The USAP Portal: Science and Support in Antarctica

<!doctype html> <html lang="en"> <head> <title>The USAP Portal: Science and Support in Antarctica - About the Program</title> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width,initial-scale=1"> <meta name="description" content="General facts about the United States Antarctic Program, including summary and background, policies, conservation, and international cooperation regarding Antarctica." /> <meta name="keywords" content="Antarctica, International Cooperation, Summary, Background, Policies" /> <meta name="copyright" content="public domain" /> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="tyPc5blGlbiIs06poVXbJx_aSDW8kXiYSWnccShyACc" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://www.usap.gov/global/usapgovstyle.css?487983451256"> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://www.usap.gov/global/jquery-ui.min.css"> <script type="text/javascript" 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<div class="header-banner" style="background:url(https://www.usap.gov/grafx/header-aboutTheUSAP.jpg) 0 0 no-repeat;"></div> <a name="top"><img src="https://www.usap.gov/grafx/title-usap.png" alt="United States Antarctic Program" title="United States Antarctic Program" width="253" height="53" border="0" style="position:absolute;top:10px;left:136px;" /></a> <a href="https://www.usap.gov"><img src="https://www.usap.gov/grafx/logo-usap.png" alt="United States Antarctic Program Logo" title="United States Antarctic Program Logo" width="115" height="115" border="0" style="position:absolute;top:9px;left:14px;z-index:400;" /></a> <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/"><img src="https://www.usap.gov/grafx/logo-nsf.png" alt="National Science Foundation Logo" title="National Science Foundation Logo" width="93" height="94" border="0" style="position:absolute;top:220px;left:10px;z-index:400;" /></a> <div id="quickbox"> <table id="quickboxcontent"> <tr> <td style="width:30%;"> <h2>For USAP Participants</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/news/sctnAnnouncements.cfm">USAP Program Announcements</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/travelAndDeployment/contentHandler.cfm?id=541">USAP Participant Guide</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/travelAndDeployment/contentHandler.cfm?id=1034">Deployment Packets</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/onlinelearningcenter/">USAP Online Learning Center</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/scienceSupport/polarice/">POLAR ICE</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/calendarsAndSchedules/index.cfm?m=3">Calendars and Schedules</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/technology/contentHandler.cfm?id=1935">South Pole Station Satellite Pass Schedules</a></li> </ul> </td> <td style="width:30%;"> <h2>For The Public</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/aboutTheUSAP/">About the Program</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/theAntarcticTreaty/index.cfm?m=2">The Antarctic Treaty</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/mediaInquiries/">For the Press</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/news/">News About the USAP</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/contentHandler.cfm?id=1814">RSS Feeds</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/jobsAndOpportunities/index.cfm?m=1">Jobs and Opportunities</a></li> <li><a href="https://antarcticsun.usap.gov/">The Antarctic Sun</a></li> <li><a href="https://photolibrary.usap.gov/">USAP Photo Library</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/sps/">Science Planning Summary</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/videoclipsandmaps/mcmwebcam.cfm">McMurdo Station Webcams</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/videoclipsandmaps/spwebcam.cfm">South Pole Station Webcams</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/videoclipsandmaps/palwebcam.cfm">Palmer Station Webcams</a></li> </ul> </td> <td> <h2>For Researchers and Educators</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/proposalInformation/">Information for Proposers</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/educationalResources.cfm">Educational Opportunities and Resources</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usap.gov/researchOpportunities.cfm">Research Opportunities</a></li> </ul> <h2 style="margin-top:30px;">Contact Us</h2> U.S. National Science Foundation<br/> <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=OPP">Office of Polar Programs</a><br/> Geosciences Directorate<br/> 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite W7100<br/> Alexandria, VA 22314 <br/> <span style="display:block;margin-top:8px;"> Sign up for the NSF Office of Polar Programs <a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNSF/subscriber/new?topic_id=USNSF_317">newsletter</a> and <a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNSF/subscriber/new?topic_id=USNSF_405">events</a>. </span> <a href="https://feedback.usap.gov/WSF/index.cfm?siteName=USAPgov" style="display:block;margin-top:8px;">Feedback Form</a> </td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> </div> <div class="alert"> <div class="title">Alert</div> <div class="msg"><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/coronavirus/">Read the latest information from NSF on coronavirus (COVID-19)</a></div> </div> <div class="contentContainer"> <div class="contentColumn"> <ul class="menu"> <a href="https://future.usap.gov/"><img src="https://www.usap.gov/grafx/aims-logo.png" alt="Future USAP - The latest on USAP station modernization" border="0" height="85" width="200" style="margin:0;position:relative;top:7px;"></a> <li class="sub on" title="About the USAP">About the USAP <ul style="display:block;"> <li> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/aboutTheUSAP/">About the Program</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/aboutUSAPParticipants/">About USAP Participants</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/Environmental/">Environmental Policy and Compliance</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/970/">FAQs</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://beta.nsf.gov/news/releases?f%5B0%5D=group%3A123">Science Discoveries</a> </li> <li> <a 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<a href="https://www.usap.gov/calendarsAndSchedules/">Calendars and Schedules</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/conferencesCommitteesAndWorkshops/">Conferences, Committees, and Workshops</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/logistics/">Logistics</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/vesselScienceAndOperations/">Vessel Science and Operations</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/technology/">Information Technology and Communications Services</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/travelAndDeployment/">Travel and Deployment</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/onlinelearningcenter/">Online Learning Center</a> </li> </ul> <li class="sub" title="USAP Science">USAP Science <ul id="sub5"> <li> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/aboutTheUSAP/">About the Program</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/scienceSupport/">Science Support</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/sps/">Researchers and Science Projects</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://beta.nsf.gov/news/releases?f%5B0%5D=group%3A123">Science Discoveries</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/researchOpportunities.cfm?m=5">Research Opportunities</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/educationalResources.cfm?m=5">Educational Opportunities<br/>and Resources</a> </li> </ul> </ul> <div id="sideBar"></div> </div> <div class="content"> <table cellspacing="5" style="width: 100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="itemBox"> <div class="itemNoHeader"> <div> </div> </div> <div class="itemBody"> <p><a href="#WhatIsTheUSAP">What is the USAP?</a><br /> <a href="#USAPSummaryBackground">USAP Summary and Background</a><br /> <a href="#AntarcticPolicies">Antarctic Policies</a><br /> <a href="#Conservation">Conservation</a><br /> <a href="#InternationalCooperation">International Cooperation</a></p> </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="itemBox"> <div class="itemHeader"> <div> <div class="backToTop"><a href="#top"><img alt="back to top" border="0" height="14" src="/usapgov/images/button-top-blue.gif" width="15" /></a></div> <a name="WhatIsTheUSAP"></a>What is the USAP?</div> </div> <div class="itemBody"> <p><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/antarct/anttrty.jsp">United States Antarctic Program (overview)</a><br /> <a href="http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=102869">Fact Sheet—U.S. Antarctic Program</a><br /> <em><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/documents/NSF Science on the Ice_fifth_edition.pdf">Science on the Ice: The United States Antarctic Program (Fifth Edition)</a></em></p> </div> </td> </tr>  <tr> <td class="itemBox"> <div class="itemHeader"> <div> <div class="backToTop"><a href="#top"><img alt="back to top" border="0" height="14" src="/usapgov/images/button-top-blue.gif" width="15" /></a></div> <a name="AntarcticPolicies"></a>Antarctic Policies</div> </div> <div class="itemBody"> <p>The United States Antarctic Program represents our Nation in Antarctica. Carrying forward U.S. goals supporting the Antarctic Treaty, the program strives to encourage international cooperation, maintain an active and influential presence in the region, and continue to conduct high-quality science research, all while sustaining funding efficiency. Read the Antarctic Treaty in its entirety, or peruse through the various U.S. Antarctic policies.</p> <blockquote><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/antarct/anttrty.jsp">The Antarctic Treaty</a><br /> <a href="/externalsite.cfm?5yoU9jrGwQqvAzqaMFKxonp0MZ8f4yVJ6h2GDPnfNlo%3D">Antarctic Treaty Secretariat</a><br /> <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/antarct/uspolicy.jsp">U.S. Policy for Antarctica</a><br /> <a href="http://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/antarct/usagency.jsp">U.S. Federal Agency Responsibilities</a><br /> <a href="http://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/antarct/intcoop.jsp">International Cooperation</a><br /> <a href="https://www.state.gov/e/oes/ocns/opa/c6528.htm">U.S. Antarctic Policy—U.S. Department of State</a><br /> <a href="http://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/antarct/ngo_policy.jsp">U.S. Policy on Private Expeditions to Antarctica</a></blockquote> </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="itemBox"> <div class="itemHeader"> <div> <div class="backToTop"><a href="#top"><img alt="back to top" border="0" height="14" src="/usapgov/images/button-top-blue.gif" width="15" /></a></div> <a name="Conservation"></a>Conservation</div> </div> <div class="itemBody"> <p>Because Antarctica is one of Earth's pristine, isolated regions, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties have developed measures to protect the environment and conserve living resources; in response, the United States has created laws and regulations to implement these measures. Anyone participating in the USAP must work within these regulations. The USAP promotes strict adherence to the Antarctic Conservation Act, which protects Antarctic native plants, animals, and their habitats. You can read about this effort on the following web pages.</p> <blockquote><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/antarct/aca/aca.jsp">Antarctic Conservation Act</a><br /> <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/antarct/aca/nsf01151/start.jsp">Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 complete text of Public Law 95-451</a><br /> <a href="/externalsite.cfm?5yoU9jrGwQqvAzqaMFKxopqa2UpEuFKNGMtRdWqQBD0%3D">The Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP)</a><br /> <a href="/externalsite.cfm?996Vca4hrPTUZJcpLaZFbE8z9yP1hh2pAA9gaCbD7Ou7kDmamHiAkOyI2mYOcOhA">Antarctic Specially Protected Areas Information</a><br /> <a href="/externalsite.cfm?rH%2FC4M1vKWikOikjugE4AKBXl6TfPOk4%2BSa4VBze1LC4TQxDIQtVQW7KLIrTIz9rKXAPlo9lfkZTfa%2BYKutptg%3D%3D">Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)</a></blockquote> </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="itemBox"> <div class="itemHeader"> <div> <div class="backToTop"><a href="#top"><img alt="back to top" border="0" height="14" src="/usapgov/images/button-top-blue.gif" width="15" /></a></div> <a name="InternationalCooperation"></a>International Cooperation</div> </div> <div class="itemBody"> <p><a href="/theAntarcticTreaty/">The Antarctic Treaty</a> regulates international cooperation in Antarctica, and different nations continually support one another in logistics and science projects across the continent. Exciting collaboration is taking place, and the United States Antarctic Program is a prominent participant. Browse through information on international cooperation by using the links below.</p> <blockquote><a href="https://www.state.gov/e/oes/ocns/opa/c6528.htm" target="" title="External U.S. Government Site">U.S. Antarctic Policy—U.S. Department of State</a><br /> <a href="/externalsite.cfm?bvRhc8fSyZLGEaFDPZHS1wtybd5owbogMEqKWTCuylE%3D" target="" title="External Non U.S. Government Site">Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP)</a><br /> <a href="/externalsite.cfm?s0PAxdUVZATQRF8oITYKX38EzN7rr8ghYthA9b50kdM%3D" target="" title="External Non U.S. Government Site">Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR)</a><br /> <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/ipy/ipyinfo.jsp">International Polar Year (IPY)</a></blockquote> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div> <div class="footer links"> <div class="footer-container"> <table> <tr> <td><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/"> <img src="https://www.usap.gov/grafx/logo-nsf-lg.png" alt="National Science Foundation logo full color, links to nsf.gov" width="113" border="0"></a> </td> <td style="width:27%;"> <h2>Contact USAP</h2> U.S. National Science Foundation<br> <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=OPP">Office of Polar Programs</a><br> Geosciences Directorate<br> 2415 Eisenhower Avenue<br> Suite W7100<br> Alexandria, VA 22314<br> <span style="display:block;margin-top:1rem;"> Sign up for the NSF Office of Polar Programs <a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNSF/subscriber/new?topic_id=USNSF_317">newsletter</a> and <a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNSF/subscriber/new?topic_id=USNSF_405">events</a>. </span> </td> <td style="width:27%;"> <h2>Quick Links</h2> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/videoClipsAndMaps/">USAP Webcams</a><br /> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/jobsAndOpportunities/">Jobs and Opportunities</a><br /> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/aboutTheUSAP/">About the Program</a><br /> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/aboutUSAPParticipants/">About USAP Participants</a><br /> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/travelAndDeployment/contentHandler.cfm?id=541">USAP Participant Guide</a><br /> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/videoClipsAndMaps/">Video Clips, Maps, and Images</a><br /> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/stationTimes.cfm">USAP Station Times</a><br /> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/travelAndDeployment/">Travel and Deployment</a><br /> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/scienceSupport/polarice/">POLAR ICE</a><br /> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/technology/contentHandler.cfm?id=1935">South Pole Satellite Communications</a><br /> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/aboutTheContinent/">About the Continent</a> </td> <td style="width:30%;"> <h2>Help</h2> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/contentHandler.cfm?id=970">USAP Frequently Asked Questions</a><br /> <a href="https://www.usap.gov/contentHandler.cfm?id=491">Help and Support</a><br /> <a href="mailto:websupport@usap.gov">Email the USAP</a><br /> <a href="https://feedback.usap.gov/WSF/index.cfm?siteName=USAPgov">Feedback Form</a> <div class="usap-div-table" style="margin:20px 0 -8px 0;"> <div class="usap-div-row"> <div class="usap-div-cell" style="padding:0 8px 0 0;width:10%;"> <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/social/"> <img src="https://www.usap.gov/grafx/nsf-white.svg" alt="NSF logo white, links to NSF social page" style="width:40px;height:40px;margin:4px 0 0 2px;"></a> </div> <div class="usap-div-cell" style="padding:8px 0 0 0;"> <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/social/">U.S. National Science Foundation<br>Social Media</a> </div> </div> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> <div class="footer nsf"> <div class="footer-container"> <ul> <li><a href="https://new.nsf.gov/about">About NSF</a></li> <li class="divider"><div></div></li> <li><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/vulnerability-disclosure-policy/">Vulnerability Disclosure</a></li> <li class="divider"><div></div></li> <li><a href="https://oig.nsf.gov/">Inspector General</a></li> <li class="divider"><div></div></li> <li><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/policies/privacy.jsp">Privacy</a></li> <li class="divider"><div></div></li> <li><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/policies/foia.jsp">FOIA</a></li> <li class="divider"><div></div></li> <li><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/od/oecr/nofearact_notice.jsp">No FEAR Act</a></li> <li class="divider"><div></div></li> <li><a href="https://www.usa.gov/">USA.gov</a></li> <li class="divider"><div></div></li> <li><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/policies/access.jsp">Accessibility</a></li> <li class="divider"><div></div></li> <li><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/policies/nsf_plain_language.jsp">Plain Language</a></li> </ul> <div class="officialNSF">An official website of the U.S. National Science Foundation.</div> </div> </div> </body> </html>

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The USAP Portal: Science and Support in Antarctica - About the Program