7 October 2016 Antarctic Logistics

The United States Antarctic Program (USAP(abbreviation) United States Antarctic Program) operates three year-round bases on the continent as well as two research vessels, all in the support of scientific research and exploration. These ships and stations house and feed somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,500 people at the height of the summer season, supported externally from supply lines stretching all the way back to Denver, Arlington, Port Hueneme in California, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State. Logistically, the challenges are immense. It may take over two years from the time a researcher is approved for a grant before the necessary supplies - everything from DNA thermocyclers to cooking tents - are in their hands, ready to use on the Ice.

Once funding comes through from the National Science Foundation - whose Division of Polar Programs oversees the USAP(abbreviation) United States Antarctic Program - equipment must be purchased, shipped, unpacked on the continent, and eventually picked up by the research team travelling South to carry out their work. While airlifts (plane flights) are the fastest way to deliver equipment and supplies on the continent, the gear is heavy and it's generally not cost-effective to transport via air.

During the austral summer every January, when sea ice cover reaches it's yearly minimum, a container ship follows in the wake of ice breakers to deliver fuel, construction materials, food, heavy machinery, and scientific equipment to McMurdo Station. Once the shipping containers are unloaded, in compliance with the Antarctic Treaty, all of McMurdo's waste - everything from hazardous scientific chemicals to motor oils and other industrial chemicals to food waste and recycling - is loaded into the empty containers for shipment North and proper disposal. At the bottom of the world, it takes a small army of dedicated professionals to make the science happen.