The Sixteenth Indian Expedition to Antarctica was launched from Goa on 12th December, 1996 with a team of 62 persons of which 39 were scientific personnel. In this expedition a special environment task force, to oversee the entire scientific and logistic tasks of the expedition in terms of the Environmental protocol to the Antarctic Treaty,was also included.The expedition returned to India on 5th April 1997, leaving behind a 25 member wintering team. The following scientific and logistic tasks were performed by the Sixteenth Antarctic Team.

Scientific Accomplishments

Atmospheric Sciences


A state-of-the-art experiment using a Laser Heterodyne System (LHS) to yield the vertical profile of ozone and other minor trace gases in the atmosphere upto a height of 60 km was commissioned.

A study to understand the dynamics of mobile current systems in the Antarctic atmosphere was undertaken. Three fluxgate magneto- meters and riometers were operated at the three vertices of a triangle with the objective to obtain velocity of mobile auroral current systems that leave back geomagnetic pulsations.

A study with the aim to build up a climatological data set of Antarctica on a decadenal scale, was taken up. This information will help in generating meteorological models to understand the patterns of Antarctic circulation in the context of global and Indian weather systems.

Electrical Conductivity and Aerosol Particle Distribution studies were initiated. In this experiment, measurements of the atmospheric electric field along with size distribution of fine aerosol particles over Antarctica were made.

Earth Sciences

Geological mapping were carried out to cover an un-mapped area of 1000 sq. km. in the Kurze and Holtedahl ranges of Orvin II mountains.

Ongoing Project activities on Geological Evolution of Schirmacher Hills, East Antarctica to understand the structural, petrologic, geochemical and geochronological signatures in the rocks of the Schirmacher Oasis, were continued. These will help elucidate the history of crustal evolution of the area.

Experiments on Snow Drift and Albedo Studies in Antarctica were undertaken to understand the net energy exchange budget between the atmosphere and the variety of terrain's encountered in Antarctica.

A new project on Hydro-Geochemistry, Thermal Structure and Sedi- mentology of freshwater lakes was undertaken for understanding the climatic fluctuations.

Studies on seismic activities as recorded in Antarctica were undertaken for the first time from the Indian station. The preliminary data collected will be used for establishing a permanent digital broad band seismograph as a part of the seismic observatory.

A detailed topographical survey for preparing the maps of : (a) the new site location for an alternative summer camp;(b) delineating and demarcating the convoy route using GPS system;and(c) a seismatic survey of the ice shelf around the Indian Bay was carried out, in order to identify a suitable berthing place for the expedition vessel.

Hydrographic survey of the approach waters to the Indian Bay in Antarctica, was also taken up.

Medical Sciences

Experiments on Human Physiology to correlate circadian rhythmicity and metabolic status of personnel exposed to severe Antarctic conditions in order to understand the adaptive processes were continued.

A new study to evaluate the nutritional aspects and their effect on physiological stress and resultant metabolic requirements to which a subject is exposed to cold conditions, was also initiated.

Biological Sciences

Under the ongoing programme of devising a monitoring system for population dynamics for mammals (seals) and avian taxa, the eco- system health and the inter-species relationship, were developed which will be applied on a long term basis to understand the vital aspects of the fauna assemblage on a time series basis.


Experiments on development of a package of practices for protected polar vegetable production in Antarctica within the greenhouse at Maitri, were continued.

As a part of studies on bio-diversity of Antarctica, for the first time, a taxonomic survey of Bryophytes including both mosses and liverworts in the Schirmacher Oasis,was initiated. These plants play an important role in the nutrient status and primary productivity.

Engineering & Communication

A study on condition monitoring of the structural components of the Indian station under low temperature conditions, was undertaken. A novel aspect of these studies included an on-line monitoring facility between Antarctica and R&DE, Pune through Internet facilities.

Maintenance and upgradation of the communication linkages between Maitri and India, was accomplished. A near real time picture transmission facility between India and Antarctica was successfully established.

With the available data on energy needs of the station a simulation study was undertaken for designing a wind turbine system.

Testing and installation of the state-of-the-art linear thermal fire detecting system at Maitri was completed.

Logistic Tasks

Some of the major time bound logistic tasks undertaken during this expedition are as follows:

The replacement of MEG mixture as an antifreeze in the main water supply line with electrical trace oil heating system.

A special Environment Task Force under the overall co-ordination of the environment officer-cum-observer carried out an exhaustive exercise to restore Maitri and its environs and back load all unserviceable items as a part of a clean-up operations.