Activity report of the 51st Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition wintering party in 2010-2011

Abstract

This report outlines the activities of the 51st Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-51) wintering party, over the period from 1st February 2010 to 31st January 2011. The party, with 28 members, has successfully conducted the final-year project of the 7th four-year plan of JARE. The research expedition framework of the JARE-51 wintering party consisted of three routine observation programs (ionosphere, meteorology and tide), several project researches, and monitoring research observation programs in upper atmospheric physics, atmospheric sciences and glaciology, geophysics, biology and environmental monitoring studies using satellite. In addition to many continuing works to maintain the Syowa Station, several new logistical activities alsoconducted, such as application of new cargo system using 12-ft containers and theconstruction of a large building named "Shizen-enerugi-to (Natural energy building)". As scientific outreach activities, classes to Japanese elementary, junior high and high schools were conducted, and information of the JARE activities and natural beauty of Antarctica were delivered through the satellite TV-conference system from Syowa Station, too. In spite of experiencing the worst two summers due to heavy snow and wind, 132 missions of researches and logistics were tried to carry out during the period.