Current transportation systems for Antarctic inland stations operated by the U.S.A., France, Germany and Japan

Abstract

Inland traverses conducted by the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) and the other countries (USA, France and Germany) are reviewed. The performances such as weight, traction force, speed and fuel consumption of the tractors and snow vehicles are compared. The usage of various types of sledges is examined and driving operation on soft snow surface is also described. Furthermore the method of camping is explained. Finally, a new traverse system that JARE has to study and develop is discussed. The author proposes a basic transportation system for the future, incorporating the technology used by other countries.