Approach into unknown regions

Throughout past polar years and during the German and international polar research campaigns since, significant progress in terms of geoscientific, glaciological, oceanographic and biological exploration has improved our understanding of the inhospitable and remote polar regions. Despite such major efforts, however, large parts of polar environments remain unexplored, leading to a currently limited understanding of the significance of polar regions for the present status quo and the development of the Earth system. This deficiency is a consequence of inadequate exploration technology, cost-intensive logistical and technological demands, as well as the inaccessibility of some polar regions. The Polar Year 2007/08 provides and excellent opportunity to close existing gaps in international collaboration and to make significant scientific progress in fully exploring our planet.