To perform research in Antarctica is to truly push the bounds of science. Participants in the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) must pass stringent physical qualifications and extensive safety training in preparation for deployment to the "Ice."

The Participant On-Line Antarctic Resource Information Coordination Environment (POLAR ICE) is the web-based software application used to assist in deployment preparation, and coordinate and facilitate support for Antarctic research missions.

Researchers seeking a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant and researchers who have been awarded NSF funding for work in Antarctica use POLAR ICE in the following ways:

• Generate an Operational Requirements Worksheet (ORW) in addition to the proposal as part of the funding consideration process.
• Complete a Support Information Package (SIP) each deployment year to detail all logistical and support needs, and to better plan appropriate mission resources.
• Coordinate and manage overall support and resources.

First Time Users

First time users be sure to read all information about POLAR ICE listed below before launching the application.

Release Notice and Security Considerations
Online Planning Cycle
User System Requirements
Rules of Behavior
Tutorial
Feedback Forum
About Launching POLAR ICE
Technical Support

Launch POLAR ICE