Snow controls to reduce snow drifts at Syowa Station

Abstract

Snow controls were employed to reduce snow drifts around buildings and a main road during the period of the 53rd Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-53) wintering party at Syowa Station. Snow and ice that accumulated under the elevated areaway of a sewage treatment building were removed and a blower fence was erected. Wind passages under highfloored buildings were maintained by cutting openings through snow drifts that developed on the leeward side of the buildings. Empty drums were useful as wind ducts to prevent snow drifts from accumulating in front of doors of small huts. Snow removed from along a main road was relocated on the leeward side of the road to prevent the subsequent accumulation of snow drifts.