SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE 33 rd INDIAN ANTARCTIC SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITION ( )

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1 SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE 33 rd INDIAN ANTARCTIC SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITION ( ) Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences /Climate Geophysical Studies at Antarctica Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences /Climate Maitri and Bharati S. Gurubaran, A K Sinha, Ajay Dhar, C.D. Reddy, C.P. Anil Kumar, Arun N Hanchinal, Raman Selvamurugan, Geeta Vichare & Rahul Rawat/ IIG, Navi Mumbai To understand the relationship between the magnetospheric substorms and magnetic storms by performing a number of case studies and work out a phenomenological model relating the strength of a storm with the strength and occurrence frequency of substorms. To identify the global signatures in atmospheric electrical parameters and distinguish atmospheric, ionospheric and magnetospheric signatures in the surface electrical parameters with the goal of evaluating the electrical response of the atmosphere to magnetospheric influences. To monitor the declining strength of the total magnetic Field F observed over the last few decades in the Southern Hemisphere, especially over the Antarctic continent and understand the underlying processes responsible for this feature. To study the dynamics of the Earth s crust in the Queen Maud Land area of Schirmarchar Oasis and Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica. To study the mass balance and ice dynamics of the Nivlisen ice shelf in Antarctica. Observation of Meteorological Parameter and Ozone Observation Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences /Climate

2 Maitri Director General/IMD, New Delhi Continuous recording of various surface meteorological parameters including synoptic hour s observation. Also real time transmission of main synoptic message (4 times a day) over GTS for use by the weather forecasters all over the world. Recording of surface ozone and measurement of vertical distribution of ozone in the atmosphere through weekly ozone- sonde ascents at Maitri. Radiation budget studies Direct and diffuse radiation observations. This will be supplemented by taking radio-meter sonde ascents. Turbidity measurement for aerosol study. Reception satellite cloud imageries from Polar Orbiting satellites and weather chart broadcast over radio-facsimile as part of logistic support to the Expedition. Study of Antarctica Weather & Climate, study of Antarctic Ozone hole Phenomenon, Solar Radiation. Monitoring surface ozone variation and column Aerosol studies. Temporal and Spatial Variations of Meteorological Parameters and Energy Budget of Different Snow- Ice Media in Antarctica Using Remote Weather Station and Satellite Remote Sensing data. Meterology & Atmospheric Sciences /Climate Maitri and Bharati V. D. Mishra and H S Gusain/SASE, Chandigarh Dynamic Modelling for Energy Balance using RRTS and Satellite Remote Sensing. Study of Hyperspectral Characteristics of different snow and ice Media in Antarctica. Development of algorithm for narrow band to broad band albedo for satellite images. Long term monitoring of Aerosol and Ozone using Sunphotometer.

3 Land cover characterization using multi-spectral and hyper- spectral remote sensing and study of land surface atmosphere interaction Meterology & Atmospheric Sciences /Climate Bharati V. D. Mishra and H S Gusain/SASE, Chandighar Dynamic Modelling for land cover atmosphere interaction using ground observations and remote sensing. Hyper-spectral and Multi-spectral remote sensing study for different land cover characterization using satellite sensor. Generation of scientific data base of cryospheric regions of Antarctica by longterm data collection from various scientific instruments. Location (Site Name, Latitude, Impact on Space-weather events on Polar Region Ionosphere Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences / Climate Maitri Rupesh M. Das 1, Sachchidanand Singh 1 and Shailendra Saini 2 1. NPL/New Delhi 2. NCAOR, Goa Morphological study of Polar region Ionosphere i.e. Day to day behavior of different ionospheric parameters like bottom side ionospheric plasma density, variation of critical frequency and height of different ionospheric layers. Investigation of solar wind thermospheric magnetospheric ionospheric coupling over polar region during high solar activity period with special emphasis on adverse space weather conditions. To study the Aerosol radiation forcing over the Antarctic region by measuring Aerosol properties and Radiation

4 Location (Site Name, Latitude, Location (Site Name, Latitude, Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences / Climate Maitri & Bharati Rupesh M. Das and Sachchidanand Singh/ NPL, New Delhi Data collection for Aerosol Optical Depth, Radiation Flux in the UV and Broad Band and Absorbing aerosol (BC) Analysis of Data and Model calculation for Aerosol Radiative properties including Forcing. Assess the impact of aerosols on radiation budget of Polar Regions. Assessment of Polar Ice Dynamics Using Remote Sensing Data and In-situ Observations. Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences / Climate Maitri & Bharati Sandip R. OzA, Raj Kumar, Jayaprasad P, Megha Maheshwari and D. Ram Rajak/SAC, Ahmadabad The major objective of the polar ice dynamics and mass balance study can be sub-divided suitably into following components, encompassing in-situ data collection of the polar regions by participating in the Antarctic expeditions: Ice sheet/ice-shelf energy and mass balance studies: (i) Define changes in the ice margin and surface characteristics and (ii) Measure the changes in energy and mass balance components. Sea Ice dynamics and thermodynamics studies: (i) Estimation and assessment of sea-ice concentration and thickness distribution (ii) seaice motion vector using synergistic use of Optical (AWiFS, OCM) and Microwave (SAR, Scatterometer, Altimeter, SSMI) data. Validation & Signature studies: (i) Validation of Microwave/Optical remote sensing products (ii) Polar ice signature database generation using Space-borne sensors.

5 Assessment and monitoring of vulnerable areas to changes, using space-borne data. Location (Site Name, Latitude, Climate Research and Low Latitude and High Latitude Coupling. Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences / Climate Maitri, Bharati and Voyage(Ship journey) S. Suresh Babu 1, Raj Kumar Choudhary 1, Tarun Kumar Pant 1, Mukunda M Gogoi 1, D. Bala Subrahamanyam 1, N. V. P. Kiran Kumar 1 and H. B. Menon 2 1. SPL/Thiruvananthampuram 2. Goa University Study of long term changes in the physical, chemical and optical properties of aerosols in polar atmosphere, quantify the effect of long range transport, and estimate radiative impact. Estimate snow scavenging of aerosols and deposition of soot in ice and to study the physical, chemical and optical properties of aerosols in Snow and the corresponding changes in snow albedo. Quantify the anthropogenic influence in Antarctic atmosphere to delineate local and long-range transport. Investigate the Atmospheric boundary layer characteristics and vertical flux of energy and momentum. Study of vertical distribution of aerosols, water vapor and clouds. Vertical distribution of ozone, its temporal variation and role of chemistry and dynamics in its variability Impact of solar wind on the low earth environment, particularly in the low latitude system. In addition, the knowledge gained in the process would help to develop the Ionospheric Model for the real time GPS solutions as well. Study of the dynamic nature of polar cap by

6 taking advantage of the unique position of Larsemann Hills. Characterization of the polar ionosphere under different space weather conditions and its coupling with mid- and low-latitude ionosphere. Effect of fast changing IMF on the dynamic ionospheric convection. Genesis of the Inter-hemispheric mismatch between the Arctic and Antarctic ionospheric features. Energetic coupling between mesosphere and upper atmosphere and investigation of the effects of polar sudden stratospheric warming on middle atmosphere dynamics. Biology and Environmental Science Survey, collection and isolation of microalgae and upgradation of National Microalgal bioprospects. Repository with cryophilic microalgae and exploring their possible bioprospects. Biology and Environmental Science Maitri D. Prabaharan and L. Uma/Baharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli The proposed aim of this project is to strengthen the newly established cryophilic culture collection at National micro algal repository, sponsored by DBT. Govt. of India which are available to needy researchers with in India for their scientific work. Also aims to utilize the Antarctic cryophilic microalgae for their potentials and study the major phenomenon such as nitrogen and hydrogen metabolism and antioxidative systems that determine the survivability in the extreme environment. Survey, collection and isolation of psychrophilic microalgae of both marine and freshwater strains. Upgradation of newly established cryophilic microalgae repository by adding the Antarctic microalgae which will be made accessible for scientists and researchers. Identification of the isolated Antarctic micro

7 algal cultures in repository by both morphological and molecular means; 16SrRNA and CPC-region for cyanobacteria and 18SrRNA for other microalgae. Long-term monitoring of Wildlife and their habitats in Antarctica and Southern Indian Ocean Biology and environmental Science Bharati and Voyage K. Siva Kumar and S. Sathyakumar/WII, Dehradun Investigate the distribution pattern and community structure of birds and mammals in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica Evaluate and map the wildlife habitats, and to identify threats to wildlife and their habitats Monitor certain key pelagic organisms such as krill and long range movements of species such as penguins and seals using satellite tracking techniques Environmental Monitoring and Health of Indian Antarctic Stations in Pursuit of Antarctica-Treaty System and it s Governance. Biology and Environmental Science Bharati and Maitri 1. Anoop Tiwari/ESSO-NCAOR, Vasco-Goa 2. Savita Kerkar/Goa University To monitor the environment through various indicators in and around research stations (Maitri and Bharati) in Antarctica. Prepare Environment Management Plan for Stations. Cosmic Ray Dosimetry Biology and Environmental Science Bharati and Maitri Rupali Pal and A. K. Bakshi/ BARC, Mumbai Measurement of cosmic ray dose due to gamma, charged particle and neutron as a function of

8 solar cycle using passive dosimeters at two Indian stations Bharati and Maitri on long term. Measurement of activity concentration and dose equivalent due to Radon/Thoron using passive dosimeter based on SSNDT. Study of Algal Diversity on Larsemann Hills, Antarctica Bharati Biology and Environmental Science Pratibha Gupta/BSI,Howrah Survey and collection of the algal samples. Taxonomic enumeration and diversity of algae. Gross monitoring of physicochemical parameter of water bodies/different habitats. Culture of algal from various habitats. Hydrographic Survey - Off Princess Astrid Coast and Larseman Hills. Earth Science, Glaciology & Global Maitri and Bharati Amit Pant/NHO, Dehradun Continued data collection towards Bathymetric and Physical Oceanographic database. Detailed study of propagation of sound waves at various locations in India bay and determine the best fit average sound velocity for optimum performance of various sensors to be deployed for Hydrographic work. Delineation of coastline adjoining India Bay and crosscheck with the coal lining delineated during earlier expeditions and study changes caused by environmental conditions. Production of INT Chart 9050 and its subsequent updation. Produce charts as required for Larsemann Hills area. Permanent seismological and GPS observatory at Maitri Antarctica

9 Maitri and Bharati Vineet K Gahalaut and J.K.Catherine/ NGRI, Hyderabad Seismological and geodetic studies in the Antarctica Large Scale Topographical Mapping and Geophysical Studies for Neo-tectonics & Monitoring Inter-plate movement Studies at Larsemann Hills and Schirmacher Oasis Region of Antarctica Location (Site Name, Latitude, Maitri & Bharati U. N. Mishra and Virendra Dutt/ SOI, Dehradun Establishment of horizontal & vertical reference frame for detail mapping and scientific activities Large scale mapping of Larsemann Hills & Schirmacher Oasis on 1:10,000 scales with contour interval of 5 metres. Large scale mapping of Larsemann Hills on 1:2,000 scale with contour interval of 2 metres To monitor plate movement of the continent at Maitri, Schirmacher Oasis and Larsemann Hills Region with respect to Indian plate respectively Studies for neo-tectonic activities of the region. Determining Local Mean Sea Level & obtaining tidal constituents required for advanced tidal Predictions through Harmonic Tidal Analysis. Project-I: Geological mapping (1:10000 scale) in the central part of Schirmacher Range, East Antarctica to constrain its tectono-metamorphic evolution and place in Gondwana configuration. Project-II: Tectono-metamorphic evolution of the Brattnevet area, Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica Project-III: Tectono-metamorphic evolution of

10 the Fisher area, Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica Project-IV: Glaciological Studies in the Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica for assessing the impact of climate change. Project-V: Sedimentology and clay mineralogy of lake sediments from Schirmacher Range, East Antarctica with implications on the paleoclimatic history. Project-VI: Meteorite search in Antarctica. Project-VI: Glaciological Studies in Central Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica during the 33rd Indian Antarctic Expedition. Project-I: Maitri Project-II: Bharati Project-III: Bharati Project-IV: Bharati Project-V: Maitri Project-VI: Maitri Project-VII: Maitri Project-I: Sandip Kumar Roy, Prakash Kumar Shrivastava and Rosan Kumar Mallik/GSI Project-II: Mohd Yunus Shah and Kato K.Ayemi/GSI Project-III: Amit Mandal, Mohd Yunus Shah and Kato K.Ayemi/GSI Project-IV: Amit Mandal, Mohd Yunus Shah and Kato K.Ayemi/GSI Project-V: Prakash Kumar Shrivastava, Sandip Kumar Roy and Rosan Kumar Mallik/GSI Project-VI: Sandip Kumar Roy, Prakash Kumar Shrivastava and Rosan Kumar Mallik/GSI

11 Project-VII: Prakash Kumar Shrivastava, Sandip Kumar Roy and Rosan Kumar Mallik/GSI Project-I: Establishing tectono-metamorphic evolution of the Schirmacher Range. Validation of the existing information on Gondwana assembly. Project-II: Delineation and characterization of different lithounits in the Brattnevet area. To identify and correlate deformational and metamorphic events. A comparative evaluation with the juxtaposed and earlier studied terrain of Grovnes area. Project-III: Delineation and characterization of different lithounits in the Fisher area. To identify and correlate deformational and metamorphic events. A comparative evaluation with the juxtaposed and earlier studied terrain of Grovnes area. Project-IV: To obtain information on the thickness and internal structure of the fast ice between Bharti promontory and Fisher Island / Broknes Peninsula through GPR surveys. Assessment of the thickness, internal stratification and basement configuration of Polar Ice Sheet by GPR surveys. To initiate snow accumulation /ablation studies by establishing and monitoring a stake network over Antarctic Ice Sheet. To assess the impact of climate change in long term. Project-V: Assessment of mineralogical, chemical and grain size parameters of proglacial and land locked lake sediments and their variation with changing climate. Characterization and quantification of clay minerals for evaluating their response to

12 changing climate. Establishing the chronology of various climatic events. Project-VI: To search for meteorites in part of Somovken glacier, central Dronning Maud Land (cdml), East Antarctica. Project-VII: Glaciological studies in parts of the central Dronning Maud Land (cdml), East Antarctica for providing inputs towards a better understanding of global climate change. Location (Site Name, Latitude, Antarctic cryospheric process studies and climate change reconstruction using snow and ice core records. Maitri and Bharati Thamban Meloth, Laluraj C.M. and Runa Anthony/ESSO-NCAOR,Vasco To study the snow-air biogeochemical processes and to understand the influence of photochemistry and microbial processes on the composition of snow. To reconstruct the environmental variables during the past years using firn/ice core with annual resolution to unravel the recent climate change in Antarctica and its global linkages. Biogeochemistry and Paleoenvironmental studies of Larsemann Hills and Prydz Bay: a past-presentfuture perspective. Bharati Rahul Mohan/ESSO-NCAOR, Goa Impact of icebergs and sea-ice on phytoplankton community and their role in biogeochemical cycles in coastal Antarctica.

13 Biogeochemistry and geomorphic evolution of lakes in the Larsemann Hills as also the paleolimnology of Larsemann Hill lakes. To understand the paleo-environment of Prydz Bay Satellite-based DEM for monitoring Antarctic ice topography, with special focus on- A] Applications of high resolution Cartosat -1/2 and RISAT-1 satellite remote sensing data for Extraction of Polar Spatial Information and DEM of Schirmacher Oasis Hills, East Antarctica B] Synergistic use of Imaging SAR, GLAS/ICES at and Ground survey (GPS) data to produce an accurate DEM of the Schirmacher Oasis and India Bay. Maitri and Bharati Alvarinho J. Luis and Shridhar Jawak/ESSO- NCAOR, Goa Generation of highly accurate DEM of Schirmacher Oasis near Maitri by using precise SAR, ICESat/ GLAS and ASTER GDEM To generate accurate land cover maps of Schirmacher Oasis and Larsemann hills using high resolution remote sensing data from world view-2 and Cartosat data. To generate a semi-automatic method for land cover feature extraction using very high resolution satellite remote sensing data. To quantify and study the trends in evolution changes from 2005 to 2013, i:e height variation detection at Schirmacher Oasis from ICSE at altimetry and previously collected data (XXXI ISEA). To compare and quantify the change in elevation values of ICES at base DEM with topographic DEM of year 1992 and To validate existing conventional DEM s using GPS Survey and SAR DEM s. Hydrodynamics of the Indian sector of coastal Antarctica.

14 Voyage (Ship journey) Alvarinho J. Luis and Shridhar Jawak/ESSO- NCAOR, Goa Quantifying changes in thermohaline structure with reference to frontal meandering, with special focus on region south of ACC front; Computation of annual upper-ocean heat and salt content in the coastal Antarctica by using expendable probe data and other data; Water mass distribution and their mixing characteristics; Construction of empirical models of upperocean temperature and dynamic topography from satellite altimeter data to infer baroclinic transports. Monitoring of geostrophic circulation and transport and its temporal variation across the region between Africa and Antarctica; Fresh water extent along the meridional transect in the coastal region in relation to summer sea ice melt. Geodetic and geophysical Studies at Antarctica. Maitri C.D. Reddy/IIG, Navi Mumbai To evaluate and ensure safe and satisfactory radiological conditions To monitor long term radiation levels. Student Participation Biogeochemical studies of blue ice regions in coastal East Antarctica. Student Participation Maitri and Bharati Archana Dayal and Thamban Meloth 1. TERI University, New Delhi 2. ESSO-NCAOR, Goa To study the biogeochemical composition of blue ice and its ability to support life.

15 To determine microbial abundance and diversity in blue ice ecosystems. NPL National Physical Laboratory SASE - Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment IMD - Indian Meteorological Department, IIG - Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, NHO National Hydrographic Office NGRI - National Geophysical Research Institute SOI Survey of India GSI Geological Survey of India ESSO-NCAOR Earth System Science a Organisation-National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research BSI- Botanical Survey of India WII-Wildlife Institute of India SPL-Space Physics Laboratory BU-Bharatidasan University SAC- Space Application Centre BARC-Bhabha Atomic Research Centre