The Fifteenth Indian Expedition to Antarctica sailed off on 6th December, 1995 This expedition consisted of 30 scientific personnel in a total team of 47 persons, thereby substantially increasing the scientific component of the team compared to in the previous years. The expedition team which was drawn from 17 national laboratories and institutes landed in Antarctica on the 1st January, 1996. After sucessfully carrying out scientific research in the fields of atmospheric, earth, biological, human physiology, environmental, engineering and communication sciences it returned to India on 21 March 1996, leaving behind a 26 member wintering team in Antarctica. The following scientific and logisitc tasks were performed by the Fifteenth Antarctic Team.

Scientific Accomplishments

Atmospheric Sciences

UV-B measurements were carried out for analysing the arizmal doses of UV radiation and ozone hole phenomenon using a biometer.

About 900 MB of digital data was collected for Planetary Boundary Layer studies in order to understand near environment features of the atmosphere from surface to a height of 1 km using monostatic acoustic sounder.

Periodic ozonesonde ascents were made for veritcal profiling of ozone concentration which revealed a record depletion of 72% of ozone during the month of October, 1996.

Daily variations and micro-pulsations in geomagnetic field was recorded on round the year basis using fluxgate magnetometers in order to obtain the velocity of mobile auroral current systems.

Earth Sciences

Geological mapping of remote unmapped areas of Kurze and Holtedahl ranges of Orvin II mountains were carried out through establishing field camps at the farthest point, South of Maitri.

160 meters of ice core was raised from two bore holes for paleo-climatic studies. Thermal profiling of blue ice sheet was carried out using geothermal logging.

A new experiment on Snow Drift and Albedo studies was mounted to understand the energy exchange between the atmosphere and snow cover. Snow surface parameters were monitored in order to understand the factors controlling the snow drift and snow erosion patterns.

Environmental Sciences

Environmental Impact Assessment Studies were conducted through periodic monitoring of the status of air, noise, water, biological and land components of the environment. This study was designed to prepare a waste management plan for Indian Antarctic operations.

Medical Sciences

Experiments aimed to understand the correlation of circadian rhythimicity and metabolic status of personnel exposed to Antarctic conditions were conducted on a year round basis.

Blood samples were analysed on a regular basis for measurement of immunoglobulins and hormones which effects the immune status of the body.

Biological Sciences

Studies on algal colonisation in Schirmacher Oasis was carried out to determine qualitative and quantitative variability of algal propagules in terrestrial and inland water ecosystems.

Bio-Ecological studies of Moss inhabiting fauna was continued to identify bio- indicators which would aid in ecomonitoring of fresh water lakes through study of these organisms.

Experiments on devising a long term monitoring protocol on population dynamics of seals and avian texa using aerial census was continued.

Engineering & Communication

An especially designed earthing system was successfully commissioned for mitigating the electro static charge and neutral voltage problems of Maitri. using high speed modems and computer interfacing.

HF propogation studies as a factor of ionospheric conditions and geomagnetic storms were conducted in order to upgrade the data and voice communication links between Maitri and India .

Logistic Tasks Performed during the Fifteenth Expedition The major time bound logistic tasks undertaken during this expedition are as follows:

- Installation, commissioning and integration of two 75 KVA gensets.

- Construction of balloon launching shelter completed.

- Installation and commissioning of new garbage and toilet incinerators for handling of station waste.

- A gantary with a 10 ton winch was installed in the vehicle workshop cum garage at Maitri.

- Routine maintenance of station infrastructure and life support systems including the running of land convoys from shelf to Maitri.