Report of the wintering party of the 47th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, 2006-2007

Abstract

The 47th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-47) wintering party, consisting of 36 members, conducted the last year program of the VIth five-year plan of JARE at Syowa Station and inland Dome Fuji Station. The program included observations in meteorology, upper atmosphere physics, atmospheric sciences, glaciology, geophysics, biology and medical science, as well as logistic activities to support the observations and maintain the station from February 1, 2006 to January 31, 2007. A blizzard occurring in May blew some of sea ice around Syowa Station and Ongul Strait to open sea, and the aggressive field activities started in July, taking care of sea ice condition. Many field activities in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere were carried out in the coastal area of east Lutzow-Holm Bay, as well as the inland plateau between Dome Fuji and Syowa Stations. Waste and stockpile, accumulated during the last summer season, were gathered and organized in Syowa Station during winter season over sea ice. The year 2007 marked the 50th anniversary of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, and we supported related events held in the mother country through an Intelsat satellite connection which got more familiar after 2 years experience of late wintering parties (JARE-45 and JARE-46).