Three decades of research have demonstrated the intimate interaction between the Antarctic and the major environmental systems of our world. Antarctica represents a major heat sink that is of fundamental importance in driving the global atmospheric regime. This book presents authoritative essays on the ramifications of observed environmental changes occurring in this vital region. Topics include the atmosphere; the climate record from ice cores and ocean sediments; the ice sheet and its relevance to sea level, oceans, and sea ice; rock weathering, soils and colonization; terrestrial plants and animals; marine primary production and biogeochemical cycles; krill and fish stocks; seabirds, seals, and whales. Researchers in the Earth, life, atmospheric, and ocean sciences will find this volume of immense value, as will all Antarctic specialists and environmental scientists.