The 40th expedition also marks the beginning of feasibility studies for various redevelopment interventions of Italian Antarctic bases. “
Thanks to extraordinary funding made available by the Ministry of University and Research, over the next 10 years we will complete a whole series of interventions to renovate and make more efficient both the energy production plants and the infrastructures that host the personal. This year we will carry out the surveys necessary to identify the most suitable technological solutions for the extreme polar environment
“, says Elena Campana, director of the Antarctic Technical Unit of ENEA. Among the new features, the installation of a new geomagnetic observatory and the expansion of the photovoltaic system at the Mario Zucchelli station, with the aim of increasing the share of energy produced from renewable sources. Research projects focus on a variety of disciplines, including glaciology, climatology, seismology, geomagnetism and biodiversity, reflecting the diversity and complexity of Antarctic ecosystems. These studies are crucial for understanding climate change and its global repercussions.
The Italian missions in Antarctica, which began on 23 December 1985, are conducted within the National Antarctic Research Program (PNRA), financed by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and managed by the National Research Council (Cnr) for scientific coordination, by ENEA for the planning and logistical organization of activities at the Antarctic bases and by the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics (OGS) for the technical and scientific management of the icebreaker Laura Bassi.
Among the novelties of the mission, the installation of a new geomagnetic observatory and the expansion of the photovoltaic system at the Mario Zucchelli station, with the aim of increasing the share of energy produced from renewable sources. While at ConcordiaItalian-French station located on the Antarctic plateau, the activities of the summer campaign are planned, which include the creation of the first module of the new summer camp and the continuation of the international project “Beyond Epica Oldest Ice“. The latter, coordinated by the Institute of Polar Sciences of the CNR, aims to trace the climate evolution of the last 1.5 million years through ice cores.
The research activities of the scientific campaign will also take place on board the Laura Bassi ship set sail these days towards New Zealand, where it will arrive at the end of November via the Panama Canal, after 50 days of navigation. The ship will then begin its journey to Antarctica on 9 December with 28 units of technical-scientific personnel on board, as well as a sailing crew of 23 members, returning to Lyttelton on 19 January. At the end of January the icebreaker will depart New Zealand again for the second part of the Antarctic mission which will end at the beginning of March 2025.”After five successful campaigns in Antarctica, the Laura Bassi reaches its sixth mission this year“, explains Franco Coren, director of the Naval Infrastructure Management Center of the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics – OGS. “We are extremely satisfied with the activities carried out and, thanks to the work carried out on board and the collaboration between the crew, technical and scientific staff, we have guaranteed maximum support for oceanographic and geophysical research activities, providing a significant contribution to the national scientific community and international“.
THEand Armed Forces participate in the expedition with 17 military experts of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Carabinieri. They will support the researchers in the field throughout the course of the expedition, making both external and underwater campaigns possible and safe, but also aerial operations thanks to the skills of weather forecasters and flight controllers. Furthermore, Thanks to the C-130J of the 46th Air Brigade, the Air Force will ensure connections between Christchurch (New Zealand), the Italian “Zucchelli” station and the US station of McMurdo, providing for the transport of materials, vehicles and personnel. Two members of the National Fire Brigade will also participate in the activities.
PNRA image credits