The ninth Indian scientific expedition which had reached Antarctica on 27 December 1989, returned to Goa on 27 March 1990 leaving behind the seventh wintering team of 22 members at Maitri for continuing scientific work during the Antarctic winter .

2.2.1. The work plan of the ninth expedition which was accomplished, is given below:

Scientific

- Geological mapping of Wohlhat mountains

- Exploratory reconnaissance survey of the Weddell Sea - Berkner Island area

- studies on radioactivity enroute to Antarctica and in and around Maitri

- Environmental studies: monitoring of total ozone and atmospheric gases like NO2, S02 at Maitri

- Shifting of meteorological observatory from Dakshin Gangotri for continual round the year monitoring of ozone and other meteorological parameters

- Study of ecological and physiological aspects of the invertebrate fauna and their adaptation to the Antarctic environment with special reference to population, life cycles, respiratory metabolism and cold tolerance, etc.

- Microbiological investigations of the existence of primitive micro-organism in the lakes of schirmacher oasis

. Construction of a green house to serve as an experimental facility for studying the effect of various environmental factors e.g., ultraviolet radiations on plants.

Logistic

* Conversion of Dakshin Gangotri station into a supply base

* Maintenance of Maitri station and its services

* Servicing and maintenance of vehicles, scooters, cranes, etc.

* Support to scientific activities

* Transportation of stores in summer by air and over ice in winter

2.2.2. A brief summary of the scientific work carried out during the two scientific expeditions sent during the year, the objectives/tasks set for the tenth expedition and the eighth wintering team are :

2.2.2.1. Expedition to Maitri (November 89 - March 90)

Astronomy and Atmospheric sciences

Radioactivity in atmosphere

The scientists from Bhabha Atomic Research centre conducted measurement of atmospheric radon through samples of airborne particulates, assessment of the levels of radioactivity in water, sediment, lichens and mosses, direct gamma rays measurement, estimation of trace metal concentration in the atmospheric particulate matter and aerosol size studies. Sampling was conducted on board ship and around Maitri in Schirmacher.

Astrophysics

Three astrophysicists from Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore and Up State Observatory, Nainital established a solar telescope at Maitri near the windmill and were successful in viewing the sun continually for 7 days, taking rare pictures of the. sun in the Calcium K-line at intervals of 10 minutes. The scientists were able to capture sunspots and features identifying supergranulations.

Meteorology

Collection and transmission of meteorological data which is an ongoing programme of the Indian Meteorological Department was continued.

Surface weather observations at Maitri round the clock at three hourly interval, study of upper air atmosphere through radiosonde ascents, measurements of total ozone were carried out.

Surface instruments, self recorders, APT unit, DCP, ozone sonde equipment and global radiation recorders were shifted from Dakshin Gangotri and installed at Maitri in record time. Successful radio and ozone ascents were launched from new observatory at Maitri.

The facsimile charts on weather conditions from neighbouring stations were received. With continuous monitoring of surface parameters and interpretation of the weather charts a realistic weather forecast was made, which not only helped IAF in their operations but also helped in planning and executing the expedition activity .

Atmospheric sciences

Scientists from the National Physical Laboratory erected a permanent meteorological tower at Maitri with sensors installed at different levels to study weather parameters for modelling the atmospheric boundary layer. These experiments were repeated at Dakshin Gangotri also.

Studies on solar radiation intensity, UV-B observations and the solar zenith angle variation were undertaken on board the vessel and at Maitri using different sun photometer and spectro-radiometer. The surface aerosol samples were collected enroute and at Maitri for studying the global atmospheric circulation. Sampling in polar nights was done by the scientist from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Bombay.

Earth sciences

Geo-radiometric studies

Geoscientists from the Atomic Minerals Division, Department of Atomic Energy, sampled 140 stations spread over an area of 50 sq. km in Schirmacher Oasis, using four channel gamma ray spectrometer, scintillometer and geiger counter. 150 rock samples and samples from freshwaters and polar ice cap were collected for various studies. Six pits were made in Maitri to obtain traces of radon-radium content in the soil with SSNTD method.

Geological and glaciological studies

The scientists from the Geological Survey of India conducted ongoing iceberg monitoring programme on board during the onward journey and recorded 291 icebergs with their size, shape, location and classifications as per international norms. At Maitri ground magnetic surveys were carried out to delineate the shear zone and associated mylonised zones. 10 sq. km area was surveyed in detail for collecting sapphirine bearing rocks for laboratory studies. The main area of operation south of Humboldt was taken up afterwards and about 1000 sq.km area lying between, 71deg 40' S and 71 deg 58' S and 10 deg 45'E and 12 deg 0'E. was covered using 40 air drops. High grade metamorphic rocks have been mapped and 110 rock samples collected for geological studies.

Geomorphological studies involving observations of morphological features, morainal levels and their nature, glacial inventory etc. were carried out simultaneously.

Geological investigations included monitoring of stakes of polar ice cap at Maitri and at shelf in Dakshin Gangotri and monitoring of snout of Dakshin Gangotri glacier. Markings were placed along the winter route to Norrestoya in Wohlthat region. Snow accumulation on the continental ice was measured.

Studies on deformation, migmatisation and metamorphosis

A geologist from Jadavpur University carried out detailed geological survey over 35 sq. km area in Schirmacher to study the time and relationship between events of deformation, migmatisation and metamorphism and also collected samples to study the relationship between events of deformational episodes in two geographically separated areas.

Geophysical studies

Scientists from the National Geophysical Laboratory conducted helicopter supported gravity surveys in 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.

Biosciences

Polar horticulture

Scientists from the Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory had planned to draw a long term plan for plant support system for different ecological conditions and to conduct experiments on vegetables and ornamental plants/grass legumes. For this purpose, a greenhouse was erected at Maitri .

Physiological studies

The physiologists from the Defence Institute of Physiology and Applied Sciences, New Delhi observed the changes of various physiological functions and to estimate some of the biochemical parameters of blood on the wintering and summer members of the expedition. The base level observations on HR, ECG, BP, MAP, EEG, oxygen intake, etc. were taken at Delhi and on board ship. These observations will continue during the Antarctic winter also.

Blood samples from 20 volunteers were 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.

Oceanographic studies

The biological studies carried out by the scientists from the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa in the polynyas and in the fresh water lakes of Schirmacher Oasis included the investigations on primary productivity phytoplankton ecology, physio-chemical properties, microbial ecology, microbial heterotrophic activity , bacterial species Composition, zooplankton type and biomass as well as the microbenthos mainly in the limnetic environment. Extensive sampling in polynya was carried out from eight different stations. Water and zooplankton samples were collected from various depths. Water samples were analysed to understand 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. Over150 strains of bacteria were collected for analysing the Antarctic bacterial communities.

Water and sediment samples from 45 fresh water lakes around Schirmacher also were collected for various studies.

Antarctic fauna

A zoologist from the Zoological Survey of India collected around 180 soil samples adjoining different lakes in Schirmacher Oasis. Few of the samples were subjected to extraction in the temporary laboratory set up at 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 also collected and preserved for further study.

Logistics

Positioning of scientists ,and their equipment was given top priority. MI-8 and Alouette helicopters were engaged from the first day to station field oriented organisation in Maitri. Camp in Humboldt too was established during the first week of January . The National Geophysical Research Institute, Geological Survey of India, National Institute of Oceanography and Jawaharlal Nehru University personnel were provided air support for fulfillment of their assignments.

Approximately, 450 MT of aviation fuel and around 500 MT of general cargo were transported to destination points

The support in terms of flying the scientists of NGRI amounted to 50.35 hours while other organisations took, 105.05 hours

Job training to new winter team members was imparted to sixth winter team at Maitri

Repair of a generator set, changing of boiler coils, cleaning and repair of water supply tanks, cleaning of pipeline, installation of higher Capacity centrifugal pump and regular pumping out of waste water, etc. were carried out

Dakshin Gangotri Station was decommissioned and was converted into a supply base. The communication and satellite communication systems were shifted to Maitri station and installed there

Construction of greenhouse, shelter accommodation inside the hangar and conversion of containers into accommodation units were completed .

Maintenance of different snow vehicles was undertaken

The clinic, operation theatre and x-ray equipment at Dakshin Gangotri were shifted to Maitri. The medical team had come to grips with the challenging task of preserving the dead bodies of those who lost their lives in Hamboldt tragedy in January 1990 until they were brought back to Delhi. The team also had to carry out minor surgical operations and attend to fracture injuries and other ailments of the expedition members.

2.2.2.2. Expedition to the Weddell Sea (November 1989 - March 1990)

A twenty-one member team which formed part of the ninth expedition comprising scientists and armed forces personnel with Shri V .K. Raina of the Geological Survey of India as leader undertook a reconnaissance expedition to the Weddell Sea area, in a- small ice breaker Polarbjorn, especially chartered for this purpose during the 1989-90 Antarctic summer.

The expedition carried out reconnaissance of the eastern side of the Berkner island in the Weddell Sea and geoscientific observations in the area. A detailed reconnaissance of the surrounding area, geophysical and glaciological observations were carried out along the eastern side of Berkner island between the Robert's inlet and about 30 miles south and 15 miles west of it.

Geological examination of the Moltke Nunataks was carried out during Austro summer day light (which in Antarctica persists for 24 hours) on 25th under extremely bad weather conditions. Samples were collected from a vertical rock face at the foot of a huge ice cliff. Detailed geological examination and collection of samples of the Littlewood and the Bertrab Nunataks were undertaken. A photographic recce of the polar ice front eastward upto Halley Bay (Brunt ice shelf) was carried out. Using a Zodiac boat, polar ice samples were collected for dating purposes. The expedition identified two sites for possible location of stations: the first one on Filchner ice shelf, south of the Robert's inlet, and the second on the Berkner island about 5 km west of the shelf site, but their location may give rise to logistic problems, as they are situated 100 km inside the shelf front.

Exchange of visits

During the team's stay in the Weddell Sea area visits were exchanged with the team ships from Germany, Argentina and the United Kingdom who were also working in that area. The Argentinian ice breaker Almirante Irizar was decorated on our Republic Day, i.e.26 January 1990. At the invitation of the head of the Argentinian Antarctic Agency - Del Antarctica, a visit was also paid to the Argentinian station -Belgrano II.

The team members visited the British Antarctic team at Hailey Bay and had the opportunity to go round Halley-4, which is now completely buried under drift show and the construction site of Halley-5 station. The team returned via Mauritius to Goa on 8 March 1990.

Scientific work done during Antarctic winter

The sixth wintering team completed its work on 25 February 1990 at Dakshin Gangotri station, which was converted into a supply base.

Winter work was also initiated at Maitri Station. Thus, during the Antarctic Winter of 1989-90, winter work was undertaken at two stations. Major tasks accomplished were:

Maintenance and upkeep of the main structure, other supporting structures, vehicles, scientific and communication equipment at Dakshin Gangotri

Continuous snow clearance for keeping Dakshin Gangotri and associated structures free of snow

Marking of routes and running convoys to Maitri

Meteorological observations, including continuous recording of wind speed, pressure, atmospheric turbidity, receipt of analytical charts from other stations and transmission of data to India Meteorological Department, New Delhi.

2.2.2.3. Scientific work carried out by the Seventh Wintering Team

Earth sciences

Several core gravity samples were collected for analysis. Geological mapping in the south Humboldt region was undertaken and for the first time the wintering team was able to visit Wohlthat region and undertake geological work. Geological mapping of Nordvestoya and Hjornhorne ranges was completed. Detailed geological survey in the shear zones in the Schirmacher ranges was also undertaken and several samples collected for laboratory analysis.

Atmospheric sciences

Planetary boundary layer experiments were carried out. UV observations and sampling / of gas studies were undertaken at Maitri. Routine synoptic meteorological observations were made and a brief of ozone RMS ascents and regular synoptic and sunphotometer taken.

Biology

Continuous monitoring of pH of the Schirmacher lake and maintenance of the greenhouse at Maitri were undertaken.

Polar medicine

Physiological and psychological studies of the team members were carried out. Base line blood samples were analysed. Regular ECG, EEG, BMR and skin fold tests were also done.