SECOND POLAR YEAR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 173, 24 July 1930, Page 27

SECOND POLAR YEAR.

EXPEDITIONS PLANNED.

NEW ZEALAND PARTICIPATION

STATION AT MACQUARIE ISLAND

In the last quarter of the nineteenth century it was felt by meteorologists that far more valuable scientific results w ould accrue from polar expeditions if, instead or expeditions of an isolated character, parties were to proceed to a number of well-distributed stations in M<di latitudes and there carry out simultaneous observations arranged on a uniform plan for a full year's period. The first International Polar Year was therefore organised, and from August, 18S o 't 0 August, ISS3. fourteen expeditions were in the field, twelve in the Arctic and two in the Antarctic, each fully equipped for comprehensive observations in meteorology and terrestrial matmetism. The practical scientific results of the first Polar Year were very great, especiallv in terrestrial magnetism. Indeed, the present charts of the north polar region are based largely on observations taken in ISB2-S3. In meteorology the results were scarcely less important, especially to the weather forecaster. In the" long period which has elapsed since the first Polar Year many new problems have arisen requiring additional data for their solution. In particular, the main field of inquiry has been trans-ferred-from the surface of the earth to the upper air. The development of •wireless communication has discovered the existence of one or more electrically conducting layers at great heights, which are believed to .be connected with the radiation from the sun and the phenomena of the aurora. The aurora in turn is in some way associated with the development of "magnetic storms," which form a fundamental problem in terrestrial magnetism. Both aurora and ma<metic storms are most conspicuously developed in high latitudes, but for their study isolated polar expeditions are of little value. It is only from the cooperation of a considerable of observers, stationed at strategic points in both polar regions, and manipulating standard instruments according to a definite: and prearranged plan, that the fullest results can be expected. • Second Polar Year, 1932-33. At the international conference of directors of meteorological institutions at Copenhagen in 1929 it was decided to organise a second Polar Year. For both practical and sentimental reasons 193233, the jubilee of the first year, appeared to be an appropriate date, and it was consequently chosen. It is proposed to reoceupv, as far as possible, all the original stations established in 1882-1883, but additional stations will' also be established. Germany, France, Holland, Eussia, Denmark, Canada, Norway, Sweden, United States, Great Britain, $nd probably Italy, will send/expeditions. The expeditions will inmost cases consist of a party of three or four young men; who will proceed to places where accommodation is already available, and take observations according to an approved plan.throughout the year. ... .... ' There iwill be three main avenues of research: —(1) Terrestrial magnetism and.. aurora; (2) investigation of the upper air; (3) general' meteorological observations., It is anticipated that atmospheric electricity, wireless problems, and the ozone content of the upper atmosphere will also be investigated. /•.,. ; New Zealand is expected to undertake it 3 share of the investigations above mentioned, and New Zealand scientists are naturally anxious that it should do so. The matter has been tajcen up enthusiastically by the New Zealand Institute on the initiative of its .president, Dr. C. Coleridge Farr, PJtS. The institute has appointed a committee to organise the Dominion's contribution to the general plan. This committee consists of his Excellency the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, Professor C. Coleridge Farr, Sir J. J. Kinsey J; Mr. George Shirtcliffe, Dr. E. Marsden, Sir. H. E. Walshe, Mr. W. B. B. Oliver, Mr. A E. Hefford, Professor D. M. Y. Sommerville, Professor W. N. Benson, : Professor P. W. Burbidge, Professor D. 0. H. Florance and Dr. E. Kidson (convener.) The committee held its first meeting on July 16, when Mr. George Shirtcliffe was elected chairman and Dr. E. Kidson secretary. It was resolved to get into'touch with the Australian authori-ties.-with a view to co-operation and the co-ordination of effort in these regions. The-committee decided to envisage the following provisional programme: — 1. That 'the British authorities be urged to establish a station at Cape Adare, South Victoria Land, it being felt that European countries should not concentrate solely on the northern hemispheres — '. " That New Zealand should establish s^a^on at Macquarie Island, . huts are already available, while a subsidiary station may be established Auckland Islands. ' P. That as much biological,, botanical and. geological work as conditions allowed should be undertaken by the New Zeaahd expeditons in additon to the ffleteorologieal and geophysical work. . It was thought probable that an°™er. station, such as Sir Douglas MawS0 ?B b ase in Adelia Land, might be es abhshed by Australia, thus completgood distribution in these regions. The occasion of the Polar Year will 1 v-+ a Very important one in scientific an d the committee confidently a lively interest in the project on the part of the general public ? ae tive support in the furtherance °i its plans.