Future Directions for Southern Ocean and Antarctic Nearshore and Coastal Research

The study will: </br> • Identify the highest-priority science drivers for Southern Ocean and Antarctic nearshore and coastal research, based on prior studies and reports.

Consider both near- and long-term science priorities. </br> • Determine the capabilities that are essential to support these science drivers. In a resource-constrained environment, what are the potential tradeoffs among highly specialized and general capabilities? Or among costly vs less expensive capabilities? </br> • Consider the capabilities needed for a proposed Antarctic Research Vessel, but also other U.S. fleet capabilities and potential partnerships with other countries and their fleets. </br> • Assess current and emerging tools, technologies, and approaches (e.g., under ice ROVs and AUVs, drones, ship-capable drilling platforms, partnerships with other groups) that can be used to support the science drivers and/or extend ship capabilities in support of the science drivers.</br> • Note any gaps between the science drivers and the portfolio of capabilities, and discuss how NSF might address them.</br> A community workshop focused on gathering input on the tasks above will be held toward the beginning of this study and will assist the committee in its information-gathering.