The 20 indian Antarctic Expedition was flagged off on-board M.V. Magdalena Oldenorff from Cape Town on 30 December 2000. The team comprising a total of 51 members was led by Shri Mervin J. D’Souza from Geological Survey of India. The 20th IAE team consisted of 51 members including 34 scientists from various scientific Organizations/Universities/Departments and 17 logistic members. After successful completion of all logistics and scientific tasks the 20th IAE team returned to India in March 2002.
Objectives
Measurement of the ice thickness to decipher the sub-ice stratigraphy by ground probe radar profiling. Systematic coring of the lake bottom sediments for reconstruction of the past vegetative history. Study of the influence or aerosol forcing on the atmospheric radiation budget and climate over Antarctica. Micro plankton distribution and their energy pattern in fresh water lake ecosystem
Scientific Achievements
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
A 3-station triangulation experiment and simultaneous magnetic recording (digital and/or analog) were carried out with a view to understanding the dynamics of the auroral current systems. Atmospheric electrical parameters near the Kamat Hut at Maitri were measured to study the global electric circuit. A maximum of 2000 UT observed confirms the traditional view that the thunderstorms are the main drivers of the global circuit. Effects of local meteorological conditions on the measured electrical parameters and the magnetospheric contributions to the ionospheric potential and the global circuit were investigated in detail.
Climatological and Meteorological studies
Continuous observation on the weather pattern, atmospheric pressure, surface ozone and global solar radiation was made at Maitri. Four ozone sonde ascents were taken during summer season. All the ascents reached more than 30 km height. Measurement of atmospheric turbidity was done using Sun Photometer with filters of 500 nm & 560 nm.
VLF Propagation Studies
VLF propagation data were recorded by digital audio recorder PCM-R300 continuously. Whistler and related events were detected manually from the recorded data.
Earth Sciences and Glaciology
Geological mapping and glaciological studies carried out by Geological Survey of India, in the Muhlig-Hoffmannfjell area revealed very coarse-grained porphyritic granite and charnockite. A nunatak east of Muhlig-Hoffmannfjell depicts a classical inter-relationship between charnockite and granite; but no textural difference between these two types of rocks was observed. Glaciomorphological studies in Schirmacher Oasis have helped in defining the important glaciomorphological features on map, which include deglaciated areas, U valley, glacial terraces, etc. An interesting feature recorded north of Novo station showed a rounded pebble bed suggesting the influence of considerable fluvial action in its deposition.
Planetary Geomdetic Studies
The data were generated on surface geometry and surface height ranges as well as surface motion. The computation of the data would be useful for assessing the changes in bedrock elevation. The GPS data obtained from the GPS station established at Maitri served as a fundamental marker to International Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) GPS campaign for 2001.
Tele Seismic Studies
The seismic station equipped with high-resolution digital seismograph and an analog seismic recorder was upgraded with the installation of additional Broad Band Seismic System with Gurlap CMG-3ESP sensor and Digital acquisition system RT 121 from Reftek. The data in January 2001 Bhuj earthquake recorded at Maitri seismic station were analysed and sent to NGRI. Using SEISAN software, preliminary analysis of both the digital and analog records was carried out. Archiving of the DAT tapes as well as CDs for further analysis of the events was also completed.
Crack Propagation Studies
Collection of Albedo values and other parameters near Veteiah hill and Dakshin Gangotri station was completed. Also, at these locations Automatic Weather Stations with sensors recording wind speed and wind direction, relative humidity and ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure, were made operational along with Albedometer and snow depth sensors. The snow grain identification studies indicated predominantly sugary grains at Veteiah, Shivling and Russian Aerodrome site. Crack propagation study of the crack in India Bay was initiated. GPS reading for the crack was taken for long-term monitoring.