USAGE works closely with international scientific organizations to advance polar geophysics research and foster global collaboration in understanding Earth's polar regions.
The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) coordinates international scientific research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. USAGE aligns with and contributes to several key SCAR programs focused on understanding the solid Earth and its interactions with the cryosphere.
Interdisciplinary Science of the Terrestrial Antarctic
SCAR-INSTANT is a major international research program that brings together diverse scientific disciplines to understand Antarctica's terrestrial environment and its role in the Earth system. The program focuses on understanding the solid Earth beneath Antarctica and how it interacts with the overlying ice sheet.
USAGE has strong alignment with Theme 2: Probing the Solid Earth and Its Interactions, which aims to understand how Antarctica's solid Earth influences ice sheet dynamics, volcanism, and crustal deformation. Our workshops and community coordination efforts directly support PSE's objectives of:
Recent Ice-proximal Geologic Events in the Scotia Sea Region
RINGS is a SCAR cross-program action group focused on understanding recent geologic and tectonic events in the Scotia Sea region and their connections to ice sheet dynamics. The program investigates the complex interactions between solid Earth processes, ice sheet behavior, and sea level in this tectonically active region.
RINGS research complements USAGE's focus on observational networks by providing critical context for understanding solid Earth-ice sheet interactions in one of Antarctica's most dynamic regions. The program's emphasis on integrating geophysical, geological, and glaciological data aligns with USAGE's interdisciplinary approach.
Antarctic GEology
The Antarctic Geology (AGE) research program aims to advance understanding of Antarctica's geological evolution and its role in global tectonic and climatic systems. AGE brings together geoscientists from around the world to study Antarctica's bedrock geology, geological history, and the processes that shape the continent.
AGE's geological framework provides essential context for interpreting geophysical observations. USAGE's seismic, geodetic, and other geophysical networks help constrain models of crustal structure and mantle properties that are fundamental to understanding Antarctica's geological evolution. The integration of geological and geophysical perspectives is crucial for:
USAGE facilitates connections between US researchers and international collaborators through various mechanisms:
Our workshops bring together researchers from multiple countries to share results, coordinate fieldwork, and plan collaborative projects.
Facilitating access to and integration of geophysical data collected by international partners through coordinated data management efforts.
Supporting development of collaborative research proposals that leverage complementary expertise and resources across national boundaries.
Promoting international collaboration at the early career stage through student participation in workshops and field campaigns.
As the international community prepares for the next International Polar Year (IPY 2032-33), USAGE is working with SCAR and other organizations to coordinate US contributions to this major international effort. The upcoming IPY presents unprecedented opportunities for:
Stay tuned for announcements about IPY planning workshops and opportunities to get involved.
Interested in participating in international collaborations or learning more about how USAGE connects with global research programs? Contact us to explore opportunities.