Activities of the summer operation of the 52nd Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-52) in 2010–2011

Abstract

This report describes the activities of the 52nd Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-52) during the 2010-2011 austral summer. JARE-52, as the first year of the"VIIIth JARE 6-year program", carried out various research projects and logistical plans. Basic observations, composed of routine observations and monitoring observations, were continued as part of long-term observations, and a newly established prioritized research program"Global Warming Investigated from the Antarctic"was started, comprising three sub-targets:"Global Environmental Changes from the Antarctic Middle and Upper Atmosphere","Responses of Southern Ocean Ecosystems in Global Warming"and"Current and Future Global Environment seen from Glacial-Interglacial Cycles". Ten projects of the ordinary research observations program, including astronomy in Antarctica, were also carried out. The largest tasks of the expedition were the setting of the large atmospheric MST/IS radar (PANSY) and the construction of a building for harnessing natural energy and providing garage space. The main summer activities involved the transportation of materials, the maintenance of facilities at Syowa Station, and observations from on board the icebreaker RV Shirase and in the field, including an inland trip to Dome Fuji Station. Given the extensive sea ice in Lutzow-Holm Bay following the 51st expedition, we expected difficult conditions during the 2010-2011 season and possibly challenges to overcome in accomplishing the entire program. Our predictions proved to be accurate, as we encountered thick fast ice covered by a thick snow layer, and severe ice conditions in the pack ice area with folded ice. The weather conditions were relatively calm in December but challenging in January, with long periods of strong wind, snowfall, and blowing snow, as well as record low sunshine hours. Despite the conditions, we managed to accomplish most of the large-scale construction projects and observations that were assigned high priority. The latter half of February saw the return of strong winds and blowing snow, along with several blizzards, forcing us to change our flight plans and abandon all operations in the Amundsen Bay area. An independent team on board the RV Umitaka-maru visited the Southern Ocean at 110°-140°E, where they encountered severe sea-ice conditions. Sub-target 2 of the prioritized research proram ("Responses of Southern Ocean Ecosystems in Global Warming") was met and other projects were accomplished.