Annual Report 2009-2010 - Ministry Of Earth Sciences

for biological studies. Moss inhabiting invertebrate
fauna of the Schirmacher Oasis and terrestrial
invertebrates at Larsemann Hills were studied
for understanding the population dynamics of
the available invertebrate fauna at some selected
sites. Micro and macro fauna were studied in the
Thala Fjord and the Quilty Bay and the continental
shelves adjoining the proposed Indian station.
Wildlife Institute of India (WII) monitored birds
and mammals during the sea journey and at areas
close to stations. Data such as species, location
and density (number) were recorded along with
data on relevant environmental variables.
At the Larsemann Hills, land based surveys were
carried out at the proposed site of the Indian
station, the Fisher and Stornes islands, for birds
and seals. Aerial surveys were carried out along the
coastline from the Clements Bay to western part of
the Stornes Island and at the India Bay, and aerial
surveys were carried out along the ice shelf (10 ° 40’
E to 13 ° 30’E) for estimating the population of seals
in that stretch.
During the sea journey from Cape Town to the
Larsemann Hills, 36 species of birds and 6 species
of mammals (hump backed whales, fin whales
and others) were recorded. During the sea journey
from the Larsemann Hills to the India Bay (Maitri),
21 species of birds and 4 species of mammals were
recorded. Significant change in the distribution
and abundance of birds has been observed at
different latitudes.
Institute of Science undertook physiological
responses on the Antarctic krill due to temperature
changes. Krills were collected between 55°S and
70°S. Water samples, zooplanktons and bird
feathers were also collected during the voyage
to and from the Larsemann Hills.
4.1.1.6 Human Medicine and Physiology
Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied
Sciences (DIPAS) studied the effect of the Antarctic
environment on the Immune Response of 28 th Indian
Expedition members. It was observed that the level
of cytokines of the summer expedition members
were much higher on board in comparison to level
at Maitri. The number of sea sick patients also
increased on the way back. All the samples were
carried to DIPAS lab for further analysis.
4.2 29 th Indian Scientific Expedition to
Antarctica
4.2.1 Launching of the 29 th Expedition
The year 2009 marked the preparation of our plans
for the construction of the 3 rd Indian Research Base
at the Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica. Expedition
was planned and executed for putting in place
the infrastructure/equipment necessary for the
construction of the new station in coming years
as well as for undertaking the ongoing scientific
activities at the Maitri entailing the necessary
logistics for maintaining the year round station.
The 29 th expedition team has 53 members (30 for
Summer and 23 for Winter) including 29 members
for the Larsemann Hill expedition for undertaking
activities related to the establishment of the
3 rd Indian station. The team is drawn from IIG,
CGHS, SASE, NGRI, NPL, IMD, DEAL, ITBP,
NCAER, BRO, GSI, SAC, IITM, SIIRM, WII, SOI
and NHO. Most of the logistic personnel of
winter over team and the summer scientists, led
by the expedition leader Mr. P. Elango along with
necessary scientific equipment and provisions,
were flown to Maitri in November 2009. The
Leader and the first batch of 29 th Indian Antarctic
Expedition was flagged off on 5 th November,
2009 by Director, IIG. Scientific activities are in
progress as per schedule and ground preparation
for installation of Imaging Rio-meter at the Maitri
site has been completed.
In order to overcome the unpredictability of
the extent of sea ice in space and time in the
Larsemann Hill region, two ships, an Ice Breaker
and a multi-purpose cargo vessel were engaged.
A team of 29 members led by the voyage leader,
Mr. Rajesh Asthana, was flagged off for the
Larsemann Hills by the Secretary, Dr. Shailesh
Nayak in Cape Town on 29 th November, 2009 on
20 Ministry of Earth Sciences : Annual Report 2009-10