India launches the 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica

What is the News?

India has successfully launched the 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica with the arrival of the first batch of its contingent at the Antarctic.

Click Here to Read about India’s Antarctic Expeditions

What is the 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica?

The 41st expedition is being led by scientists from the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism.

The expedition has two major programs:

First Program

Focus: It includes geological exploration of the Amery ice shelf at Bharati station. 

Significance: This will help explore the link between India and Antarctica in the past. 

Second Program

Focus: It involves reconnaissance surveys and preparatory work for drilling of 500 meters of ice core near Maitri. 

Agencies Involved: The ice core drilling will be done in collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey and the Norwegian Polar Institute.

Significance of the 41st Scientific Expedition

It will help in improving the understanding of Antarctic climate, westerly winds, sea-ice and greenhouse gases from a single climate archive for the past 10,000 years. 

Note: In addition to accomplishing scientific programs, the expedition will replenish the annual supplies of food, fuel, provisions, and spares for operations and maintenance of life support systems at Maitri and Bharati.

Source: This post is based on the article “India launches the 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica” published by PIB on 15th November 2021.