One of the more challenging oversnow environments operated by Australia is the logistical support work undertaken by our (now) Australian Antarctic Division (previously ANARE). I have kind permission from AAD to republish their relevant information here as appropriate, but it is quite a large task (!) so for now, an introduction and a few pictures to suffice.
The introduction wording has been voluntarily submitted by guest writer Emma Chivers and is a nice piece of work, it follows together with a selection of pictures from AAD (individual credits where appropriate) giving a hint of the diversity seen in our Antarctic operations over the years.
From Emma Chivers:
The introduction wording has been voluntarily submitted by guest writer Emma Chivers and is a nice piece of work, it follows together with a selection of pictures from AAD (individual credits where appropriate) giving a hint of the diversity seen in our Antarctic operations over the years.
From Emma Chivers:
Braving the South: Antarctic Wilds
Barren, breathtaking, bold – Antarctica is the most
isolated territory on the planet, the rugged retreat of scientists, explorers,
and artists who have braved the cold, merciless winds and gigantic glaciers.
Along with a fearsome resolve, a resilient physique and a relentless
determination, those who cross the Antarctic rely on wits and science to make
the passage bearable. Enter the oversnow vehicle, one of the best innovations
to grace the snowy banks of icy climes around the world, often becoming the
main mode of transportation as well as a durable means of delivering goods and
providing a pleasurable pastime.[i]
The Legacy of Snow Trekking
For many societies, old methods consisted of dog
sleds and snowshoes, highly sophisticated art forms that evolved over the
course of several centuries. While these methods originated in the northern
climates of the world among first societies as well as explorers and settlers,
dog sledding would also become a prominent part of Antarctic culture come the
turn of the century, culminating in an epic trans-continental journey more than
two decades ago led by Will Steger.[ii] Though dog-sledding is now a thing of
the past in this southern land, expeditions and research teams have adopted modern
advancements like snowmobiles and the larger oversnows which are commonly seen.
Capable of crossing through challenging terrain, offering protection from harsh
weather, and carrying groups of varying sizes along with equipment, these also
offer good viewing points from the safety of the interior.[iii] Not only has
this designated these sentinels of the south as the primary choice when it
comes to conducting missions, but it makes them the perfect vehicle for tourist
ventures as well.
In fact, the use of oversnow vehicles has
contributed tremendously to keeping various operations successful, whether it’s
reinforcing the safety of a ski or snowboarding resort or delivering the camera
crew to capture some of the industry’s most defiant extreme sports quests.[iv]
Several national parks, particularly in Australia where a large number of
world-class oversnow vehicles like trail groomers and snowcats are engineered,
employ the use of these vehicles as recreational pleasures as well as emergency
services.[v] Particularly in frontier country, oversnow vehicles are
foundational for paving the way for advancement, literally carving out roads
and means of getting from one place to another.[vi] Sturdy, long-lasting, and
iconic to the rugged landscapes for which Antarctica is so striking, the
oversnow vehicles are now permanent and essential fixtures of the great
Antarctic expanse.
Explorer of the Past, Adventurer of the Future
With the sturdy exteriors and rubber tracking
systems, oversnows like snowcats and trail groomers are not only the ideal
personnel carrier but continue to serve the researchers within the Antarctic
community. Indeed, their invaluable contribution is a significant aspect as the
importance of research – provided it is conducted in a sustainable,
eco-conscious manner – continues to grow. Antarctica is the last remaining
landmass which hasn’t been ravaged by the excess of human activity, though its
recent glacier activity has set alarm bells ringing across the science and
environmental community.[vii] Because of its pristine state, it presents a
unique advantage for research and the potential to innovate some of the most
extreme living conditions on the planet, as well as find environmental
solutions for the ecology in the immediate region and other areas around the
world. Oversnow vehicles are fundamental to this process, with team experts
from organisations from all participating countries including Australian teams
and the American Museum of Natural History using them regularly for their missions.[viii]
As these expeditions continue to unfold, while the basic structure of oversnow
machines will remain largely the same, they will continue to evolve and adapt
to become more efficient in order to complete the tasks at hand. Eventually, as
the population of Antarctica branches out into further tourism and even
long-time habitation, oversnow vehicles will provide an essential part of this,
helping to bring communities together and forge an unforgettable legacy on the
true last frontier.
[i] AustralianAlpineOversnow.blogspot.co.uk. “Nodwell – Foremost”.
Accessed 1 July, 2014.
[ii] WillStegerFoundation.org. “Twenty years ago, Minnesota's Will
Steger led the first dog-sled trek across Antarctica”. Accessed 1
July, 2014.
[iii] Antarctica.gov.au. “Norwegian-British-Swedish Antarctic
Expedition”. Accessed 1 July, 2014.
[iv] IgluSki. “The Best Skiing, Snowboarding &
Adventure Films of 2013/2014”.
[v] Environment.nsw.gov.au. “Kosciuszko National Park Alpine
Resorts Winter Access”. Accessed 1 July, 2014.
[vi] Dtic.mil. “Snow Roads at McMurdo Station, Antarctica”.
Accessed 1 July, 2014.
[vii] Utexas.edu. “Researchers Find Major West Antarctic
Glacier Melting from Geothermal Sources”. Accessed 1 July, 2014. http://www.utexas.edu/news/2014/06/10/antarctic-glacier-melting/
[viii] Amnh.org. “Living and Working in Antarctica
Safely”. Accessed 1 July, 2014.
http://www.amnh.org/explore/curriculum-collections/antarctica/hazards-to-humans/living-and-working-in-antarctica-safely
A painting by Tim Fish of 2 Caterpillar D47U series tractors on traverse in the Prince Charles Mountains, Antarctica, Autumn 1965 Picture: AAD
One of the M29 Weasels seen picking up supplies from the supply ship. Picture: AAD
Porsche Snow Trac with custom cabin designed for Antarctic use and built in Melbourne. Picture: Melensdad, Wikipedia
Restored M29 Weasel with ANARE/AAD modified cabin at AAD Kingston Headquarters. Picture: AAD
VW car and Porsche Snow Trac waiting to be loaded onto the Nella Dan for use in the Antarctic, 1963 Picture: AAD
Modified Mini for oversnow use seen with one of the Nodwells. Picture: The Mini Experience Magazine
Foremost Nodwell at Casey Station. Picture: G.Creighton, AAD
Amphibious supply vehicle, Casey Station 1981. Picture: AAD
Moving buildings using oversnow vehicles. Picture: Joe Dragone, AAD
Prinoth BR 350 Snow Groomer used for runway work Picture: Jeff Hadley, AAD
Schmidt Supra 4000 clearing runway. Picture: M.Filipowski, AAD
Two Hagglunds on sea ice near Mawson Station. Picture: D.McVeigh, AAD
