Activity report of the 50th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-50) wintering party in 2009-2010

• Main Author: Akira Kadokura
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: National Institute of Polar Research 2013
• Subjects: geo; Antarctic; Syowa Station; Antarc*; Sea ice
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.15094/00009682; https://doaj.org/article/311318189e27413b90223870a87a94ed

The 50th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-50) wintering party, consisting of 28 members, has conducted the third year program of the 7th four-year plan of JARE. JARE-50 took over the management of Syowa Station from JARE-49 on January 29, 2009 and handed over it to JARE-51 on February 1, 2010. Scientific observations carried out by JARE-50 were divided into the following five categories: 1. Steady Continuous Observations; 2. Long-term Monitoring; 3. Interdisciplinary Focused Projects; 4. Specific-Purpose Project on medical research; and 5. Preparatory Research for the future planned large atmospheric radar. There were many blizzards during the wintering, which required great efforts to clear snow. Sea ice conditions were stable, and almost all the planned outdoor operations were successfully performed. Various trainings and activities for safety management were carried out throughout the wintering, along with public outreach activities using the satellite communication network. Other items of note include photographing the Polar Mesospheric Cloud, voting in the Lower House election, the early arrival of five members of JARE-51 in November, and a visit by the Australian inspection team in January.