryi, Iceland. The Symposium was timed to coincide with the launch of the new postgraduate program in Polar Law offered by the University of Akureyri. The purpose of the Symposium was to examine, in detail, the implications of the challenges faced by the Polar Regions for international law and policy as part of the legacy of the current International Polar Year and to make recommendations on appropriate actions by States, policy makers and other international actors to respond to these emerging and re-emerging challenges. This article summarises the key findings and recommendations of the Symposium. These address the following key issues: climate change; human rights challenges; challenges of new commercial activities in the Polar Regions (such as the exploitation of off shore oil, gas and other minerals, shipping fishing, bioprospecting and tourism); challenges posed by shipping and newly opening sea lanes; threats to specific species and assemblages of species; environmental governance in the Polar Regions; and the inadequate implementation of existing international law and domestic laws. The article also contains a series of recommendations on further legal, scientific and other studies that should be undertaken in the immediate and near term future to better equip governments and policy makers to respond to these emerging issues.

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