Report on the activities of the wintering party of the 49th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition in 2008-2009

Abstract

The wintering party of the 49th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-49), consisting of 29 members, was conducted as the second year of the 7th four-year plan of JARE and the second half of the International Polar Year 2007-2008 (IPY2007-2008) at Syowa Station and its surrounding areas. JARE-49 took over management of the station facilities and functions from JARE-48 on February 1, 2008, and performed scientific observations and logistic duties. Though it was a little smaller in terms of number of wintering personnel than previous teams, it was well prepared to perform station management and research activities. To maintain safety and active field work, personnel knowledge and skill were improved through training courses, and information and experience concerning search and rescue were shared. Snow removal work was hard because there were also many blizzards through spring and summer. The observations and related work were successful, and JARE-49 handed the station over to JARE-50 on January 29, 2009. This report gives an outline of JARE-49 wintering activity in and around Syowa Station.