The scientific perspectives and the tasks for the tenth Indian scientific expedition to Antarctica defined and sharpened after a series of meetings held amongst expert groups at various levels were as outlined below:

Scientific

Geo-sciences

The ongoing programme of the geological mapping of the north eastern Antarctica around the Indian station at Maitri would continue. This would first cover the Wayprecht and Payer mountains and thereafter proceed south of the Zwiesel , massif (South of Humboldt - Petermann ranges), time and weather permitting. This programme, besides providing the basic geological data of the region is aimed at linking together its geological history and evaluation of the eastern Antarctic craton, using various geological parameters notably geochemistry , palaeo-magnetism, rare earth elements (REE) and isotope modellIng.
Concurrently, ground gravimetric and search for meteorites would be further intensified.
A three component digital magnetometer and a riometer would be installed at Maitri to study magnetic sub stores and parameters of the magnetic spheric plasma waves.

A new programme of geodetic mapping will be taken up to map the region south of Maitri, covering an area of 80 km by 120 km on a scale of 1 :250000 with 50 m contour intervals. A part of this area around Maitri covering 28 km will also be mapped on a scale of 1:5000 with 10 m contour intervals.

Biological sciences

The biological programme at Maitri would include study of the structure, function and colonisation of microbial flora in the melt water streams of Schirmacher oasis and limnetic systems. In addition, studies on abundance, distribution, growth pattern and nutritional value of marine fresh water life and their independence will continue. Studies on survival strategies of organisms to adapt to extreme conditions will be, made by investigating their genetic, biochemical, molecular and cold adaptability characteristics.

Meteorology

The meteorological programme whilst providing basic logistic support to navigational and other programmes, would monitor the atmospheric boundary layer in Antarctica. Continuous recording of various surface meteorological parameters including synoptic hourly observations will be undertaken to build up a climatology of the Maitri area. Transmission of synoptic messages will continue over GTS under the international exchange programme as well as German Station (George Froster) for the study of trace gases and ozone investigations. Trail transmission of surface observations will also be attempted through INSAT Data Collection Platforms. Attempts will be made to conduct a boundary layer experiment for quantifying vertical fluxes of momentum, heat and water vapour, which will be progressively refined.

Upper atmosphere

The upper atmosphere studies would include UV and VLF observations and global monitoring of radiation fluxes. Experiments to study the flow of trace gases and other particles from low altitude will be continued. Steps will be taken to commission a laser heterodyne radiometer and a millimeter wave spectrometer .

Environmental physiology and psychology

Studies in environmental physiology and psychology will be continued. These will focus on adaptation of human beings to extreme conditions of cold and isolation through study of bacterial epidemiology and hormone interactions.

Logistics

The broad logistic tasks for the expedition would centre around the accomplishment of our long term scientific objectives by organising requisite support. This would include establishment of necessary base camps and communication linkages with Maitri and the ship. With progressive expansion of operations in Antarctica, logistic work during the l0th expedition would spread over to at least six different places - shelf area, Maitri Station, Humboldt region, Wohlthat region, Weypecht and Payer regions

Routine maintenance and repair work of the Maitri Station as well as of various life support systems particularly generators, boilers, electrical fittings and communication systems

Additional logistic work would include the construction of a cold room for preservation of vegetables and other foodstuff at Maitri, improvement of waste disposal systems and improvements in workshop facilities

Logistic support would also include helicopter sorties for carrying out airborne and transportation of various equipment and materials to create facilities for parking helicopters at Maitri in order to maximise the availability of flying hours

Transportation of various stores and placement of fuel for winter

Maintenance and repair of all types of vehicles

Vehicles and equipment transport to the ship for repairs in India

Upkeep of all facilities at the summer camp-cum-supply base at Dakshin Gangotri.