Field Operation of Explosion Seismic Experiment in Antarctica

Abstract

The summer-field party of the 20th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-20) carried out the experiments with the explosion seismic method at the Soya Coast in Antarctica. The purpose of the present experiment in Antarctica is to investigate the crustal structure and to establish the technique of the seismic prospecting in Antarctica, such as the laying of profiles and instrumentation, development of ice drills, dynamite for the use at low temperatures, etc. The observation was conducted by 8 persons for a period of 19 days. The profile is about 70 km in length eastward from the Ongul Strait near Syowa Station. Ten observation points were set up every five kilometers along the profile in the Soya Coast. Shot points are located at both ends of the profile. Dynamite of 1000 kg in weight was blasted at the depth of 110 m in the Ongul Strait. On the other side of the profile, a total of 560 kg dynamite was installed from the depth of 17 m to the bottom (62.8 m). The experiment was successful.