Arctic Ocean Research and Supporting Facilities: National Needs and Goals (1995)

OCEANOGRAPHIC CENTERS AND FACILITIES SECTION

Dear Bill:

The Ocean Sciences Division of NSF requests the Ocean Studies Board in cooperation with the Polar Research Board review and evaluate the scientific requirements for an Arctic Research Vessel (ARV) in the context of national research needs in the Arctic ocean regions. The report will be most useful if completed by September 1995 with an interim science and technical report in the May/June 1995 timeframe.

The following is a draft framework for the proposed review for consideration. I proposed to develop the final review charge jointly with you to ensure both direct NSF items and possible additional items of interest to the OSB are included to provide a balanced report.

1. Scientific requirements for Arctic Research Vessel.

   • Review/synopsis of past scientific reports and studies

   • Identification of current and projected science requirements for next decade(s).

   • Identification of base of support in research community. Who? Where?

   • Opportunities for international collaboration. Added value?

   All issues should be addressed in the context of national research needs-i.e. all agencies, not NSF alone.

2. National facilities to meet scientific requirements.

   • ARV design, research capabilities, and operations

   • Polar-class icebreakers, capabilities, and operations

   • Other platforms

   • • Nuclear research submarine

     • New Coast Guard construction (Healey)

     • Other?

     • International facilities contribution to requirements

3. Resource projections and requirements

   • Projected agency programs

   • Science and logistics resource requirements

4. Management options and recommendations

   • National facility

   • Other

Dr. william Merrell

I recognize that the outline above has several artificial separations - i.e. science requirements, facilities and budgets need to be linked in a comprehensive report rather than treated as independent variables. The primary goal for NSF is to obtain a fresh comprehensive look at Arctic Ocean science requirements, needed ocean-going facilities (existing and new) and needed resources and management approaches. The resource issue should be addressed in a prudent fashion - i.e. reasonable, timely, relevant scientific requirements not an unlimited universe.

I envision two components to the proposed study.

1. OSB/PRB organized workshop for scientific input, facilities presentations, and agency views/projections.

2. OSB/PRB chartered committee for review, analysis and report with substantiative recommendations.

The proposed interim science and technical report in May/June 1995 would be based on the workshop with the final report by the committee.

I would appreciate your comments, suggestions or additions to the proposed ARV review study. A budget estimate for the study, with options (?), will be useful.

Sincerely,

Donald F. Heinrichs

Head