2. POLAR SCIENCE

The Antarctic Research programme, which was initiated in 1981, has taken the shape of a major national programme that has a distinct multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary approach. So far 23 scientific expeditions have been launched on a regular basis including two expeditions to the Southern Oceans one to Weddel Sea and another one for assessment of Antarctic Krill, for carrying out research in the thrust areas of polar science. Till date, more than 55 national institutions have participated in the scientific and logistic components of the expedition thereby taking about 1450 Indians to the icy continent.

From 1999 onwards the Indian Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica are launched from Cape Town, South Africa, resulting in mutual scientific/logistics advantages. It has also paved the way for future international cooperation in the field of polar science between India and South Africa in particular and other countries using Cape Town as a base for their expeditions.

2.1 Scientific accomplishments of XX

Expedition

Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology

¨ A 3-station triangulation experiment and simultaneous magnetic recording (digital and/or analog) were carried out with a view to understanding the dynamics of the auroral current systems.

¨ Atmospheric electrical parameters near the Kamat Hut at Maitri were measured to study the global electric circuit. A maximum of 2000 UT observed confirms the traditional view that the thunderstorms are the main drivers of the

Meteorological Observations in Antarctica near “ Maitri”

global circuit. Effects of local meteorological conditions on the measured electrical parameters and the magnetospheric contributions to the ionospheric potential and the global circuit were investigated in detail.

Climatological and Meteorological studies

¨ Continuous observation on the weather pattern, atmospheric pressure, surface ozone and global solar radiation was made at Maitri.

¨ Four ozone sonde ascents were taken during summer season. All the ascents reached more than 30 Km height.

¨ Measurement of atmospheric turbidity was done using Sun Photometer with filters of 500nm & 560nm.

VLF Propagation studies

¨ VLF propagation data were recorded by digital audio recorder PCM-R300 continuously.

¨ Whistler and related events were detected manually from the recorded data.

Earth Sciences and Glaciology

.. Geological mapping and glaciological studies carried out by Geological Survey of India, in the Muhlig-Hoffmannfjell area revealed very coarse-grained porphyritic granite and charnockite. A nunatak east of Muhlig-Hoffmannfjell depicts a classical inter-relationship between charnockite and granite; but no textural difference between these two types of rocks was observed.

.. Glaciomorpholigical studies in Schirmacher Oasis have helped in defining the important glaciomorphological features on map, which include deglaciated areas, U vally, glacial terraces, etc. An interesting feature recorded north of Novo station showed a rounded pebble bed suggesting the influence of considerable fluvial action in its deposition.

Planetary Geomdetic Studies

The data were generated on surface geometry and surface height ranges as well as surface motion. The computation of the data would be useful forassessing the changes in bedrock elevation. The GPS data obtained from the GPS station established at Maitri served as a fundamental marker to International Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) GPS campaign for 2001.

Tele Seismic studies

The seismic station equipped with high-resolution digital seismograph and an analog seismic recorder was upgraded with the installation of additional Broad Band Seismic System with Gurlap CMG-3ESP sensor and Digital acquisition system RT 121 from Reftek.

The data on January 2001 Bhuj earthquake recorded at Maitri seismic station were analysed and sent to NGRI. Using SEISAN software, preliminary analysis of both the digital and analog records was carried out. Archiving of the DAT tapes as well as CDs for further analysis of the events was also completed.

E.W. Antenna installed in front of “Maitri”

Crack Propagation studies

· Collection of Albedo values and other parameters near Veteiah hill and Dakshin Gangotri station was completed. Also at these locations Automatic Weather Stations with sensors recording wind speed and wind direction, relative humidity and ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure, were made operational along with Albedometer and snow depth sensors.

· The snow grain identification studies indicated predominantly sugary grains at Veteiah, Shivling and Russian Aerodrome site.

· Crack propagation study of the crack in India Bay was initiated. GPS reading for the crack was taken for long-term monitoring.

Sea-ice cover in Antarctica

Ground Probe radar Survey

The Ground Penetrating Radar Survey carried out near the Veteiah nunatak (Lat.: 70^o dg 47.75’S; Long:11^o 41.73’E) indicated an ice thickness of 5-7 metres, which gradually increased to 100 m at 400 m along the survey profile from the Veteiah nunatak (due south).

Hydrographic Survey

At three locations, current direction and speed, water temperature, salinity and velocity of sound were observed using Smart Acoustic Current Meter. Ice shelf delineation was undertaken using the Helicopter. Meteorological data were collected that could be used in developing a database and correlating it with other data.

Global Change

For Palyno-stratigraphic studies, air samples were collected using Burkard Volumetric Sampler (UK) on the voyage starting from 40^o South latitude to Indian Research Station Maitri, Schirmacher Oasis, East Antarctica. Thirty five moss cushions, 15 dry soil samples, 5 dry algal mats and 10 glacial dust samples were collected from different dry lake sites and along the margin of polar ice cap, valleys and Nunataks, in a transect at an interval of 200-500 m in and around Schirmacher Oasis. Water samples from six different glacial lakes, three fresh snow samples and three blue ice samples were collected for palynological as well chemical analysis. Total mass concentration of aerosols at Surface level was measured using QCM.

Biological Sciences and Environmental

Conservation

Ecology of 16 selected lakes of Schirmacher oasis was studied by collecting water and plankton samples.

Human Biology and Medicine

Studies on leptin neuropeptide status in the human beings was conducted in three phases viz., Phase I at Goa, Phase II immediately after reaching Antarctica and Phase III after one month of stay at Antarctica. Blood, urine and food samples were collected, apart from anthropometric and body fat measurements. Tests for taste sensitivity and perception were also carried out during the expedition.

Wind energy utilization in Antarctica

A portable windmill, and a small windmill were also installed and commissioned on a Mobile lab and near the Maitri Workshop, respectively for testing the design capabilities suitable for Antarctic conditions.

· A prototype vertical axis Windmill was successfully installed and commissioned near the Nandadevi hut for testing the performance of the machine and machine sub-assembly components in Antarctic conditions.

2.2 XXI Indian Scientific Antarctic Expedition

The 21^st expedition was launched from Goa. Secretary, DOD flagged off the Expedition on 8^th January 2002 onboard M.V. Magdalena Oldendorff at Cape Town, South Africa. The helisupport is provided by M/S New Zealand Helicopters Pvt. Ltd.

This Expedition is led by Shri. R.P. Lal, a meteorologist from India Meteorological Department consisting of 49 members drawn from 16 institutions. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. & Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd, would provide the communication services. Installation of online telemedicine facilities using the services of Ruskun doctor anywhere .com, is another feature of this expedition. Director, NCAOR accompanied the expedition members on a short visit for reviewing the scientific & logistic activities at Maitri and assess the site locations for the proposed new station.

Launching of XXI Indian Scientific

Expedition to Antractica from Goa

Scientific and Logistic Objectives of 21^st Indian Antarctic Expedition

Six new experiments in different domains of polar science in addition to the ongoing studies would be carried out during this expedition by the participating institutions. Of these, seven experiments would directly contribute to the International scientific campaign under the aegis of Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR).

A summary of the proposed activities, is given below:

Atmospheric Sciences

In addition to the ongoing ozonesonde and brewer observation, a new programme on Green house gas (CO.CH₄) monitoring and a ship borne sodar observation to monitor boundary layer characteristics associated with dynamic – air sea boundary movements would be carried out.

Emphasis would be given for looking at ionosphere and magnetosphere as active elements, which could modulate the global electric current. VLF propagation studies initiated in the 20^th expedition

would be continued.

Earth Sciences, Glaciology & Global Change

Polar ice front monitoring on an extended scale, with the use of sequential satellite imageries/aerial photographs to broaden the scope of work by carrying out the studies on changes in the shelf ice margin over years, would be taken up. The geological mapping of the Hoffman-Muhlig range would be continued. The geomorphological studies in the area would be completed.

Tele-seismic studies & planetary geodetic studies on Maitri GPS data as a fundamental marker to SCAR-GPS 1998 campaign, collection and dissemination of seismic data to NEIS (USGS) for inclusion of Maitri station phase data in Global Epicentral determination, etc., would be continued. The hourly synoptic met and albedo data obtained through the Automatic Weather Station (AWS) would be used as inputs for energy budget modelling. In addition, Effect of ice layers, within snow pack, on albedo; Integrated albedo measurements on the surfaces of Pack ice, fast ice and Pancake ice, thin sea ice during formation; Old sea ice covered with snow; Frozen lake (Priyadarshini lake), would be made.

A close contour topographical mapping (I m contour) on the scale of 1:1000 of the area east of the area surveyed during XX IAE would be carried out to identify the new location as a replacement to Maitri.

The grain morphometry and petrology of the grains would be studied to ascertain mineralogical variation.

Lateral isotopic variation in the surface snow on Antarctica would be measured to understand the surface mixing of snow and its implication on the isotopic variation.

Biology & Environmental Conservation

Assessment of flora and invertebrate fauna and preparation of a monograph on Arthropods of Antarctica.

Exploration of the Bio-potentialities of snow dwelling and epiphytic bacteria of Antarctica.

Engineering & Communication

Up-gradation of the present communication facilities at Maitri apart from routine operation and maintenance of this communication equipment. Present HF communication facility at Maitri would be improved to HF Adaptive communication system to provide HF data communication.

An indigenous wind mill of 140 watts designed and developed by NAL, Bangalore, would be installed.