*AIMS

Seven key locations were identified for the NZ ITASE (International Transantarctic Scientific Expedition) programme. The analyses on the ice core from the first site, Victoria Lower Glacier in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, have been completed. During the 2003/04 field season we carried out a detailed reconnaissance of sites 2 and 3: Evans Piedmont Glacier (EPG) and Mt Erebus Saddle (MES) and determined the most suitable locations of the ice core recovery. During the 2004/05 field season we recovered to intermediate length ice cores (180m and 200m, respectively) from these locations and conduct further in-situ measurements, such as borehole temperature and light penetration characteristics, snow density and stratigraphy and its geographical variability. Furthermore, we installed a weather station and mass balance devices at EPG and cased the borehole at MES for future measurements. During the 2005/06 field season we re-visited VLG and EPG to conduct GPS measurements of the submerge velocity devices and to sample shallow snow pits. Furthermore, we retrieved the meteorological data and carried out maintenance work on the automatic weather station at EPG. Lastly we deployed 6m snow stakes at the high accumulation site at Mt Erebus Saddle.

*PERSONNEL

*PLANNING

• Application process

  The application process was organised in a professional and efficient manner. While we feel that the review process of the Antarctic Research Committee is rigorous and unbiased, the ranking/grading system lacks accountability, as the ranking results are not provided to the applicant. This also prevents the applicant to improve future applications.

• Communications with Antarctica New Zealand staff

  Communication with Antarctica New Zealand staff was professional, timely, and effective.

• Provision of maps and aerial photographs

  N.A.

• Preseason information

  In late May 2005 we were informed that our planned work at Cape Hallett (GPR and drilling of 200m ice core) could not be supported due to Antarctica New Zealand logistics constraints. For this reason our programme was condensed to our long-term mass balance monitoring at Victoria Lower Glacier and the maintenance work on the automatic weather station at Evans Piedmont Glacier. Furthermore, Antarctica New Zealand accommodated an additional visit to Mt Erebus Saddle to deploy snow stakes for mass balance measurements.

• Medicals, documentation and flights to Antarctica

  The information received was timely and valuable

  page 3

• Environmental Advice

  The information received was timely and valuable

• Other comments

  In our experience over the last years, Antarctica New Zealand excelled through practical, innovative approaches and reasonable flexibility to evolving situations and opportunities. In contrast, we feel that last season, communication and discussions on the practical execution of fieldwork preparations were noticeable bureaucratic and lacked some of the flexibility that has made the New Zealand programme so successful. While growing demands and challenges may necessitate the organisation to streamline, we would hope that the practical and innovative spirit of the New Zealand programme will be retained and not exchanged for a bureaucratic and removed administration.

*PREPARATIONS FOR THE FIELD

• Reception and planning for your event

  The reception was well organised, friendly and efficient. The main issues of the event were promptly discussed and organised.

• Availability and condition of equipment received

  The equipment requested from Scott Base was supplied in good condition.

• Field training

  The re-fresher AFT for Pyne and Bertler was helpful and appreciated. The frequency of full AFT requirements for experienced people should be reviewed to take account of personal experience and regular Antarctic activity that includes fieldwork. The current 3-year frequency is too short and has changed from the 5-year frequency implemented by Rex Hendry.

• Field party equipment 'shakedown' journey

  N.A.

• Delays at Scott Base, whatever the cause

  Unsuitable weather conditions at the start of our schedule delayed the deployment of mass balance snow stakes at Mt Erebus Saddle until the end of our field deployment. Good weather conditions and a smooth flight plan permitted all other moves to be carried out according to schedule.

• Safety and Risk Management processes

  Safety and risk management is a difficult task and benefited from the personal experience of the Antarctica New Zealand coordinator. However, the established process does not take into account local knowledge and/or experience of the field party. To allow a realistic evaluation we page 4 recommend to establish a process that includes a memory of previous seasons. This will not only benefit the evaluated group and Scott Bases resources but represents a useful data base for groups going for the first time to locations that have been visited previously by other groups.

• General comments about Scott Base

  Scott Base staff created a friendly, professional, and supportive environment. We are grateful for the enthusiastic and helpful support we received. The new HFC is an excellent facility to test field and science equipment, to pack helicopter loads and to prepare cargo shipment. The use of the elevator in the HFC should be open to science groups moving polar tents and other field equipment between floors. It is difficult to understand why it requires currently a Scott Base operator to do this for the field groups.

• Other comments

  Overall, we experienced a significant increase in paper work. The requirement for each field party member to fill out a Scott Base Clearance Form seems excessive and impractical.

FIELD TRANSPORT

• Vehicles

  N.A.

• Aircraft Operations

  All aircraft operations were performed professionally. We are also particular grateful for the reliable and experienced support of HNO.

• Ship Operations

  N.A.

*EVENT DIARY

Date	Main Activities and Location	Other Comments
24/11/05	Arrival at Scott Base
25/11/05	AFT re-fresher for Bertler
25/11/05	Bad weather prohibits input to Mt Erebus Saddle (MES) for deployment of mass balance snow stakes
28/11/05	Bertler, Pyne, Morrison deploy to Evans Piedmont Glacier (EPG) with HNO (1shuttle). Field camp set-u and initiation of GPS mass balance measurement
29/11/05	Sampling of multiple, 1m deep snow pits for high resolution analysis updating the record derived from EPG deep core in 2004. Investigation of page 5 snow pits for geographical variability in snow stratigraphy. Continuation of GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices. Data retrieval from automatic weather station. The weather station was raised 30cm but remained at the original sites. General maintenance and repair of three sensors (pressure, wind direction and wind speed) were carried out.
30/11/05	Completion of snow pits sampling for high resolution analysis. Investigation of snow pits for geographical variability in snow stratigraphy. Completion of GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices. Completion of maintenance work on automatic weather station.
01/12/05	Bertler, Pyne, Morrison deploy to Victoria Lower Glacier (VLG), with HNO (1shuttle). Field camp set-up. Ski to Staeffler Ridge to set-up GPS base station. Initiate base station and rover GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices at VLG I.
02/12/05	Initiation of rover GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices at VLG II. Sampling of multiple, 1m deep snow pits at VLG I for high resolution analysis updating the record derived from VLG 180m deep core in 2002. Investigation of snow pits for geographical variability in snow stratigraphy. Continuation of base station and rover GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices.
03/12/05	Check on base station at Staeffler Ridge, base station and rover GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices, and high resolution snow pit sampling. Completion of measurements at VLG II and retrieval of submergence velocity device.
04/12/05	Completion of base station and rover GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices. Dissembling and retrieval of base station.
05/12/05	Bertler, Pyne, Morrison return to Scott Base with HNO (1shuttle) Bertler, Pyne, Morrison deploy for 1.5 hours to MES for installation of 6m snow stakes.

EVENT MAP

*WEATHER

Fig. 1: Most recent weather data from the automatic weather station at Evans Piedmont Glacier

*ACCIDENTS, INCIDENTS OR HAZARDS

N.A.

FIELD EQUIPMENT

• Quality, suitability and performance of field clothing

  The issued field clothing was of suitable for the warm, calm weather conditions we encountered. However, we would like to reinforce our recommendation from last year that Antarctica NZ should investigate active field clothing that is warmer than the standard ECW's, page 8 less bulky, sheds snow and is semi waterproof for some filed parties working in cold glacial locations.

• Performance and design of field equipment such as tents, technical climbing equipment, kitchen gear, primus boxes, sleep kits and sledges

Skis, Skins and Pulk

We used skis and a manhaul pulk to move equipment (~100lb) between sites at both Evans and Victoria Lower Glacier. As in previous years, the pulk performed very well and can be used on snowy and icy surfaces alike (Fig.3). The Mukluk-Skis showed signs of fatigue, especially the bindings, which broke or fell apart. Furthermore, there was a lack of skins. The use of cord tight around the skis is less efficient and makes pulling a heavy sledge uphill very difficult. We recommend that Antarctica New Zealand invests in new skies and skins to be pre-allocated to field parties undertaking glaciological traverses.

Fig. 2: a) Temperature inside the olympus tent as measured during field deployment, b) new macpac dome tent on Victoria Lower Glacier

page 9

Fig. 3: Manhauling equipment between sites at Victoria Lower Glacier

• 20 person day ration box system

  The new food boxes (or bags) were well packed in terms of quantity and nutrition and were favourably received by all members. The addition of savoury snack food and new innovative extras, such as bagged tuna and couscous was very much appreciated.

RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

• Suitability and effectiveness of the radio equipment

  A high gain aerial was required at EPG and MES locations. We noted the radio batteries were more difficult to charge than in previous years. While all batteries were charged in the comfort of HFC before heading into the field, even unused batteries discharged within 24hours in moderate temperatures.

  Moreover, the solar panel charger for the radio batteries has two disadvantages: The batteries are cold during the charging process and in moderate winds the solar panel cannot be securely anchored to e.g. a tent. We suggest providing a black plastic box with clear lid to store the batteries and charger during charging. In sunny conditions solar heating will significantly rise battery temperature and hence charging capacity. A simple and inexpensive thermistor mechanism could be used prevent overheating through regulating air circulation within the box. A couple karabiners glued to the solar panel will assist greatly in charging batteries in windy locations.

• Reception/transmission conditions and suitability of radio schedule timing

  As last year, we noted that communications at EPG on channel 3 and 5 were poorer than the previous season at a very similar location when a hand held without high gain aerial was reliable.

• Scott Base's general efficiency during radio schedule

  Radio communication was efficient, professional, and appreciated. The timing of the radio schedule convenient.

COMPUTER FACILITIES

• Assistance the science technicians gave with computer / IT issues

  N.A.

• Issues concerning public computer facilities in the Hatherton Laboratory

  The computer network met our needs satisfactorily. A possibility to connect laptops to the Scott Base external net connection would be highly appreciated, especially during prolonged delays at Scott Base.

• Other comments

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPAC

*Sites Visited (please fill in a box for each site visited)

Site name	Evans Piedmont Glacier
Site location (coordinates/description)	76° 435335S; 162° 35.2940 E, 314m asl, glacier surface
Dates occupied	28 Nov 05 to 01 Dec 05
Total days (or hours) at site	4
Maximum number of people at site (your event)	3
Total person-days (or person-hours) at site	12
Main activity undertaken	High resolution snow pit sampling, maintenance and data retrieval of automatic weather station, GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices
Cumulative impacts observed	Transitory and less than minor

Site name	Victoria Lower Glacier I
Site location (coordinates/description)	77° 19.8053S; 162° 31.9252 E, 626m asl, glacier surface
Dates occupied	01 Dec 05 to 05 Dec 06
Total days (or hours) at site	5
Maximum number of people at site (your event)	3
Total person-days (or person-hours) at site	15
Main activity undertaken	High resolution snow pit sampling, GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices
Cumulative impacts observed	Transitory and less than minor

Site name	Victoria Lower Glacier II
Site location (coordinates/description)	77° 20.81846S; 162° 29.5371 E, 527m asl, glacier surface
Dates occupied	02 Dec 05 and 03 Dec 05
Total days (or hours) at site	6 hours
Maximum number of people at site (your event)	3
Total person-days (or person-hours) at site	18 hours
Main activity undertaken	Completion of GPS measurement for submergence velocity device. Complete retrieval of the device.
Cumulative impacts observed	Transitory and less than minor

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Site name	Mt Erebus Saddle
Site location (coordinates/description)	77°30.90S; 167° 40.59 E, 1600m asl, glacier surface
Dates occupied	05 Dec 05
Total days (or hours) at site	1 hour
Maximum number of people at site (your event)	3
Total person-days (or person-hours) at site	3 hours
Main activity undertaken	Deployment of three 6m high snow stakes for mass balance measurement
Cumulative impacts observed	Transitory and less than minor

Equipment installed/left in field

Type of equipment/marker installed	Three snow stakes
Location of installation left in field	77°30.90S; 167° 40.59 E, ~1600m
Size of items left in field (Dimension in metres: H, W, L)	6m high snow stakes (2m below and 4m above ground), with an average diameter of 2.5cm
Number of items left in field	3
Estimated retrieval date	Dec 2007

Fig. 4: Three snow stakes placed in the vicinity of the 2004/05 drill hole casing maker at Mt Erebus Saddle

page 12

*Differences from original Preliminary Environmental Evaluation (PEE)

We completed the mass balance measurement at VLG II. The submergence velocity device (77° 20.81846S; 162° 29.5371 E, Fig. 5) was completely removed.

Fig. 5: GPS measurement at the VLG II submergence velocity device before its complete removal

ANTARCTIC SPECIALLY PROTECTED AND MANAGED AREAS

Note that all event leaders who hold permits for entry to an ASPA need to complete a Visit Report for each ASPA entered. Please contact Rebecca Roper-Gee, the Environmental Advisor for report forms.

• New ASPA or ASMA designation to be considered:

  N.A.

CITED REFERENCES

Bertler, N. A. N., Barrett, P. J., Mayewski, P. A., Fogt, R. L, Kreutz, K. J., and Shulmeister, J., 2004, El Niño suppresses Antarctic warming: Geophysical Research Letters, v. 31.

Hall, B. L, and Denton, G. H, 2000, Extent and chronology of the Ross Sea ice sheet and the Wilson Piedmont Glacier along the Scott Coast at and since the Last Glacial Maximum: Geografiska Annaler, v. 82A, p. 337-363.

Hamilton, G. S., and Whillans, I. M., 2000, Point measurements of mass balance of Greenland Ice Sheet using precision vertical Global Positioning System (GPS) surveys: Journal of Geophysical Research, v. 105, p. 16,295-16,301.

Hamilton, G. S., Whillans, I. M., and Morgan, P. J., 1998, First point measurements of ice-sheet thickness change in Antarctica: Annals of Glaciology, v. 27, p. 125-129.

Meyerson, E. A., Mayewski, P. A, Kreutz, K. J., Meeker, L. D., Whitlow, S. I., and Twickler, M. S., 2002, The polar expression of ENSO and sea-ice variability as recorded in a South Pole ice core: Annals of Glaciology, v. 35, p. 430-436.

Mullan, B. A., Wratt, D. S., and Renwick, J. A., 2001, Transient model scenarios of climate change for New Zealand: Weather and Climate, v. 21, p. 3-34.

Steig, E. J., Hart, C. P., White, J. W. C., Cunningham, W. L., Davis, M. D., and Saltzman, E. S., 1998, Changes in climate, ocean and ice-sheet conditions in the Ross embayment, Antarctica, at 6ka: Annals of Glaciology, v. 27, p. 305-310.

Steig, E. J., Morse, D. L., Waddington, E. D., Stuiver, M., Grootes, P. M., Mayewski, P. A., Twickler, M. S., and Whitlow, S. I., 2000, Wisconsian and Holocene climate history from an ice core at Taylor Dome, Western Ross Embayment, Antarctica: Geografiska Annaler, v. 82A, p. 213-235.

Thompson, D. W. J., and Solomon, S., 2002, Interpretation of recent Southern Hemisphere climate change: Science, v. 296, p. 895-899.