GNSS Observations of Antarctic Crustal Deformation – International Framework for Future Networks?

Geodetic time series from autonomous GNSS systems distributed across Antarctica are revealing unexpected patterns and startling rates of crustal deformation due to GIA.  Linked with seismic mapping and derived rheological properties of the Antarctic crust and mantle, and with new modeling capabilities, our understanding of the timescales of GIA response to ice sheet change is swiftly advancing.  Rapid GIA response allows for cryosphere-solid earth interactions that can alter ice sheet behavior on decadal and centennial timescales.  Continued progress in understanding how such feedbacks may influence future contributions of polar ice sheets to global sea level change requires continuing and expanding our geodetic observations. What frameworks can lead to implementation of this goal?  U.S. and international science vision documents pertaining to geodynamics, the changing cryosphere and sea level, all point to international collaborative efforts as the way to achieve ambitious science goals and extend observational capacities in polar regions.  SCAR research programmes facilitated the network vision and collaborative relations that led to the POLENET (POLar Earth observing NETwork) network of geophysical and geodetic instruments during the International Polar Year 2007-08. Can the SCAR INSTANT programme provide a framework for collaborative initiatives between national Antarctic programs to form a sustainable model to support acquisition of the observations required to meet community science objectives?  Let’s consider the ‘grass roots’ actions by the science community needed to push international, interdisciplinary science frameworks forward.