The Ninth Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica

Ninth Indian Expedition to Antarctica, Scientific Report, 1994 Department of Ocean Development, Technical Publication No. 6, pp. 1-20

The Ninth Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica — Events & Achievements

RASIK RAVINDRA

Expedition Leader

Exploration is the physical expression of the intellectual passion. If you have the desire for theknowledge and the power to give it physical expression, go out and explore. If you march your Winterjourneys, so long as all you want is a penguin egg, you will have your reward.

(Cherry Garrard in Worst Journey in the World)

Introduction

India launched its Ninth Scientific Expedition to Antarctica on 30th November 1989 as

its continued effort to further the advancements made in multidisciplinary fields of science

and technology in this icy continent by previous eight expeditions. The Ninth Expedition

was successful in achieving all its set goals and objectives, inspite of several hardships

forced on to it by nature and destiny. Among the major achievements of the expedition were

setting up of a modern meteorological observatory and a Green house at Maitri, exploration

of deep interior mountains of southern Humboldt, establishment of a surface route to

northern Humboldt and carrying out geological, glaciological, geophysical and meteoro-

logical investigations in this area during winter. Year long studies on human adaptations and

physiological changes under extreme cold conditions and astrophysical studies were initi-

ated for the first time. Record surface transportation of 250 kilo litre fuel from Dakshin

Gangotri (DG) to Maitri, smooth decommissioning of DG and transfer of stores from DG

supply base to Maitri were additional landmarks.

Assignments

Based on the long-term objectives of Indian Antarctic Programme, the following tasks

were identified for the Ninth Expedition and its wintering component (Seventh Wintering

Team):

A. Scientific tasks

i) Geoscientific studies:

Earth science programme included geological, structural, geochemical and radio-

metric studies in Schirmacher and Wohlthat mountains, geological mapping during

winter in Wohlthat mountain and continuation of ongoing glaciological pro-

gramme.

2 Rasik Ravindra

ii) Atmospheric studies:

Measurement of total ozone, atmospheric gases and extent of UV radiation;

synoptic observations of routine meteorological parameters; launching of

ozonesonde and radiosonde balloon ascents, VLF and boundary layer experiments.

iii) Astrophysical studies;

Observations of supergranulation and its relationship with Sun's magnetic field.

iv) Biological studies:

Ecological and physiological aspects of the invertebrate fauna, studies on their

adaptation to the Antarctic environment with special reference to population

cycles, respiratory metabolism and cold tolerance etc.

v) Microbiological investigations:

Study on primitive microorganisms in the lakes of Schirmacher Oasis.

vi) Polar medicine:

Studies on polar medicine particularly on physiological and psychological changes

in humans under extreme cold conditions.

B. Logistic tasks

i) Establishment of meteorological observatory at Maitri.

ii) Construction of a Green House.

iii) Conversion of DG Station into a supply base for use in Summer and periodic use

in Winter.

iv) Maintenance of the Maitri Station and all its services.

v) Maintenance of all vehicles at DG and Maitri.

vi) Logistic support to scientific activities.

vii) Transportation of stores and fuel from DG to Maitri.

The Voyage

The expedition was flagged off with 81 members onboard M.V. Thuleland on 30th

November 1989 for Antarctica. The ship crossed equator on 4th December 1989. It had to

halt at the outer anchorage of Port Louis for a few hours to replenish some of the life saving

drugs requisitioned by the Sixth Wintering team from Maitri. The voyage was smooth with

its normal share of minor turbulent sea through the 'forties' and 'fifties'. Ship received

regular facsimile charts, up-to-date cloud picture on APT and other charts on weather

conditions from Pretoria and Molodezhnaya, which warned us about incoming depressions

and associated storms.

On 17th December 1989, the expedition got the news of Lt. Attar Singh, a member of

Sixth Wintering team at Maitri, having suffered a heart attack. From then on, it was a race

against time in trying to reach Antarctica as quickly as possible to provide much needed

supply of medicines. The nature played against us. We faced the worstever pack ice

The Ninth Indian Scientific Expedition .... 3

conditions experienced by any Indian expedition so far, reducing our progress to one

nautical mile per hour and even less.

The voyage period was fruitfully utilized in planning the execution of scientific tasks and

fixing the priorities for cargo handling. A core group, drawing representatives from three

services and scientific organisations, constituted for this purpose, helped immensely.

Christmas brought hopes with opening of a narrow passage. On 26th December, while

still 100 nautical miles away from our destination, we carried a few reconnaitory flights with

Chetak helicopters and finally decided to fly MI-8 to the two Indian Stations — Dakshin

Gangotri and Maitri to rush the medical supply and hand over much awaited mail to the

Wintering members. The Wintering teams at both the stations were jubilant on seeing fellow

countrymen after a year long period of isolation. Mission accomplished, we returned to the

ship and finally entered the Polynya on 27th December 1989 at 1710 hrs.

Launching of Expedition Programme

The scientific studies, in fact, had started during the voyage itself as scientists from

BARC, NPL, IMD, GSI and DIPAS had their onboard experiments to be conducted on

particulate matter and aerosol size, UV radiation, meteorology, iceberg monitoring and

polar medicine respectively.

At Antarctica, the operation of stationing field oriented scientists at Maitri commenced

simultaneously with the arrival of Ship at Polynya. The scientists of Indian Institute of

Astrophysics (IIA), U.P. State Observatory, National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Atomic

Minerals Division (AMD) and Geological Survey of India (GSI) were shifted to summer

camp at Maitri on 27th December itself to achieve optimum utilization of fair weather days

— so rare in Antarctica. The National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) got priority

in utilization of air support with Chetak helicopters as both of these helicopters were

required later for operations in the interior areas of Wohlthat mountains. Few members from

scientific institutions like Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Defence Institute of Physiologi-

cal and Allied Studies (DIPAS), Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory (DARL),

National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Delhi University (DU) and Jadavpur University

(JU) operated from ship, initially till accommodation and other infrastructural facilities

could be provided to them at Maitri. The GSI team had planned major sphere of activities

at Southern Humboldt. The weather did not permit reconnaissance of Humboldt mountains

for selection of a camping site prior to 5th January 1990.

On 5th January, the GSI team was flown in the study area and a camping site was selected

at 71°45'S and 11° 12'30"E: By 6th January, this camp was made fully operational with two

MFC tents, one for kitchen and the other for living purpose, HF and VHF facility for

communication, spare sets of batteries, a 4.5 KVA Honda generator set for emergency and

food stock for 30 days. Shri V.K. Shrivastava, Geologist, was appointed the Camp Com-

mander. Naval technician, Shri N.C. Joshi, POEL (R) was stationed at camp to manage the

communication system. The other scientists in the camp were S/Shri B. L. Sharma, Geologist

and A.K. Bedi, Geophysicist. All these camp inmates lost their lives due to the tragic events

of the night between 7th and 8th January because of carbon monoxide poisoning. Stunned

and shocked at the sudden and unfortunate turn of events, expedition prepared for the ways

4 Rasik Ravindra

and means of preserving the bodies. These were later evacuated on 12th February by theRussian aircraft IL-14 from the Russian air strip close to Maitri station. A tearful farewellto the bodies was given by all the members.

Maintaining high morale, the members resolved that best way of paying homage to thedeparted souls was to fulfill all the tasks left unfinished by them. The entire expedition goton to its foot right from the next day.

Scientific Tasks

I. Astronomy and Atmospheric Sciences

A. Astrophysics : Two astrophysicists from Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Banga-lore and one from U.P. State Observatory, Nainital; established a solar telescope atMaitri near the wind-mill site and were successful in taking rare pictures of the Sunin Calcium K-line for 7 continuous days (24 hours cycle) with an interval of 10minutes. These scientists were able to capture sunspots, Calcium K plages andfeatures identifying supergranulations.

B. Meteorology: Collection and transmission of synoptic meteorological data, on-board ship and at Maitri is an ongoing assignment of IMD, which was continued.Fourteen radiosonde ascents were taken during onward cruise while vertical ozoneprofiles were obtained on 53 occasions. Upper air radiation flux by radiometer-sonde was continued in Winter.

All the surface instruments, self recorders, APT unit, DCP, Ozonesonde equipmentand Global radiation recorders were installed in record time. Successful radio andozonesonde ascents were launched from the new observatory.

C. Atmospheric Science : Scientists from NPL erected a permanent meteorologicaltower at Maitri with sensors at different levels to collect the weather parameters onsurface layers through computer terminals. The boundary layer experiments werealso carried out at DG.

The studies on solar radiation intensity, UV-B observations and the solar zenithangle variation were undertaken onboard ship and at Maitri using different sun-photometer and spectro-radiometer. The surface aerosol samples enroute toAntarctica and at Maitri were collected for studying the global atmospheric circu-lation. Since no scientist from NPL wintered at Maitri, the members of Winteringteam maintained their data loggers during the austral Winter.

II. Biological Studies

A. Microbiology: These studies, carried out in the Polynya and in fresh water lakes ofSchirmacher Oasis, included the investigations on primary productivity, phyto-plankton ecology, physicochemical properties, microbial ecology, microbialheterotropic activity, bacterial species composition, zooplankton type and biomassas well as the microbenthos mainly in the limnetic environment. Extensive sam-pling in Polynya was carried out from 8 different stations. Water and zooplanktonsamples were collected from various depths.

The Ninth Indian Scientific Expedition.... 5

Water samples were analysed for various aspects of phytoplankton and microbial

ecological processes. Diurnal variations of many parameters of the phytoplankton

and bacteria were monitored at two stations at close intervals of time. Over 150

strains of bacteria were collected for the analyses of Maritime Antarctic bacterial

communities.

Water and sediment samples from 45 fresh water lakes around Schirmacher were

collected for various studies.

B. Antarctica Fauna: Zoologist from ZSI collected around 180 soil samples from

different lakes in Schirmacher Oasis. Few of the samples were subjected to

extraction in the temporary laboratory set up in Maitri.

A total of 32 species of Antarctic birds were recorded. Nesting pattern of skua was

studied at 14 different nesting points. The droppings of Adelie and Emperor

penguins were collected for studying the protozoan fauna. Few dead birds were

collected and preserved for further study.

C. Horticulture: Scientist from DARL had planned to draw a long term plan for plant

support system for different ecological conditions and to lay out the experiments

on vegetables and ornamental plants/grass legumes. For this purpose, a green

house was erected adjoining the main building at Maitri. Unfortunately, the

scientist sustained a fracture in his left arm necessitating his repatriation to main-

land. The Wintering member from RDE(E) was however successful in establishing

the environmental control system in green house and thereby producing the

different varieties of vegetable and ornamental plants.

D. (i) Physiological Studies : The DIPAS physiologists studied changes of various

physiological functions and some of the biochemical parameters of blood on the

wintering and summer members of expedition. The observations on HR-ECG, BP.

MAP, BMR, CPR, EEG, Oxygen intake etc. were taken regularly throughout the

Wintering period.

(ii) Immunity and reproductive physiology: Five rabbits were taken onboard and

exposed to extreme cold, alteration in day/night ratio and other stresses to record

their behaviour pattern, immunological and other biochemical changes in blood.

Blood samples from 20 human volunteers were also drawn for further study on

levels of proteins, hormones like LH, FSH, TSH, PRL, GH and steroids. The

studies were undertaken by a research scholar from Delhi University.

III. Earth Sciences

(i) Geological and glaciological studies: GSI conducted iceberg monitoring pro-

gramme onboard during the forward journey to record 291 icebergs with their size,

shape, location and classification as per the international norms. The main area of

operation, south of Humboldt, was taken up late in January when about 1000 sq

km area lying between 71°40'S and 71°58'S and 10°45'E and 12°0'E was covered

utilizing 40 air drops. High grade metamorphic rocks were mapped and 110 rock

samples were collected for various geological studies.

6 Rasik Ravindra

(ii) A 2 member team from GSI supported by four EME personnel, was successful in

reaching northern Humboldt mountains on snow vehicles during winter. A camp

was established at Nordvestoya, which was operational for about a month during

which scientists conducted geological, geomorphological, geophysical and mete-

orological studies.

(iii) Geomorphological investigations involving observation of morphological fea-

tures, morainal levels and glacial environmental studies were also carried out by

them.

(iv) Glaciological investigations included monitoring of stakes on polar ice cap at

Maitri and at shelf in DG, monitoring of snout of Dakshin Gangotri glacier and

collection of snow accumulation/ablation data along Maitri-DG and Maitri-Hum-

boldt routes.

(v) The Geologist from Jadavpur University carried out detailed geological survey

over 35 sq km area in Schirmacher to study the time relationship between events

of deformation, migmatization and metamorphism. She also visited Humboldt

mountains to collect samples to establish a relationship between the deformational

episodes in two geographically separated areas.

(vi) Geoscientists from AMD sampled 140 stations in Schirmacher, using four channel

gamma ray spectrometer, Scintillometer and Geigercounter for georadiometric

studies.

(vii) Geophysical Studies: NGRI conducted helicopter supported gravity surveys south

of Schirmacher Oasis. Nearly one hundred gravity stations along five profiles

covering 270 km in length, were taken and data stored for further calculation of

bouguer gravity anomaly and interpretation.

(viii) GSI conducted ground magnetic surveys to delineate the shear and mylonitized

zones. Two magnetic profiles were also run between Maitri-northern Humboldt

and DG-Maitri.

IV. Environmental Science

BARC Scientist's work included measurement of atmospheric Radon through samples

of airborne particulates, assessment of the levels of radioactivity (Cs137 and Be7) in water,

sediment, lichens and mosses, direct gamma dose measurement, estimation of trace metal

(Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Cr, Se etc.), concentration in the atmospheric particulate matter and aerosol

size studies. Sampling was conducted onboard ship and around Maitri in Schirmacher.

Logistic Tasks

I. Summer Assignments

A. Cargo handling: The cargo handling operation commenced from Mormugoa Port

itself. The assorted cargo consisted of 450 MT of aviation fuel and general cargo

including construction material, snow vehicles, machinery, scientific equipment,

food stock etc. The disposition of this cargo on the ship was as under:

The Ninth Indian Scientific Expedition....

1. Bin with 39 barrels of fuel.

2. Tank containers with fuel.

5. Bins with 39 barrels each.

5 tanks containing 20,000 lt. fuel each.

415 loose barrels with 200 lt. fuel each.

12 bins with 39 barrels of fuel each.

3 Vehicles-Pisten Bullys.

2 Sledges.

- General cargo.

24 containers.

09 tank containers.

11 containers.

- general cargo.

Helicopters and snow vehicles were extensively used in shifting the stores. The two

MI-8 helicopters of Indian Air Force airlifted a total cargo of 440 MT comprising

fuel and other items to Maitri; apart from dumping 95 KL of fuel at DG from the

ship. Nearly 75 KL of fuel and some heavy machinery equipment were off-loaded

onto the shelf ice, which was subsequently shifted to DG by surface route. The two

Chetak helicopters, also of IAF, carried a total cargo of 6 tonnes to DG and Maitri.

The loading and unloading operation, both at ship and at stations, was assisted by

all the members.

B. Helicopter support to scientific tasks: The MI-8 and Chetak helicopters of Indian

Air Force did a commendable job not only in cargo transportation but also in

lending support to scientific programmes. A total of 774 and 504 passengers were

handled by these helicopters respectively. The scientific support in terms of flying

hours to NGRI amounted to 50.35 hours while GSI and other organisations took

105,05 hours. The route reconnaissance to Nordvestoya, positioning of fuel along

proposed route of Wintering camp, establishment and winding up of advanced

camps, shifting and positioning of 'SATCOM Dome' and emergency/casualty

evacuation were some of the other areas where helicopters were used.

C. Decommissioning of Dakshin Gangotri Station: The conversion of India's first

permanent station Dakshin Gangotri, to a supply base was a painful and emotional

operation. The inventory of stores handed over by the previous Wintring team was

made and the transfer of sophisticated medical, communication and audio-visual

equipment to Maitri was completed by the end of January 90. The final decommis-

sioning of station was done on 25th Feb. 90 with flushing of pipes and shutting

down of heating and power systems.

Hold-1 Forward Tier:

Aft Tier

Deck

Hold-2

Deck

7

Rasik Ravindra

D. Construction of shelter accommodation at DG: The construction of a preplanned

accommodation inside C & N Hangar at Dakshin Gangotri, for providing suitable

shelter to 8-member Winter convoy party, was accomplished in record time. A 20'

x 16' living complex inside the hangar and a service module outside the structure,

both joined by a link block was envisaged.

The construction activity commenced with shifting of material on 29th Dec. 1989.

The transportation of material was over by 19th January and the construction was

completed by 16th Feb. 1990. The accommodation was left in ready-to-use shape

with eight beds, a lounge, well furnished kitchen, toilet facilities and SATCOM

terminal with phone and telex facilities.

E. Green House construction : A green house was constructed and linked to the main

station to undertake experiments in the field of plant growth and horticulture under

controlled climatic conditions. The superstructure, measuring 10.6m x 2.66m

made up of prefabricated panels, was erected on steel telescopic columns. Glass

windows were provided over maximum possible area on the walls to allow natural

sunlight for plants. The environmental control systems installed in the green house

did not function due to technical snags, yet optimum conditions suitable for plant

growth were stimulated by enforcing a control on temperature, relative humidity

and irradiation lights. The Wintering team was successful in growing some orna-

mental plants and vegetables, details of which are given in the body of this report.

F. On-job training on station systems and snow vehicles: Practical demonstration of

functioning of various station systems viz. heating, water supply, power genera-

tion, sewage disposal, fire fighting, communication and snow vehicles etc. was

imparted by VII Wintering team to the expedition members of the incoming team.

The training included joint operations of the life support system at the station and

the maintenance of vehicles.

G. Communication: The communication from the ship with India and Indian Antarc-

tic Stations was established by 5th Dec. and 7th Dec. 1989 respectively. This

communication was excellent and trouble-free. The Naval communication teams

of the previous Wintering (VIth Wintering) and the present expedition, dismantled

the equipment at DG and completed shifting of all the stores to Maitri by middle

of January' 90. The SATCOM dome at DG main station was shifted to Maitri and

installed on a 2m high structure erected at the summer camp site. The second

SATCOM terminal at C&N Hangar, DG, was left undisturbed for subsequent use

by the visiting Winter convoy parties. The HF communication from Maitri to DG,

Ship and Humboldt worked satisfactorily.

II. Winter Assignments

The Logistics constitute an important task of Wintering team as basic survival of the

members depends on sound logistic support. The major logistic assignments undertaken

during the winter were as follows:

8


A. Construction and Renovation Activity

(i) Utility block renovation : The wooden flooring of utility block was earlier covered

with jute matting which used to get wet due to spillage of water from drier

room/bath modules and wash basins. The flooring was covered with checker board

and vinyl sheet was fixed in the corridor between kitchen and utility block. The

crude looking pot urinals were replaced by modern types (shifted from DG) and

fitted with flushing systems.

(ii) Setting up of library/video room : One of the living rooms was converted into

library by providing replaceable shelves. More than 1200 books, 735 video and 530

audio cassettes were arranged in order. All books, including regional ones, were

catalogued. This room also housed reserve/spare electronic goods like music

system, T.V. etc. However, since 8th Wintering Team had to accommodate 25

members, the library was later shifted to two bays in the loft. The entire space was

sealed and insulated by spreading PU foam sheet. Shelves for new library were

fixed for display of books, cassettes etc. An additional door at the entry point of

new library was also provided.

(iii) Commissioning of laboratories; Meteorology Observatory, DIPAS Lab, X-ray lab,

and dark rooms were established within the main building using all available space

in Maitri station. Space constraints did not permit housing of weather Fax receiver

and DCP within the Meteorology Observatory. These equipments were installed in

communication workshop and loft respectively. DCP unit had to be shifted later to

the link passage between Green House and the main block. X-ray machine had also

to be shifted subsequently to M.I. Room as DIPAS Lab was winded up at the end

of our wintering for accommodating new wintering members.

(iv) Modular hut construction : Four new modular huts named Aravalli, Vindhya,

Nilgiri and Siwalik were erected and one old hut, Mishmi, was completely reno-

vated to house the summer expedition members of 10th Antarctic Expedition. The

three existing summer huts were furnished for occupation. Extensive repairs were

undertaken in kitchen hut where wash-basin and shelves for stores were provided.

Part of the damaged wall panel was replaced. One bath module (with two tubs),

one chemical toilet and one toilet module with three incinerators were commis-

sioned at summer camp site before the arrival of Tenth Expedition.

(v) Site preparation for new gen-set accommodation and extension of link block : An

area of 20' x 50' lying close to reefer-container was levelled and cleared of all

boulders for the proposed gen-set accommodation. This paved way for in-time

execution of construction activity of the new team. Ground area for two bays in

continuation of 'A' block was cleared and subsequently extension of this block by

two bays with cooperation and assistance of new Wintering team members was

achieved.

(vi) Extension and maintenance of approach road to Maitri: Approach road to Maitri

Col. Jagnnathan Highway — was maintained by regular work parties which

cleared it of boulders etc. Widening of the summer part of the route between

ice-edge and the main road by 2 to 3 m and making the steep slope near the ice-edge

10 Rasik Ravindra

negotiable, were quite arduous assignments. This was completed before onset of

summer of 1991.

(vii) Upkeep and maintenance: Gypsum board panels were fitted in the inner walls and

roofs of seven living rooms to reduce the fire hazards. With this done, all the living

rooms now have a fire retardant running from inside. A working table was provided

in each living room. The rear door at 'B ' block, which used to get damaged

repeatedly due to strong winds was repaired. Additional support was provided at

the junction of 'B' block and lounge where maximum turbulence used to buckle

the wall panel. The pipe lines for heating system & radiators, were often flushed to

clean them, a number of radiators were replaced by new ones and smaller diameter

pipes replaced by larger diameter pipes to ease the flow of water. Extension of pipe

lines and heating system to green house & dark room was also done.

Extreme cold used to freeze the pipelines of utility block, kitchen and disposal

system. The problem was overcome by increasing the insulation and providing

trace heating in more vulnerable areas.

(viii) Additional amenities provided at station : Public announcement system and inter-

com were commissioned during the winter. Speakers were placed at lounge, main

corridor and at the end of 'B' block for covering entire building. A speaker was

also fixed outside the building for announcements to be heard in summer camp.

This proved very beneficial, especially during the summer, in establishing commu-

nication with summer camp inmates.Six sets of intercom were fixed, one each in

Station Commanders office, boiler room, workshop, communication room, lounge

and M.I. Room for facilitating communication within the station. All these systems

were handed over to next team in operational state.

B. Life Support System

(i) Power generation : Four numbers of 62.5 K.VA Ruston gen-sets constituted the part

of main power generating system at Maitri. One 62.5 KVA gen-set was run at a

time and any shortfall was made up by running a stand-by 30 KVA gen-set. Since

the requirement of power was much more than what was generated, the running of

various electrical gadgets was phased throughout the day.

(ii) Heating system : Entire station was centrally heated using hot water boilers, which

were connected to radiators of 1000 K Cal/hour capacity, placed in rooms and other

places. Corrosion was controlled by monitoring the oxygen content and reducing

it by addition of chemicals. Flushing of radiators, pipelines etc. was done at regular

intervals to keep the system rust-free.

(iii) Water supply system: An efficient water supply system exists in Maitri. Leakages

in main water supply line and duct from pump house to main station, were rectified

from time to time. In October' 90, hot water circulation stopped for more than four

hours resulting in drop of temperature inside the duct to sub-zero. The joint of hot

water line, inside the duct, gave way and entire antifreeze mixture leaked out. The

joint was repaired in an overnight operation and system made functional once

again.


(IV) Disposal system (Waste management): The delicate balance in various ecological

systems of Antarctic environment demands special care in waste management. All

possible care was taken to adhere to international standards of disposal procedure

within the means of station. The combustible waste was burnt, while the solid

waste was removed and shipped out. All the toilet waste was incinerated and the

residue was removed out of Antarctic circle. An appraisal of the waste generated

in all areas of activities was carried out as a part of Wintering task. Details are

furnished in this report separately.

(v) Fire fighting: Fire being the greatest hazard, all precautionary measures were taken

to minimise the fire risk. Every fire alarm was attended to, even if false. Regular

fire fighting drills were conducted in the station. Every member had a specified fire

fighting equipment allotted to him and a specific job given to him. Excepting one

minor incident of local fire in the workshop no serious incident of fire took place

during wintering of the present team.

C. Convoys and Vehicle Upkeep

Transportation of fuel, heavy equipment, construction stores and other cargo left at

shelf/DG by the returning team to Maitri, was one of the important and challenging tasks of

our team. With DG station decommissioned, all convoys coming from Maitri to shelf or DG

had not only to negotiate 130 km long stretch of snow and ice but also to prepare load and

maintain accommodation at DG Hangar. Inspite of manpower constraints and limited

capabilities regarding trafficability of different vehicles in extreme cold of Antarctica, the

team was successful in transporting record 250 kilo litre of fuel, apart from three containers,

generators, construction stores etc. in seven well planned convoys.

Two convoys were taken to Wohlthat mountains, deep south, to achieve geological

targets. One of these convoys established a camp at Nordvestoya for 25 days in October and

conducted various scientific investigations. Details of the surface transport are covered in

the text of Maj. Balraj Singh.

Upkeep and maintenance of a fleet of vehicles without the basic infrastructure of a garage

has been in itself an arduous task. All the vehicles except Canadian Foremost crane, were

on road at the time of handing over of station to the new team.

D. Communication

Communication system functioned satisfactorily during winters. Except for breakdown

in HF communication system due to a blizzard for 3 days in July '90 and technical snag in

SATCOM terminal during December '90 there were no interruptions. Effective voice

communication was provided to each surface convoy to Dakshin Gangotri and Wohlthat

mountains, which ensured safety of personnel and offered them confidence. Communica-

tion with neighbouring Antarctic stations, namely George Forster and Novolazarevskaya

was very effective. A daily schedule was maintained with these stations when mutual

information was exchanged. Voice communication with Georg Von Neumayer — the all

women German Base in West Antarctica and Syowa — the Japanese Base, was established

for the first time and monthly schedules followed. Exchange of information greatly en-

hanced scientific knowledge.

12 Rasik Ravindra

E. Medical and Health Care

Our team braved the fury of Antarctica, especially in the polar nights, without a medical

officer. Thanks to the DIPAS physiologist, Dr. D. Majumdar and the medical specialists of

neighbouring USSR Station, without whose medical assistance, the wintering would have been

difficult. During the period of absence of medical officer we had one case of malaria, three cases

of cough, one case of fever, five cases of sprain, three cases of dyspepsia and three cases of

gastritis. A single case of amoebiasis was also reported. There were several cases of myelgia,

joint pain and stiffness, three cases of low back pain, two cases of border line hypertension, a

case of vegetative neurosis, skin infection and traumatic shock each, two cases of minor burn

injuries on fore-hand, several cases of burning eyes and two cases of allergy and inflammation

of eyes. Headache was frequent to some members especially during dark polar nights and long

convoys between Maitri and Dakshin Gangotri. Two members suffered from acute attack of

migraine occasionally. Two members suffered from primary cold injuries on toes. Sleepless-

ness was very common to most of the members during polar nights and the transition period

of continuous light to dark and continuous dark to light days.

Three members had to be hospitalised at USSR station for period varying from five to

twelve days.

F. Material Management

Remoteness of Antarctic base stations necessitate holding stock of different types of

stores which might be required for repair and maintenance of life support systems. Sub-

sequent to conversion of Dakshin Gangotri station to a supply base, essential spares and

equipments lying there were shifted to Maitri. In addition to this a surplus stock of 30% is

generally maintained as a reserve station stock for use in case of emergencies. This gave rise

to considerable stock of stores which had to be properly managed for optimum utilization.

Return Voyage

Having accomplished all the objectives and assigned tasks set for the team, the Expedi-

tion sailed back for mainland on 2nd March 1991. The journey period was utilised by

members in documenting their scientific data. Interim report of the Wintering Team was

finalised. Scientists from Geological Survey monitored the icebergs while those from the

India Meteorological Department continued measuring the weather parameters. Ship halted

every 3 degree latitudes to enable the Oceanographers from N.I.O. take biological observa-

tions along the ship's track. Logistics personnel prepared the inventory of stores brought

back from Antarctica for handing over to Department of Ocean Development. The Expedi-

tion was received at Goa by Prof. V.K. Gaur, the then Secretary, Department of Ocean

Development on 25th March, 1991.

References

Ravindra, Rasik, Unpublished Interim Report of the Summer component of Ninth Indian ScientificExpedition to Antarctica (1989-90).

Ravindra, Rasik, Unpublished Interim Report of the VII Wintering Team of IX Indian ScientificExpedition to Antarctica (1989-91), Deptt. of Ocean Development, New Delhi.


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Fig. 2. M.V. Thuleland — The Expedition ship — in pack ice.

Fig. 3. Panoramic view of the Maitri Complex showing Priyadarshini lake, Pump House, pipe line for water supply, summer huts and main station building.


Fig.5. Dakshin Gangotri Station as in August. 1990.

Fig.4. Indian Antarctic Station — Maitri, preparing for Republic Day celebrations.

Rasik Ravindra 16

Fig. 7. Measuring a stake for glaciological studies.

Fig.6. Ozonesonde ascent in progress.


Fie.8. The Heliostat installed at Maitrifor astrophysical studies.

Fig.9. Snow vehicles, Pisten Bully 270 D, pressed into service for.geological survey in Hjorne-horna hills of Humboldt mountains (October, 1990).

18 Rasik Ravindra

Fig. 10. Leaving the marks on icy terrain. Track marks of Indian convoy returning from Humboldt mountains.

Fig.Jl. MI-8 helicopter taking off from the main helipad at Maitri. Note the four newly constructed huts, two chetak helipads, kitchen and scientists' huts and the alternate SATCOM dome.


Fig. 13. GSI field camp at southern Humboldt (January, 1991).

Fig. 12. Ml-8 helicopter assisting in establishment of advance camp in the interiors of Humboldt mountain.

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Documents

The Ninth Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica