Equipment Weight and Cube
Tents WT/LBS CU
Polar tent: 2-3 person with liner and poles 78 15
Bag of 18 stakes 20 2
Mountaineering tents: NF VE-25,
and Sierra Designs-Stretch Dome
3-person with poles and fly 10 2
Mountaineering tent: NF Westwind
2-person with poles and fly 6.1 5
Tarp for mountaineering tent 2 0.5
Stakes for mountaineering tent 4 10
Two Person Kitchen Box 52 LBS 2 CU
Quantity of included item Distribution Included Item
1 Each Basin, Plastic
1 Each Bottle/Can Opener
4 Each Bowls, Soup (Hard Plastic)
1 Each Bread Pan
1 Each Can Opener, Hand
2 Each Can Opener, P-38
20 Each Clothes Pins
1 Each Coffee Pot, Stainless
1 Each Cookset With 2 Pots
1 Each Cutting Board
1 Each Detergent
4 Each Dish Drying Cloths
4 Each Dish Washing Cloths
1 Roll Foil
4 Each Forks
1 Each Frying Pan, Teflon
2 Each Hand Soap
1 Packet Handi Wipes
2 Each Knives, Large
2 Each Knives, Paring
2 Each Knives, Steak
1 Each Ladle
1 Each Mirror
2 Each Mixing Bowls
4 Each Mugs, Plastic
2 Each Mugs, Thermo-Insulated
1 Each Pie Pan
4 Each Plates
2 Each Pot Holders
2 Each Pot Scrubbers
1 Each Pressure Cooker, 4-quart
1 Each Rubber Scraper
1 Each Sewing Kit
1 Each Snow Melting Pot, 10-quart
1 Each Spatula, Nylon
1 Each Sponge
1 Each Serving Spoon, Large
1 Each Serving Spoon, Perforated
1 Each Serving Spoon, Small
1 Each Strainer
4 Each Tablespoons
4 Each Teaspoons
1 Each Thermarest® Repair Kit
1 Each Toaster, Stove Top
2 Each Tupperware Containers
1 Each Wire Whisk
Four Person Kitchen Box 65 LBS 2 CU
1 Each Basin, Plastic
1 Each Bottle/Can Opener
8 Each Bowls, Soup (Hard Plastic)
1 Each Bread Pan
1 Each Can Opener, Hand
4 Each Can Opener, P-38
20 Each Clothes Pins
1 Each Coffee Pot, Stainless
1 Each Cookset With 3 Pots
1 Each Cutting Board
1 Each Detergent
6 Each Dish Drying Cloths
6 Each Dish Washing Cloths
1 Roll Foil
8 Each Forks
2 Each Frying Pans, Teflon
2 Each Hand Soap
2 Packet Handi Wipes
4 Each Knives, Dinner
1 Each Knives, Large
2 Each Knives, Paring
4 Each Knives, Steak
1 Each Ladle
1 Each Mirror
2 Each Mixing Bowls
8 Each Mugs, Plastic
4 Each Mugs, Thermo-Insulated
1 Each Pie Pan
8 Each Plates
2 Each Pot Holder
4 Each Pot Scrubber
1 Each Pressure Cooker, 4-quart
1 Each Rubber Scraper
1 Each Sewing Kit
1 Each Snow Melting Pot, 10-quart
2 Each Spatulas, Nylon
1 Each Sponge
1 Each Serving Spoon, Large
1 Each Serving Spoon, Perforated
1 Each Serving Spoon, Small
1 Each Strainer
8 Each Tablespoons
8 Each Teaspoons
1 Each Thermarest® Repair Kit
1 Each Toaster, Stove Top
2 Each Tupperware Containers
1 Each Wire Whisk
Basic Tool Kit 18 LBS 1 CU
1 Set Allen Key, Standard
1 Each Channel Lock
1 Each Crescent Wrench: 4", 8", 12"
4 Each Emery Paper: 2 Coarse, & 2 Fine
1 Each File: Flat & Round
1 Each Hacksaw with 3 Replacement Blades
1 Each Hammer, Claw
1 Set Jeweler's Screw Driver Set
4 Each Pliers: 1 Diagonal Cutter, 1 Needle Nose, 1 Slip Joint and Vice Grips
1 Each Razor Knife
1 Each Scissors
5 Each Screw Driver Sets: 2 Phillips Head, & 3 Slot Heads
1 Each Tape Measure
1 Roll Wire: 16 Gauge
1 Each Wonder Bars
Snowmobile Tool Kit 6 LBS 1 CU
1 Set Allen Key, Metric
1 Each Carburetor Repair Kit, Mikuni
1 Each Electrical Contact File
1 Each Feeler Gauge
1 Each Extension Bar For Socket Set: 10.5"
1 Bottle Locktite
1 Each Magnetic Screwdriver Set
1 Each Reversible Rachet
4 Each Sockets, Metric: 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm
3 Each Sockets, Standard: 1/2", 7/16", 9/16", 3/8"
1 Each Spark Plug Wrench
1 Each Universal Joint for Socket Set
4 Each Wrenches, Metric: 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm
3 Each Wrenches, Standard: 1/2", 7/16", 9/16"
Stoves WT/LBS CU
Coleman: White Gas, 2-Burner 7 2
Coleman: Propane, 2-Burner 7
Optimus 111 2 0.25
MSR WhisperLte 1 0.25
MSR XGK 1.5 0.25
Petroleum Naptha (White Gas) 7 1 (1 gallon can)
Propane: Disposable Cartridge 2 1 (4.24 lb./gallon)
25 LB Cylinder 41 4
100 LB Cylinder 196 5
200 LB Cylinder 367 13
Fire Extinguishers, Ansul 2.5 LBS 5 1
Communications WT/LBS CU
Transworld PRC 1099 25 2
SCOM 130 HF, Complete Kit 25 2
MX300 Motorola, Handheld 3 0.25
Ice Drilling Tools WT/LBS CU
Kovacs Auger, Bit & 1 Extension 3 1
Each Additional Extension 2 1
Jiffy Powerhead 5 2
Sipre Ice Auger Kit: 4-1/2" OD 90
4 for 3' Core, 5 Ext. for 6-m Drilling Depth
Sipre Ice Auger Extension Set 80 5 (21 each -- 1-m Ext.)
Motor for Auger, 3/4" Drill for Sipre Auger (8.5A - 110V) 21 2
Cobra Drill 63 10
PICO Ice Core Kits, 20m 90 5
PICO Ice Core Kits, 50m 208 15
Chisel Bar, 48" Long 7 1
Hole Melter, Glycol Loop 450
Power Equipment WT/LBS CU
Generators, Mogas
.65 kW 55 1.5
1.4 kW 85 3
2.2 kW 130 4
3.5 kW 180 6
4.0 kW 200 8
5.0 kW 225 8
Generators, JP8
6.0 kW 510
12.0 kW 750
17.5 kW 1200
Herman Nelson Heater 272 16
Battery, 12-Volt 50 1
Chain Saw 50 4
Dive Compressor 250 2
Transportation WT/LBS CU
Snowmobiles:
Alpine II 765 175
Alpine I 642 115
Elan 250 285 78
Cheyenne 503 350 100
Polaris ATV 450 120
Nansen Sled (with Cargo Tank) 75 40
Maudheim Sled 650 100
Jerry Can (metal), 5 Gal w/Mogas 50 3
Jerry Can (metal), 5 Gal w/DFA 53 3
Skidoo Oil, Case Lot (12 Qts/Case) 25 1
55-gallon drum (empty) 70 12
55-gallon drum (DFA/JP8) 450 2
55-gallon drum (Mogas) 400 12
55-gallon drum (antifreeze) 500 12
Flomax pump 45 4
Hazardous Cargo
Examples of Examples of
Hazardous Goods Hazardous Chemicals
Automotive (Lead/Acid)
Batteries
Catalytic Heaters Acetone
Compressed Gases Benzene
Explosives Carbonice (Dry Ice)
Fire Extinguishers Chloroform
Flare Pistol Ammunition Ethanol
Flares, Roadside Ether
Generators Formaldehyde, 37%
Herman Nelson Heaters Formalin, 10%
Jiffy Powerhead Glutaraldehyde
J-8 Fuel Hydrochloric Acid
Kerosene Isopropyl Alcohol
Lithium Batteries Methyl Alcohol
Matches Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Meta-paste Nitric Acie
Mogas (Gasoline) Perchloric Acie, 60-62%
Propane Radioactives
Propane Torch Kit Sulfuric Acie
Scuba Tanks WD-40
Snowmobiles White Gas
Stoves:
Coleman 2-Burner
- Coleman Propane
- MSR WhisperLite & XKG
- Optimus 111
Appendix B
Emergency Cache and Hut Locations
Asgard Hut
77. 35'S 161. 36'E GRID 2C12
3-Person hut.
Bratina Island Hut
78. 01'S 165. 32'E GRID 5J21
3 Huts. Limited food.
Butter Point Camp
77. 39'S 164. 12'E
4-Person hut with emergency cache.
Cape Adare
71. 17'S 170. 14'E
Survival box in hut store. Limited food, stove, & fuel.
Cape Bird
77. 14'S 166. 28'E GRID 1E5
6-Person hut.
Cape Crozier Hut and Cache
77. 30'S 169. 40'E
Partial provisions for 4. No radio. Hut located approximately 1,000'
elevation, south of "The Knob" and south of the ice edge.
Cache: Full provision for 6. Located 100' uphill from hut.
Cape Evans Hut
77. 38'S 166. 25'E GRID 1E13
4-Person hut. Additional room for 10 people at nearby Historic Hut.
Cape Roberts Hut
77. 02'S 163. 12'E GRID 6U1
2 -Person hut plus mess hut.
Cape Royds Hut
77. 33'S 166. 10'E GRID 1C11
4-Person hut. Additional room for 10 people at nearby Historic Hut.
Lake Bonney Cache
77. 43'S 152. 25'E
Full provisions for 6, 30 person/days food. No radio. Cache located
on southeastern shore of Lake Bonney, approximately 100' from lake.
Lake Fryxell Hut and Jamesway
77. 37'S 163. 03'E GRID 2K13
Jamesway at S-008 camp and 4 - person hut on east end of the lake
next to Canada Glacier.
Lake Hoare Jamesway
77. 38'S 162. 57'E GRID 2J13
Partial provisions for 4 (no sleeping bags). Full food provisions in
Jamesway. No radio. Jamesway located approximately 100' from
Lake Hoare, near base of the Asgaard Mount Range. No survival cache
box is established.
Lake Miers Hut
78. 06'S 163. 50'E GRID 8E3
2-Person hut.
Lake Vida Cache
77. 20'S 162. 00'E GRID 2E8
Full provisions for 6, 30 person/days food. No radio. Cache is
located approximately 600' from lake on southwestern shore.
Lower Wright Hut
77. 26'S 162. 37'E GRID 2I9
2-Person hut at west end of Lake Brownsworth.
Mt. Erebus Hut
77. 30'S 167. 10'E GRID 1H11
Hut: Partial provisions for 3 (no sleeping bags), oxygen, radio during
the summer. Located 1.5k north of the summit crater, 300m from
the caldera rim.
Cache: Full provisions for 6. Located 50 m from hut.
Vanda Station
77. 31'S 161. 40'E GRID 2D11
10-Person station.
Appendix C
Time Line Chart (Example)
This is a typical time schedule. Your actual schedule will vary
depending on the experience and number of people in your group.
Day 1
Arrive in McMurdo Station
Orientation at Chalet
Housing Assignment
Days 2, 3, and 4
Science Meeting
Pre-field Logistics: Fixed-Wing
Operations Coordinator, Helicopter
Coordinator, CSEC , MEC, BFC,
Science Construction
Radios
Antarctic Driver's License
Field Maintenance Training (MEC)
BFC Gear Check and Sort
Liquor Rations
Food Planning and Packaging
Day 5
Put-in Load Planning and Packaging
Resupply Planning and Packaging
Turn in cargo to Science Cargo
(LC-130)
Days 6,7, and 8
Survival Training and/or Shakedown
Day 9
Put-in Load Planning and Packaging
(continued)
Turn in Hazardous Cargo to appropriate department
Day 10
Package and Turn in Remaining Gear from Shakedown
to Science Cargo (if LC-130 supported)
Re-adjust, Add, Subtract, etc., Any Gear and/or Equipment from Shakedown
Miscellaneous Last Minute Tasks
Day 11
Put-In (Can take 1 or more days depending upon weather, aircraft, etc.)
Day 12
In The Field until Pull-Out
Pull-Out -- Back in McMurdo
Day 1
Return Gear with you to your cage/BFC
Housing Assignments
Shower, Laundry, Buy NSF Rep a drink
Day 2
BFC: End of Season Tasks*
Day 3
Crary Lab: End of Season Tasks*
Return Radios
Return Weather Kits
Return Equipment to MEC and Science
Construction Support
Day 4
Crary Lab: End of Season Task* (Continued)
Day 5
Finish Crary Lab Tasks
Debrief with ASA Staff
Day 6
Support Evaluations
Turn In Your Room Key Before Leaving!
*Refer to Chapter 22: Basic Guidelines for All Groups Returning
from the Field for details.
Appendix D
Conversion Tables
Temperature Conversions
A Fahrenheit degree is smaller than a Celsius (centigrade)
degree.
One Fahrenheit degree is 5/9ths of a Celsius degree.
To convert Fahrenheit degrees into Celsius: F. - 32 x 5 / 9
To convert Celsius into Fahrenheit degrees: C. x 9 / 5 + 32
The freezing point of water is 32.F or 0.C
The boiling point of water is 212.F or 100.C
Metric Equivalents
Linear Measurements -- To Convert, Multiply By:
Centimeters to Inches 0.3937
Inches to Centimeters 2.540
Meters to Feet 3.281
Feet to Meters 0.3048
Meters to Yards 1.094
Yards to Meters 0.9144
Kilometers to Miles 0.6214
Miles to Kilometers 1.609
Meters to Fathoms 3.2808
Fathoms to Meters 1.8288
Square Measurements -- To Convert, Multiply By:
1 square centimeter to 1 square inch 0.1550
1 square inch to 1 square centimeter 6.452
1 square meter to 1 square foot 10.76
1 square foot to 1 square meter 0.0929
1 square meter to 1 square yard 1.196
1 square yard to 1 square meter . 0.835
1 square kilometer to 1 square mile 0.3861
1 square mile to 1 square kilometer 2.590
Measures of Volume -- To Convert, Multiply By:
Grams to Ounces 0.03527
Ounce to Grams 28.35
Grams to Pounds 0.002205
Pounds to Grams 453.6
Kilograms to Pounds 2.205
Pounds to Kilograms 0.4536
Kilograms to Tons 0.0009852
Tons to Kilograms 1016.0
Pints to Liters 0.5682
Liters to Gallons 0.22
Gallons to Liters 4.546
Distances
1 Knot = 1 Nautical Mile per hour
1 Nautical Mile = 1853.2 Meters = 1.15 Statute Miles
1 Statute Mile = 1609.3 Meters = 0.868 Nautical Miles
1 Kilometer = 0.621 Statute mile = 0.54 Nautical Mile
(1,000 meters)
Liquid Volumes
1 U.S. Gallon = 0.83 Imperial Gallon = 3.785 Liters
1 Imperial Gallon = 1.2 U.S. Gallon = 4.545 Liters
1 Liter = 0.246 U.S. Gallon = 0.219 Imperial Gallon
Appendix E
First Aid and Survival Kits
First Aid Kit -- Group
1 Each Book: "Medicine For Mountaineering"
1 Each Airway Tube
1 Each Ace Bandage
1 Bottle Aspirin
1 Each Bactricin Ointment
30 Each Band-Aids
1 Each Blistex Salve
8 Each Butterfly Bandages
1 Packet Cotton
1 Each Decongestant
4 Each Dressings, 4 x 7
1 Each Eye Dressing Kit
1 Bottle Foot Powder
2 Each Gauze Bandages
1 Packet Moleskin
1 Bottle Non-Aspirin
6 Each Petroleum Gauze
30 Each Providone Prep Pads
1 Packet Razor Blades
Quantity Safety Pins
1 Pair Scissors
1 Each Skullcap
1 Each Sunscreen
4 Packets Surgical Sponges, 2 x 2
2 Rolls Surgical Tape
1 Each Thermometer
1 Box Throat Lozenges
4 Each Triangular Bandages
1 Each Tweezers
1 Each Wire Splint
First Aid Kit -- Individual
1 Each Booklet: "First Aid Quick Information"
1 Each Ace Bandage
10 Packets Aspirin
1 Each Bactricin Ointment
15 Each Band-Aids
1 Each Blistex Salve
4 Each Butterfly Bandages
10 Packets Decongestant
2 Each Dressings, 4 x 7
1 Each Eye Dressing Kit
1 Each Gauze Bandages
1 Packet Moleskin
10 Packets Non-Aspirin
3 Each Petroleum Gauze
6 Each Providone Prep Pads
1 Packet Razor Blades
Quantity Safety Pins
1 Pair Scissors
1 Each Sunscreen
2 Packet Surgical Sponges, 2 x 2
1 Roll Surgical Tape
1 Each Thermometer
1 Box Throat Lozenges
1 Each Triangular Bandage
1 Each Tweezers
1 Each Wire Splint
Survival Bag -- Helicopter and Sea Ice Groups
2 Each Sleeping Bags
2 Each Short Ensolite® Pads
1 Each Westwind Tent
10 Each Tent Stakes
6 Each Ice Screws
2 Each Snow Flukes
1 Each Collapsible Snow Shovel
1 Each Snowsaw
1 Each 4-lb Sledge hammer
1 Each Balaclava
1 Pair Socks
1 Pair Bearpaws
1 Pair Mittens, Wool
Stove Box Containing the Following Items:
1 Each MSR WhisperLite Stove
2 Quarts White Gas
1 Box Matches
1 Each Cookset
2 Each Cup
2 Each Spoon
1 Each Pocket Knife
2 Each Candles
1 Each First Aid Kit, Commercial
1 Each Signal Kit
1 Each Survival Manual
1 Each Game, Book or Novelty Item
Quantity Parachute Cord
Quantity Toilet Paper
6-Person -- Days of Food
6 Each Mountain House Dehydrated Meals
3 Bags Trail Mix
6 Each Chocolate Bars
6 Each Cup of Soup
12 Each Tea Bags
12 Each Granola Bars
12 Each Cocoa Mix
Survival Bags -- Deep Field Groups*
2 Each Sleeping Bags
1 Each Westwind Tent
1 Each MSR WhisperLite Stove
1 Quart White Gas
1 Box Matches
1 Each Snow Fluke
* Deep Field Groups must supplement this issue with food and
cooking items from their issued equipment.
Crevasse Rescue Bag
4 Pickets: 2 Long and 2 Short
1 Pair Ascenders
4 8mm Prussiks
1 Belay Plate
4 Carabiners
4 Locking Carabiners
4 Slings: 2 Medium and 2 Long
1 Ice Axe Spare
1 Hammer
6 Ice Screws
1 Come-a-long
1 Shovel
1 Snowsaw
1 11 mm (or larger) 50 meter Static Rope
1 11 mm x 50 meter Climbing Rope
1 Crevasse Ladder (Optional)
Appendix F
National Science Foundation Policy on
Field Safety in Antarctica
United States Antarctic Program (USAP) scientific and operational
teams which are deployed to sites remote from USAP main stations
shall conduct their activities in a safe manner. The field party
leader shall be responsible for the conduct of all team members in
the field, and shall ensure that each member of the team is familiar
with the risks involved and proficient in dealing with them.
Background
The USAP has long recognized that operating a scientific research
enterprise in Antarctica cannot be risk-free, but rather the
activities must be conducted within an acceptable level of risk.
Historically, the Office of Polar Programs/National Science
Foundation (OPP/NSF) has focussed on providing sufficient
equipment and logistical support to field parties in remote areas,
and has relied on the Principal Investigator (PI) in science field
parties and the team supervisor/officer in operations/support field
parties to define the levels of acceptable risks for remote field
party operations. OPP will continue to improve field party support
logistics and will review operational plans of field party leaders so
that both the team leader and OPP are satisfied that significant
field safety concerns are appropriately addressed.
Currently, the USAP civilian support contractor provides
one-to-three day field safety training and has developed and
maintains a field manual for guiding field party operations in
Antarctica. These training courses are "shakedown" excursions to
familiarize participants with the issued equipment and typical
procedures used in the field, and are not intended to develop expert
skills in inexperienced field team members. For science field
parties, the USAP recommends that PIs select suitable field safety
experts for their specific teams when the potential risks to those
teams is significant (e.g, deep field deployments, traversing
crevasses areas or mountainous terrain). The support contractor
also can provide field safety experts to scientific field parties for
short periods, when requested, and maintains a list of field safety
experts experienced in antarctic field deployments. In many cases,
deployments to field sites remote from permanent stations do not
entail significant risk (e.g., "established" seasonal camps in the Dry
Valleys) or the risks are not associated with actual field
deployment (e.g., sea ice diving camps), and specific field safety
experts would not be necessary. It is strongly recommended that
field party members have basic first-aid training, and at least one
member have more advanced life support skills (e.g., paramedic,
emergency medical technician) if the remote field deployment
warrants.
Policy Implementation
In the initial proposal, the PI should determine the safety
requirements associated with remote field deployment and include
those needs in the proposal's supporting information and budget
submission. If the PI chooses to include a field safety expert with
experience in polar or remote mountainous regions on the field team,
that individual should be included in the staffing submission. The PI
can obtain names of candidates with appropriate field safety
experience from other investigators or from the USAP support
contractor. If a field safety expert is requested from the civilian
contractor within the proposal/grant operational support request, it
will be evaluated along with other logistics support and will be
provided, resources permitting. If warranted, the USAP may assign
an independent field safety expert to teams that are unprepared to
address field related safety concerns, or delay deployment until
such support staff is available. For construction field parties, the
Field Safety and Training Program (FSTP) staff will review field
deployment plans and establish field safety requirements for the
field party.
NSF/OPP recognizes that the field safety program should continue to
be flexible. The hiring of a field safety expert may make little
sense for some science groups. Other field parties may require
specific skills for only a short time, and will be able to call upon
the FSTP for that assistance. Nevertheless, OPP recommends that
the PI designate a specific experienced person responsible for the
safety of the field team other than him/herself, so that both the
scientific goals and the safety of the field party are addressed
throughout field deployment.
During the merit review process, NSF/OPP will review the work plan
to ensure that field safety concerns are addressed and adequate
resources are included in the budget submission. If the proposal is
funded, the PI or designated field safety leader may be asked to
prepare documentation outlining how the field work will be carried
out. That person may be expected to deploy to McMurdo Station in
advance of the rest of the field party, in order to check-out field
equipment, to review field safety plans in detail with the support
contractor's FSTP staff, and to assist FSTP staff in tailoring the
practical field training/ shakedown program to the specific needs of
the field party team. The balance of the field party still will be
required to successfully complete the FSTP's one-to-three day
shakedown course prior to field deployment. USAP field safety
experts will also advise NSF on the preparedness of field parties
prior to field deployment, and may be asked to advise NSF on
specific situations that arise in the field.
Each field party's designated field safety leader shall submit an
"end-of-season" report, which includes such things as execution of
original field plan, technical problems that were encountered and
their solutions, performance of issued equipment, and
recommendations for improvement of the field safety program. The
support contractor's FSTP staff will assimilate this information
into their field safety program and into the subsequent revisions of
the USAP Field Manual so that field safety and survival skills that
are developed and refined throughout the program can be retained
and be of use to future field activities. The USAP's support
contractor plays a pivotal role in capturing and disseminating
practical safety and survival information for field party use. This
can best be done through the development of a close, cooperative
relationship with field teams and occasional direct involvement
with field activities.
Appendix G
Glossary
Terms and Acronyms
ACL (Allowable Cabin Load)
Payload of aircraft. Calculations based upon take-off
(wheels/skis), landing restrictions, range, weather, fuel
requirements, etc.
Airdrop
Method of delivering supplies by parachute from an aircraft in
flight.
Apple (a.k.a. Tomato or Melon)
Structure or shelter made of red colored fiberglass,
helicopter-transportable, segmented, and expandable (longer in
length). Manufactured by Igloo Satellite Cabin in Australia.
Bag Drag
In preparation for field deployment, all passengers must weigh
in with their baggage to accurately determine aircraft load. Usually
held a few hours before the scheduled departure.
Beaker
Vernacular for Scientist.
Berg Field Center (BFC)
Building 160 (also known as the Field Party Processing
Center). The central location for issues of field equipment such as
tents, sleds, sleeping bags, etc. Also the base of operations for the
Field Safety Training Program (FSTP).
Bumped
Referring to cargo or passengers that is/are removed from a
flight due to weight restrictions or other considerations.
CDC
Acronym for the "Clothing Distribution Center" in Christchurch,
New Zealand.
Chalet
Building 167- the USAP administration and operations center
housing the offices of the NSF Representative(s) and ASA Resident
Manager, as well as the administrative staff. The central location
for referral, information, and assistance to Grantees.
CHC
Acronym for "Christchurch," New Zealand (a.k.a. "Cheech" or "Chi-
Chi").
CONUS
Acronym for the Continental United States.
Crack
A fissure or fracture in the sea ice produced by the stresses of
wind, wave, tidal, mechanical, or thermal forces.
Crary Lab
Housed in Building 001, this is the scientific facility operated by
ASA (currently under final construction). Also known as CSEC
(Crary Science and Engineering Center)
Dash Two
Military hazardous cargo certification form, DD 1387-2.
Dive Locker
Located in Building 144. It houses research diving equipment for
issue, including an air compressor
for filling scuba tanks.
DMX
Acronym for the "Data and Message Exchange." A
store-and-forward electronic-mail handling system located in
Building 165.
DNF
Acronym for "Do Not Freeze."
ECW Clothing
Acronym for "Extreme Cold Weather" Clothing.
FAA
Acronym for "First Available Aircraft."
Field Camps
A fixed location used as a base camp for the pursuit of various
scientific endeavors. It often includes such amenities as a toilet,
heated shelter, etc.
Field Party
A group of Grantees pursuing their scientific interests in the
field.
Fish Hut
A temporary movable shelter used on the sea ice.
Fixed-Wing
Describes aircraft such as the LC-130 Hercules or DHC-6/300
Twin-Otter, as opposed to rotary-wing aircraft, which are
helicopters.
Flagged Route
A marked route that has been determined safe for vehicle travel
by qualified personnel.
FMO
Acronym for the "Force Medical Officer" (NSFA). He/she is
responsible for administering medical and health care in
Antarctica, including medical screening for travel to Antarctica.
FOCC
Acronym for "Field Operations Communications Center."
Freshies
Vernacular for fresh fruit or vegetables.
FST (F-Stop)
Acronym for the "Field Safety Training Program;" a series of
training courses emphasizing survival in the field.
HazMats (Hazardous Materials)
Any and all explosives, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers,
organic peroxides, corrosive materials, compressed gases,
poisons, irritating materials, etiologic agents, radioactive
materials, and other regulated materials. These items require
proper packaging and certification prior to air transport, and may
have passenger or other cargo compatibility limitations.
Herbie
Term used to describe a storm with fierce, blowing wind and/or
snow, causing outdoor activities to be unpleasant.
Herc or Hercules
Turbo-prop, wheeled cargo aircraft C-130), or ski-equipped
(LC-130) cargo aircraft.
Hourlies
Pertains to communicating local weather observations every 60
minutes, beginning 6 hours prior to scheduled aircraft departure
and recurring "hourly" until after the aircraft lands.
Huey
A twin-engine helicopter, UH-1N, operated by the Antarctic
Development Squadron Six (VXE-6). They are used to support
grantees in the McMurdo region, and occasionally at remote
locations.
Ice Edge
The boundary between sea ice and open sea at any given time and
place.
Jamesway
A portable, rigid-frame, insulated tent similar to a small quonset
hut. Can be built to any length, though height and width are fixed.
Jerry Cans
Military 5-gallon containers used to transport liquids such as
fuel, oil, or glycol. Jerry cans are not suitable for air transport of
flammable liquids.
JP-8
Type of fuel used for aircraft and in diesel applications such as
generators, Caterpillar equipment, and Preways. This
"single-fuel" replaces JP-4 (for aircraft use only) and DFA (Diesel
Fuel, Arctic).
Kilo Air
A method of cargo shipment utilizing surface vessels from Port
Hueneme, CA, to New Zealand, then delivered to McMurdo Station
by air.
Kovacs Auger
An ice auger used to drill small-diameter holes in the sea ice to
determine ice thickness.
Mac Center
Located in Building 165, the NSFA's air traffic control, flight
following, and weather information facility.
Mac Channel
Regularly scheduled trans-Pacific military cargo flights.
Mac Ops
Call sign for the Field Operations Communications Center.
Mac Relay
Located in Building 165, the NSFA's radio and teletype room that
coordinates field party check-ins, message traffic, and other data
and message information.
Mac Sideband
See MAC Relay, above.
MCC or MCC Central
Acronym for the "Movement Control Center" Terminal Operations
cargo facility in McMurdo staffed by ASA and New Zealand Army
personnel.
MEC
Acronym for the "Mechanical Equipment Center" in Building 58.
The MEC is the issue point for small generators, snowmobiles,
batteries, light vehicles, etc.
Melt Pool
An area on the ice sheet that has sub-surface melting. An ice lens
is usually present over the meltwater, giving the impression that
it is solid. Many factors, including the amount of wind-borne dust
from around McMurdo and ablation of snow cover caused by vehicle
traffic, increases the solar absorption on the sea ice in front of
McMurdo and immediately north of Hut Point. T his area has
historically deteriorated first and rapidly. Ice at outlying
locations may be substantially better.
Mogas
Acronym for "Motor Automotive Gasoline."
NSFA
Acronym for "Naval Support Force, Antarctica."
OAE
Acronym for "Old Antarctic Explorer;" title given to program
veterans.
OEA
Acronym for "Oil, Engine, Arctic." A type of extreme cold weather
engine lubricating oil.
Pallet
A portable platform used for handling/moving materials and
packages. The pallets used for C-130's are made of aluminum and
balsa wood, designated by the military as 463L pallets, and lock
into place on the cargo deck.
Palletize
To place onto a pallet. Typically, for an LC-130 field operation,
all outgoing cargo is palletized. For larger field camps, all camp
materials are gathered and staged at a central location, then
palletized all at once in a cooperative "palletization party."
Pax
Vernacular for passengers.
PI
Acronym for the "Principle Investigator." The senior
representative of a science group.
Polarhaven
Tent-type shelter with a framework of aluminum tubing and
insulated fabric cover, with either an insulated fabric or wood
floor.
Pressure Ridge
Ice broken by pressure and thrust up into a chaotic pattern of
elevations and depressions.
Preway
Non-portable type of space heater that uses JP-8 for fuel. T
ypically used to heat Jamesways and fish huts.
Purging Fuel
Either a diesel or kerosene with a flashpoint above 141o that is
used to rinse out more flammable fuels out of containers and
power equipment
Recce
Aerial reconnaissance. Performed by LC-130 aircraft when a
potential landing site for put-in may be questionable. Some
researchers take advantage of the recce flight to view areas of
investigation to determine safe traverse routes, and/or to
airdrop materials and supplies to reduce the put-in flight's cargo
weight.
Recompression Chamber
Housed in Building 85 (until Phase III of the Crary Lab is
completed), this facility adjoins NSFA Medical (Building 142). It
houses a chamber for treatment of pressure-related diving
accidents and other conditions where hyperbaric oxygen therapy is
indicated, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, gas gangrene, etc.
The Chamber is operated by ASA personnel under NSFA Medical
supervision.
Retrograde
To return cargo from the field to McMurdo Station, or from
McMurdo to destinations North. Usually in the reverse order of its
initial deployment.
Sastrugi
Hard drifts of wind-carved snow. These drifts can reach 6 feet
tall, and accordingly can affect overland travel.
Sea Ice
Ice which forms on the surface of the sea in polar ocean areas.
Science Cargo
Formerly known as USAP Cargo, this ASA work center requests
processes all Grantee cargo. Science Cargo is located in Buildings 73
and 193.
Shakedown
An overnight trip to test equipment, radios, sleds, snowmobiles,
tents, etc. prior to deep-field deployment.
Sipre Auger
An ice-coring auger used to sample sea ice to determine it's
composition.
Space A
Acronym for "Space Available." Refers to the program of allowing
personnel (equitable between military and civilian) to utilize
available aircraft space for a turn-around flight to South Pole or
for a helicopter excursion.
Squirrel
Aerospatiale AS-350B helicopter, this is a sub-contracted
helicopter that provides occasional support to the USAP.
Starlifter
Wheeled jet aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force used for cargo
deliveries from Christchurch, N.Z., to McMurdo during early
summer operations; usually early October to mid-November, as
well as Mac Channel missions. lso known as a C-141.
Terminal Operations
Also known as Term Ops or TMO, the central cargo facility in
McMurdo. See also MCC Cargo.
Tide Crack
Tide cracks occur in fast ice when the tidal action lifts the sea
ice above or below the level at which it is shorebound.
T-Site
A transmitter facility in Building 184, operated by the NSFA
Electronics Division. I t's located on a hill between McMurdo and
Scott Base.
USAP Cargo
The former name (used in past seasons) of Science Cargo.
VFR
Acronym for "Visual Flight Rules" . Required for helicopter
operations.
Winfly
Vernacular for the winter fly-in. Early season operations
commence in mid-August, primarily to bring in support personnel
to the Antarctic in preparation of the coming season.
Winter-Over
Vernacular for the period from late February to early August. It's
characterized by darkness and an absence of flight operations.
