Activities of the wintering party of the 26th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition in 1985-1986

Abstract

The wintering party of the 26th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition composed of 35 personnel carried out routine observations and research activities at Syowa and Mizuho Stations, along the coast of Lutzow-Holm Bay and in the dome area of East Queen Maud Land from January 1985 to January 1986. The main research activity at Syowa Station was a coordinated observation of the polar middle atmosphere, which was performed as part of the International Middle Atmosphere Program (MAP). The middle atmosphere in the altitude range of 10-120km was observed by a combination of remote sensing techniques from the ground and spacecraft and in situ measurements by 9 balloons and 13 rockets. The remote-sensing facilities operated on the ground were ruby and dye laser radars, VHF doppler radar, multi-beam riometer and auroral TV cameras. In addition to the MAP activities at Syowa Station, survey trips for environmental research were carried out at short intervals along the coast of Lutzow-Holm Bay. Glaciological and meteorological studies were carried out, as part of the International Antarctic Glaciological Project (IAGP), at Mizuho Station (70.7°S, 44.3°E), Advanced Camp (74.2°S and 35.0°E), Dome Camp (77.0°S and 35.0°E), and on the traverse routes. The 200-m ice-core drilling was completed at Advanced Camp. The top of the East Queen Maud Land dome was discovered to be located at 77°22′24″S and 39°36′50″E with the altitude of 3807m above sea level.