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NSF-GBS Public Release Antarctica Desktop Study

Bridging Technology, Science and Industry Antarctica is an exciting frontier with many environmental, biological, and geological discoveries yet to be made; it is also a technological frontier as it is the only remaining continent without submarine fiber optic communications, relying on low-bandwidth satellite for information transmission. The addition of a new SMART cable system could open a world of scientific discovery and international engagement. GBS is pleased to support the U.S. National Science Foundation's objective to explore the feasiblity of a SMART cable system to McMurdo Research Station to further research and communications for the U.S. Antarctic program.

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Note To Reader

he Antarctica to Australia – New Zealand Desktop Study was developed as

a comprehensive technical report to determine the feasibility of building a

sensor-equipped submarine fiber optic cable system in the Southern Ocean.

This first-of-its-kind project, led by the National Science Foundation, seeks to

expand communications and research-sharing capabilities from McMurdo Station,

an important United States research base in Antarctica, to Australia and New

Zealand.

The Antarctic Science Monitoring And Reliable Telecommunications (SMART)

cable system presents a unique opportunity to collect subsea data in near-real time,

while increasing communications and access between this distant continent and the

rest of the world.

The original Comprehensive Desktop Study was submitted to the National Science

Foundation in August 2022.

We thank all who contributed to the development of this

publicly available version of the desktop study.

DISCLAIMER: Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this

document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National

Science Foundation. The contents, including graphics, provide examples and samples of the

proposed cable project and are for illustrative purposes. Portions of the Desktop Study

(e.g., main narrative, appendices, etc.) have been redacted due to the commercial business

proprietary nature of the information, information that is of a deliberative nature, and

information subject to potential restriction in compliance with OMB Circular A-11. Areas of

redaction are so noted by a footnote or other appropriate indicators.

Graphics, navigation charts, and bathymetry information are included for illustrative

purposes to display potential proposed cable routes and are used with permissions through

fair use, publicly available information, or purchased datasets (e.g., Esri, AutoCAD, Global

Mapper, etc.). Images of McMurdo Station were provided by the National Science Foundation.

Graphics using Google Products follow the Use Policy with GBS Registration and attributions.

Some graphics were created using ArcGIS® software by Esri, ArcGIS® and ArcMap™ and are

reserved. For more information about Esri® software, please visit www.esri.com.