The German research vessel Polarstern, on the Alfred Wegener Institute's ANTXXIII/9 expedition, arrived at the edge of the ice shelf near the Neumayer station on February 12, 2007. It used the two days of good weather to remove waste and re-supply the research station. The fuel tanks were filled and food supplies were unloaded. The rubbish that could not be disposed of onsite needed to be loaded onto the Polarstern and taken away from the Antarctic.

During this time the researchers on board were able to take a look at the working environment of their colleagues on the ice. It was an opportunity to learn more about the different research projects carried out at the station. During the summer, the Antarctic station offers living and working quarters to researchers from around the world. During winter, the station is manned solely by a German overwintering group.



On the evening of February 13, the Polarstern departed Neumayer station, and slowly left the ice shelf, continuing its journey to its final destination and research position, Prydz Bay. The overwinterers left behind at Neumayer station could still be seen on the ice for a very long time. The Polarstern is the last research vessel to visit the station before the dark Antarctic winter sets in.

On board, the researchers continue to prepare for their arrival at the research destination. The first groups pack and check to make sure equipment and supplies will last through their stay at the site. Tents are given a test assembly run, provisions are packed and the technical equipment ia checked. Everyone wants to be prepared in case they need to stay for many days or weeks in the Antarctic ice world.



Meanwhile, the Polarstern continues to push through the sea-ice and the time is used to take various measurements. Olaf Klatts's research group sets out the first floats. They measure and save data from different depths, and when they come to the surface they send the data via satellite back to Germany. Immediately after transmission, the data are accessible over the Internet. The ultimate aim is to build up a closely woven network of ocean measurement data, in order to examine the general condition of the environment and to be able to pick up any possible changes.

Text: Michael Trapp
Photos: Michael Trapp / AWI
Submitted February 15, 2007