ARCTIC SCIENCE AND THE NUCLEAR SUBMARINE

• Main Author: Arthur E. Molloy
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arctic; Arctic Ocean
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.547.68; http://pubs.aina.ucalgary.ca/arctic/Arctic15-2-86.pdf

T HE early arctic research carried out by land-based groups was limited by many factors. Severe weather conditions had to be endured for long periods of time, and reliance placed on a logistics base that was of a semi-permanent nature. In addition the transport of men, material, a,nd equipment were problems that required personnel occupied primarily with support and logistics. Research was confined mainly to coastal regions and the study of broad ocean areas was neglected, but the need for research in the ocean areas was always evident. Investigations of the Arctic Ocean are now being conducted by both the United States and the Soviet Union by using research stations on drifting ice floes. This type of station has proved to be moderately successful, although they have disadvantages. First among these is the inherent danger of the ice floes breaking up sooner or later. Second, the ice in the Arctic Ocean follows a reasonably well-defined and generally predictable path, which limits the area that can be covered. Third, the ice-floe stations require logistic support by shore-based personnel. In addition, there are house-keeping duties that call for extra personnel as otherwise a heavy burden is placed on the scientific staff at the station. To meet these conditions the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force have had to furnish both ground-based facilities and drift-station personnel to support and maintain their respective arctic research programs. Another problem is that of transportation to and from a remote base. Seasonal changes and adverse weather conditions limit the periods when station personnel can be brought in and out (Calvert 1960). A final problem germane to this type of station concerns efficiency. The conduct of co-ordinated scientific research in an efficient manner requires that all these difficulties are surmounted and that quarters and facilities are provided that meet at least minimum living standards.