Logistics activities at McMurdo, Amundsen-Scott South Pole Stations and Scott Base

Abstract

In December of 1997 the author visited the U.S. McMurdo and Amundsen-Scott South Pole Stations and New Zealand Scott Base as an Exchange Scientist. The author's investigation was focused on the transportation system, facilities and waste management. The author was surprised to see a working system at the U.S. stations that involved complete division of labor. In addition, he was impressed that they made good use of aircraft and did efficient work in the summer season. There were great differences between Japan and U.S. in management of combustible waste and sewage disposal. The utilization of native characteristics of Antarctica such as water wells, passive solar energy and wind turbines is worthy of note.