Climate, ozone levels to be studied on Ice

Press, 13 May 1988, Page 4

Climate, ozone levels to be studied on Ice

Projects of global concern and of importance to New Zealand have been given particular attention in next season’s Antarctic research programme. Monitoring ozone levels over the Ice and gathering other information on atmospheric factors which could affect world climate were essential elements of the programme, said the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Tizard. Wide-ranging research

on the Antarctic’s geology, wildlife and plants would also be made by some of the 200 scientists and support staff in the 1988/89 programme. Mr Tizard said that a team would be sent down to inspect all specially protected areas in the Ross Dependency and assess others which could benefit from additional conservation measures.

This was in response to recommendations agreed

to at the fourteenth Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting held last year in Rio de Janeiro. The 46 research projects have been approved by the Ross Dependency Research Committee. This committee includes representatives from the departments of Scientific and Industrial Research, Conservation, and Survey and Land Information. The Royal Society, Meteorological Service,

universities, the national museum, and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence are also represented. At least 12 R.N.Z.A.F. Hercules flights would be provided to the New Zea-land-United States logistics pool to fly personnel and equipment to the Ice, said Mr Tizard.

The whole programme is organised by the Antarctic Division of the D.S.I.R.