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Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics

Special Announcements
	Good night Sun sets on 2012-13 summer season at South Pole The sun set at Amundsen-Scott South Pole station on 23 March at 2:31 am. Read more in the Antarctic Sun.

	On March 21, 2013, the National Science Foundation issued a summary response to the recommendations of the U.S. Antarctic Program Blue Ribbon Panel that was charged with advising NSF on how to improve and streamline its logistical capabilities to more efficiently support world-class Antarctic science. The response is available at http://www.nsf.gov/geo/plr/usap_special_review/usap_brp/rpt/nsf_brp_response.pdf The U.S. Antarctic Program Blue Ribbon Panel report was released by the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science Foundation on 23 July 2012 during a press conference at the National Academy of Sciences. The report, More and Better Science in Antarctica through Increased Logistical Effectiveness, is available at http://www.nsf.gov/geo/plr/usap_special_review/usap_brp/rpt/index.jsp Updated: 28 March 2013

ANTARCTIC NEWS



	Return to tradition: 2013 geographic South Pole marker sports classic style Antarctic Sun story by Jeffrey Donenfeld

	United States Antarctic Program Web Portal — Visit the USAP portal for information on U.S. program activities.

ANTARCTIC STATIONS

The U.S. Antarctic Program, Division of Antarcitc Infrastructure and Logistics, operates three year-round stations—McMurdo, Amundsen-Scott South Pole, and Palmer stations. Camps operate only in summer to support field research. Six automated geophysical observatories and more than 100 automated weather stations operate year-round. The weather stations involve international collaboration with the Italian, German, Australian, and British programs.

McMurdo Station

McMurdo Station, Ross Island, Antarctica, is the largest station in Antarctica and the logistics hub for the U.S. Antarctic Program. (NSF/USAP photo by Michael Hoffman, Raytheon Polar Services)

Visit the McMurdo Station webcam.

Read recent reports from McMurdo Station, published in the Antarctic Sun.

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Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, aeiral view

Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, geographic South Pole, Antarctica, February 2011. (NSF/USAP photo by Robert Schwartz, USAP)

NSF Special Report — U.S. South Pole Station: Supporting Science

Visit the South Pole webcam.

Read recent reports from South Pole Station, published in the Antarctic Sun.

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Palmer Station, Anvers Island, Antarctic Peninsula Region, Antarctica

Palmer Station, Anvers Island, Antarctic Peninsula Region, Antarctica. (NSF/USAP photo by Jeffrey Kietzmann, Raytheon Polar Services)

Visit the Palmer Station webcam.

Read recent reports from Palmer Station, published in the Antarctic Sun.

LOGISTICAL SUPPORT

Ski-equipped hercules airplanes

Ski-equipped Hercules airplanes (LC-130) transport fuel, equipment, supplies, and personnel from McMurdo Station to inland sites, including Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, and from New Zealand. During the austral summer, wheeled military transports (C-17s and C-130s) also bring equipment, personnel, and supplies to Antarctica from New Zealand.

Ski-equipped Twin Otters and Basler aircraft also provide support to field teams during the austral summer.

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Helicopter

Helicopters provide support to field parties in the McMurdo Dry Valleys in southern Victoria Land and at remote field camps. Here a helicopter lands near the Beardmore Camp in the Transantarctic Mountains. (NSF/USAP photo by Kristan Hutchison, Raytheon Polar Services)

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U.S. Antarctic Program ships

The U.S. Antarctic Program operates two icebreaking research ships, Laurence M. Gould and Nathaniel B. Palmer between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula, in the Antarctic Peninsula region, and in the Ross Sea near McMurdo Station. Icebreakers annually open a channel to McMurdo Station to enable a supply ship and a tanker to reach the station.

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Helicopter lands at Beardmore Camp

Small and large field camps support science parties in remote areas of Antarctica. The photograph shows a large camp—Beardmore Camp—which supported eight geology and paleontology projects during the 2003-2004 austral summer season. (NSF/USAP photo by Kristan Hutchison, Raytheon Polar Services)

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Automated geophysical observatory, number 6

Automated Geophysical Observatories supported by the U.S. Antarctic Program.

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