iSTAR sites

Description

The iSTAR traverse was carried out on Pine Island Glacier in the Amundsen Sea Sector of West Antarctica. Scientific data was collected at 22 static sites as well as between the sites during the transportation of the tractor train between camps.

The tractor train, consisting of camp logistics, personnel and scientific equipment, was driven between each site on the traverse starting at site 1 and ending at site 22.

Of the 22 sites on the iSTAR traverse, 6 sites were planned as 3 day sites whereas all other sites were designated as 1 day sites. The length of time spent at each site was based on the amount of time required for each science experiment to be completed, along with any bad weather delays accrued en route. Sites 7, 8, 13, 15, 17 and 18 were the designated 3 day sites.

References

1. iSTAR - The team is complete

Field photo

The iSTAR traverse across Pine Island Glacier (PIG) on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. The iSTAR sites were chosen along Pine Island Glacier to allow the collection of scientific data 'upstream' on Pine Island Glacier's trunks and tributaries. BAS Image collection (2013/2014) , David Vaughan

Figures

Figure 1: The iSTAR traverse route with identified sites (01-22) and depot sites on Pine Island Glacier. Andy Smith, BAS