As a check on the separation of these two signals, the elevation record must be consistent with the shape of the ice sheet deduced from geologic data and the climate record must be consistent with the pattern of atmospheric circulation that is influenced by the ice-sheet shape. Simultaneously addressing both questions is mutually beneficial. Although longer Southern Hemisphere climate records can be obtained from deeper ice in East Antarctica, these cores lack the high resolution and absolute dating needed to reveal and correlate the rapid fluctuations seen in Greenland. Thus, WAIS ice core data will be uniquely able to answer whether the climate mode-flips seen in Greenland are global and, if so, indicate where they started and how they spread. The Future Knowledge of the past will provide the keys to unlock the future.
Models are the tools.
The ability to reproduce historical descriptions of West Antarctica validates the models and provides a means for model improvement as the historical data set grows. Science Plan WAIS is a multidisciplinary program. The proposed investigations comprehensively examine the ice sheet from ice divide to calving front, on the terrestrial, subglacial and submarine surfaces where it is or has been, and in the proximal and distant atmosphere and ocean. WAIS is clearly defined by a set of key questions that serve to focus the scientific effort. These are listed in the WAIS Science and Implementation Plan along with specific studies needed to answer these key questions.