Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Antarctica: Life on the Ice  

Outline
This book is an anthology of twenty personal essays that describe daily life in Antarctica. The stories come from all three bases: McMurdo, South Pole and Palmer. Other locations include Mount Erebus, Cape Royds, the Dry Valleys, the Polar Plateau and an island off the Palmer Peninsula. The stories are told by cooks, scientists, writers, and other general workers. The range of stories is wide—from a hilarious tale by Karen Joyce describing the day it “rained chickens” to penguin expert David Ainley sitting on the stoop of his rac tent contemplating the fate of the colony at Cape Royds. The final essay is from Guy Guthridge who championed the Artist and Writers program at the NSF for many years. In offering a range of voices I wanted to capture the diversity and richness of Antarctic life. The project was supported by an NSF Artist & Writers award. The IPY is linked to my website: www.susanfoxrogers.com The book has been published this October by Traveler’s Tales.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The essays in this collection take readers to the ice to experience walking in the Dry Valleys, looking for meteorites on the Polar Plateau or washing dishes at the South Pole. In experiencing a range of intimate, daily situations readers can enter into polar life. In these vivid essays, this vast and often daunting continent is given a human scale. My hope is that this will make readers more aware of and curious about all aspects of the continent.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This book was assembled under an NSF Writers & Artist grant

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?

How will the project be organised and managed?

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Project complete

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Susan Fox Rogers
Bard College
Annandale, NY 12504
NY 12504
USA

Tel: +1 845-757-5566
Mobile: no
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation