Improving Cargo Train Mobility in Deep Snow in Antarctica

ERDC's Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, New Hampshire, conducted research for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) to alleviate mobility challenges along the 1600-km over-snow route from McMurdo Station to South Pole Station in Antarctica. Despite relatively low sled ski pressures and encouraging pre-departure test results, cargo trains experienced poor mobility over undisturbed snow on the Ross Ice Shelf. A fleet of sleds encountered excessive towing resistances, immobility, and frequent breakdown. To define the problem and to recommend a solution, researchers conducted expedient mobility tests, snow-strength measurements, and snow-pit studies along 250 km of the route.

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Fuel sleds