The application of the GPR-method for safety of logistics operations near the Russkaya station in West Antarctica

A. A. Sukhanova; V. V. Kharitonov; S. V. Popov; M. P. Kashkevich

doi:10.31857/S2076673422030142

The application of the GPR-method for safety of logistics operations near the Russkaya station in West Antarctica

A. A. Sukhanova, V. V. Kharitonov, S. V. Popov, M. P. Kashkevich

https://doi.org/10.31857/S2076673422030142

Full Text:

Abstract

The Russkaya station (Marie Byrd Land, West Antarctica) was one of the wintering stations of the Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE) before its conservation in 1990. Starting from the ﬁeld season of the 65^th RAE (2019/20), work is under way at Russkaya station to put it into operation as a functioning wintering station. Due to its signiﬁcant distance from other RAE infrastructure sites and also due to severe climate, organization of logistical operations in this area requires a special approach. For the most eﬀective transport communication with the station, it is planned to organize an airstrip to receive planes on ski landing gear on the surface of the outlet glacier. Glaciers of this type are oﬅen characterized by crevasses, which are not traceable on the surface, which makes it necessary to study the structural sub-surface features of the glacier. For this purpose, geophysical survey in the ﬁeld season of the 65^th RAE were carried out with usage of the GPR-method. GPR proﬁling at a frequency of 900 MHz allowed us to identify the crevasses and assess their morphometric characteristics, in particular the width and depth. The widest crevasses were examined in detail to improve the interpretation of GPR data. Based on the results of geophysical works, the boundaries of zones were determined, within which the crevasses are either absent, or their width does not exceed 0.6 m. In addition, by means of core drilling, values of ice density to a depth of 5 m from the surface were obtained, which correspond to the normative data on preparation of airﬁelds for operation of airplanes on ski landing gear. Based on the results of geophysical and glaciological investigations, a site on the glacier suitable for runway preparation was identiﬁed. An area safe for organization of transport communication between the airﬁeld and Russkaya station was also identiﬁed. It is adjacent to the hills of the oasis, as the glacier in this part is the most stationary.

Keywords

GPR-method, ice crevasses, logistics operations, runway, Russkaya station, West Antarctica,

About the Authors

A. A. Sukhanova

Saint Petersburg State University
Russian Federation
St. Peterburg

V. V. Kharitonov

Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute
Russian Federation
St. Peterburg

S. V. Popov

Polar Marine Exploration Expedition; Saint Petersburg State University
Russian Federation
St. Peterburg

M. P. Kashkevich

Saint Petersburg State University
Russian Federation
St. Peterburg

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Supplementary files

For citation: Sukhanova A.A., Kharitonov V.V., Popov S.V., Kashkevich M.P. The application of the GPR-method for safety of logistics operations near the Russkaya station in West Antarctica. Ice and Snow. 2022;62(3):427-440. https://doi.org/10.31857/S2076673422030142

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