Geophysical Research

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27875, 25 January 1956, Page 11

Geophysical Research

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, January 24.

The scientific aims of the TransAntarctic expedition of 1955-58, under the leadership of Dr. V. E. Fuchs, are to carry out a full programme of geophysical research, including meteorology and glaciology. The main base will be set up at Vahsel Bay (78 deg. S. 35 deg. W.) in February, 1956, and a full meteorological programme will start as soon as the base is established. Surface observations will be made at threehourly intervals and more frequently when air operations are in progress. It is expected that the observations will be transmitted to Stanley, Falkland Isles, for inclusion in collective broadcasts and possibly to Cape Town also. The base will have a radiosonde station and a daily ascent will be attempted. This will yield measurements of temperature, pressure and humidity at heights of up to perhaps 10 miles. Upper winds will be measured by pilot balloon whenever conditions are favourable. Also, a programme of radiation and glaciological measurements has been planned. The measurements of radiation will give information about the exchange of heat energy between that part of the earth’s surface and its surroundings —including energy received from the sun. Two types of measurement will be made, one continuous, the other on selected occasions. In March, 1957, an additional station will be established 300 miles inland from Vahsel Bay at an altitude of about 8000 ft. This will be manned until November, 1957, and during this time synoptic observations and possibly pilot balloon ascents will be carried out. Most of the equipment will be of standard Meteorological Office pattern, but the low temperatures likely to be met have raised a number of problems of instrument design and operation, many of which will only be solved by experience.

Air temperatures down to minus 80 deg.F may be experienced and lowrange thermometers including mercury/thallium maximum thermometers will be used. A greater difficulty is to maintain the conditions needed for useful measurements to be made. Air temperature is measured inside a double-louvred wooden box, known as the screen, supported 4ft above ground level. The purpose of the box is to permit the free passage of air, while excluding sunshine—and, in normal conditions, rain. Trouble Caused By Snow Wind-driven snow frequently makes it almost impossible to maintain proper ventilation through the usual type of screen, and, although many devices have been tried, a satisfactory answer has not yet been found. Hydrogen generation for balloons is another question which has been given much consideration. It has given trouble to previous expeditions. Hydrogen in cylinders cannot be taken as the amount of useless weight is too great. Some types of chemical generator have also been ruled out because of the volume of water they require. Water in its liquid form is a rare and valuable item in the Antarctic, and can only be produced by the expenditure of much valuable fuel. It is intended to try both low —and high-pressure generators—of the type using ferro-silicon and caustic soda — and requiring not more than five gallons of water for each charge. The expedition will initially include three meteorologists, one former member of the staff of the Meteorological Office, Mr R. H. A. Stewart, one South African Meteorologist, Mr J. J. La Grange, and one present member of the staff of the Meteorological Office, Mr P. H. Jeffries. It is hoped that at least one meteorologist will be a member of the party which, between November, 1957, and March, 1958. will attempt the continental crossing. (World Copyright Reserved)