Note on the Feasibility of Establishing Snow and Ice Runways at Japanese Antarctic Stations-In the Context of the East Antarctic Air Network -

Abstract

This report summarizes the feasibility study to introduce intercontinental air operation for the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) by establishing hard-surface runways near JARE stations. Syowa Station and the Yamato Mountains areas were considered to identify the favorable sites for run way construction on the basis of historical meteorological data and glaciological conditions. Techniques and logistic facilities for snow-ice runway construction, and the general characteristics of aircraft that are of practical interest in Antarctica are briefly outlined. Moreover, international collaboration to improve the East Antarctic Air Network is emphasized.