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Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics
Special Announcements |
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National Science Foundation Realignment Plans
Posted: 7 September 2012 |
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During a press conference at the National Academy of Sciences on 23 July 2012, the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science Foundation announced the publication of a new study of future options for logistical support of the U.S. Antarctic Program.
The report, More and Better Science in Antarctica through Increased Logistical Effectiveness, is now available on the NSF web site.
Posted: 23 July 2012 |
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U.S. Antarctic Program Grantee Alert
NSF Charters Icebreaker to Support U.S. Research Stations in Antarctica (NSF Press Release, 12-121)
The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced on 3 July 2012 that it will exercise an option for chartering the diesel icebreaker Vladimir Ignatyuk from Russia's Murmansk Shipping Company. The Ignatyuk will again create a channel through the sea ice of Antarctica's McMurdo Sound needed to resupply and refuel U.S. research stations during the upcoming 2012 to 2013 season.
For more information, read the NSF press release.
Posted: 5 July 2012 |
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NSF Awards Logistical Support Contract for U.S. Antarctic Program to Lockheed Martin Corporation
Posted: 12 April 2012 |
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ANTARCTIC NEWS |
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Boomerangs and bad weather
Storms delay first planes to McMurdo Station before flights get on schedule
Late August storms around McMurdo Station delayed the first U.S. Antarctic Program flights to Antarctica since March, but the last of six planned flights finally took place on Aug. 31 (local time), officially ending the winter fly-in period called Winfly, when new personnel arrive to ready the research station for the upcoming field season that begins in October.
For more information, read the Antarctic Sun story at
http://antarcticsun.usap.gov/features/contenthandler.cfm?id=2730
Posted: 12 April 2012 |
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United States Antarctic Program Web Portal — Visit the USAP portal for information on U.S. program activities. |
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ANTARCTIC STATIONS |
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The U.S. Antarctic Program, Division of Antarcitc Infrastructure and Logistics, operates three year-round stations—McMurdo, Amundsen-Scott South Pole, and Palmer stations. Camps operate only in summer to support field research. Six automated geophysical observatories and more than 100 automated weather stations operate year-round. The weather stations involve international collaboration with the Italian, German, Australian, and British programs.
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McMurdo Station, Ross Island, Antarctica, is the largest station in Antarctica and the logistics hub for the U.S. Antarctic Program. (NSF/USAP photo by Michael Hoffman, Raytheon Polar Services)
Visit the McMurdo Station webcam.
Read recent reports from McMurdo Station, published in the Antarctic Sun. |
LOGISTICAL SUPPORT |
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Ski-equipped Hercules airplanes (LC-130) transport fuel, equipment, supplies, and personnel from McMurdo Station to inland sites, including Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, and from New Zealand. During the austral summer, wheeled military transports (C-17s and C-130s) also bring equipment, personnel, and supplies to Antarctica from New Zealand.
Ski-equipped Twin Otters and Basler aircraft also provide support to field teams during the austral summer. |
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Helicopters provide support to field parties in the McMurdo Dry Valleys in southern Victoria Land and at remote field camps. Here a helicopter lands near the Beardmore Camp in the Transantarctic Mountains. (NSF/USAP photo by Kristan Hutchison, Raytheon Polar Services) |
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Small and large field camps support science parties in remote areas of Antarctica. The photograph shows a large camp—Beardmore Camp—which supported eight geology and paleontology projects during the 2003-2004 austral summer season. (NSF/USAP photo by Kristan Hutchison, Raytheon Polar Services) |
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Automated Geophysical Observatories supported by the U.S. Antarctic Program. |
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