Activities of the summer operation of the 58th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-58) in 2016–2017

Abstract

The activities of the 58th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-58) during 2016−2017 austral summer are summarized. JARE-58 consisted of 93 personnel involving 33 members for the wintering team, 35 members for the summer party with 25 observers, and they conducted the first-year programs of the Japanese Antarctic Research Project ＂Phase IX＂ (2016−2022). The Japanese Antarctic vessel Shirase left Tokyo on 11 November 2016 to Fremantle, where JARE members and observers were on board Shirase on 28 November. After leaving Fremantle on 2 December, Shirase conducted oceanographic observations in the Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean, and she arrived at the ice edge on 19 December. The first flight to Syowa Station was arranged on 23 December, followed by anchoring at Syowa Station on 28 December after 114 times of ramming. From that point, Shirase unloaded fuel and cargo to resupply the station as planned. During the summer operation, a variety of scientific observations, such as maintenance and operation of PANSY radar, installation of lidar system, etc. were performed. Also, field operations such as atmospheric and glaciological observations, ecological and biological observations, and geological surveys were also conducted. As special notes, young scientists from Mongolia, Indonesia, Thailand and Colombia, and the first social scientist joined us in JARE-58. A new building was constructed, and pre-existing facilities at Syowa Station were repaired and maintained. Shirase once left Syowa to conduct oceanographic observations around inner Lützow-Holm Bay from 19 January to 14 February, which has not been achieved previously due to heavy sea ice conditions. Also, the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Syowa Station was celebrated on 29 January. Shirase left Syowa on 15 February 2017 with the summer party of JARE-58 and the wintering team of JARE-57 on board. Some observations were performed in Amundsen Bay and at Cape Darnley, followed by oceanographic observations on the way to Sydney. Shirase arrived at Sydney Harbour on 20 March, then to Tokyo on 10 April. Marine observations by Umitaka-maru were also conducted in the Southern Ocean during 31 December 2016 to 26 January 2017. This cruise was a part of the JARE-58 programs, and 13 members joined it.

Keywords

• 58th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition(JARE-58)
• summer operation
• 2016–2017