Principles of Environmental and Scientific Stewardship for the Exploration and Study of Subglacial Lake Environments

该奖项支持国家科学院的一项研究，以确定南极洲冰下湖泊勘探和管理所需的环境保护标准。这些湖泊已经与世隔绝了数千万年。目前尚未探索的是，它们可能包含极端环境中生命的独特例子，这将有助于我们了解生命的起源及其在整个太阳系冰冷地区存在的潜力。底部沉积物也将包含导致湖泊形成的独特地质和冰川过程的记录。该报告将界定污染标准，并确定入湖的一般环境协议。在编写报告时，将与国际科学界以及拥有专利的非政府组织进行讨论。由此产生的报告将是一个有用的教育资源，为学生的冰下研究和环境政策适用于通过国际条约。

This award supports a National Academy of Sciences study to determine the environmental protection standards required for exploration and stewardship of subglacial lakes in Antarctica. These lakes have been isolated for tens of millions of years. Unexplored at present, they may contain unique examples of life in an extreme environment, which will contribute to our understanding of life's origin and its potential for existence in icy regions throughout the solar system. Bottom sediments will also contain records of the unique geologic and glaciologic processes that led to lake formation. The report will define contamination standards and determine general environmental protocols for lake entry. Production of the report will involve discussion with the international scientific community, as well as stake-holding non-government organizations. The resulting report will be a useful educational resource for students of both subglacial research and environmental policy applied through international treaty.