NSF plans abrupt end to lone U.S. Antarctic research icebreaker

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By Paul Voosen, Science. 

Excerpt: The National Science Foundation (NSF) plans to abruptly end operation of the RV Nathaniel B. Palmer, the sole U.S. research ship capable of braving the farthest reaches of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The move...is alarming polar scientists: Today, more than 170 researchers sent NSF leaders and Congress a letter asking the agency to reconsider. ...For nearly 60 years...the United States has continuously operated science-dedicated icebreakers in the Southern Ocean. They have gathered foundational data illuminating how these frigid waters ferry carbon and heat to the abyss below and how warm currents within them drive the melt of the continent’s vast ice sheet. ...The Palmer, in operation since 1992, was the latest flag bearer in this long line. Capable of hosting two helicopters and up to 45 researchers, the Palmer was best known recently for its daring visits to the Thwaites Glacier, the so-called “doomsday” glacier located in a remote region of West Antarctica.... 

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