First Indian Antarctic Expedition

First Indian Antarctic Expedition The Department of Ocean Development was established on July 24, 1981, and within six months of its inception, it organized the first scientific expedition to Antarctica. This pioneering endeavor involved a 21-member team from seven different institutions, with Dr. S.Z. Qasim leading the expedition. Departing from Goa on December 6, the team successfully landed on the frozen continent on January 9, 1982, after a journey fraught with challenges.

During their 10-day stay on Antarctica, and throughout the sea cruise, the expedition conducted significant scientific research across various disciplines. These included meteorology, glaciology, geomagnetism, geology, biology, radio wave propagation, and pollution studies, as well as studies on physical, chemical, biological, geological, and geophysical oceanography. As a result of their work, a scientific station named “Dakshin Gangotri” was established at Latitude 70°45’12.963 South and Longitude 10°38’13.618 East.

The establishment of Dakshin Gangotri included the installation of an automatic weather data recording system powered by solar batteries. This station served as a crucial point for scientific observations and provided valuable insights into the unique and unpolluted environment of Antarctica. Additionally, Antarctica’s influence on the global climate of the southern hemisphere made it an ideal location for studying factors affecting phenomena like monsoons, which are vital to the economy of many countries.

The ice sheet covering Antarctica, originating over 50 million years ago, is a remarkable repository of ancient materials. With depths exceeding 3500 meters in some areas and covering over 95% of the continent’s land area, Antarctica’s ice holds fragments of cosmic bodies, nuclear products from cosmic rays, entrapped air samples, and minerals. Studying this ice can provide insights into global and cosmic phenomena spanning millennia.

Moreover, Antarctica’s abundant freshwater resources, rich biological diversity, and unique geological history make it a fascinating subject for scientific exploration. The waters surrounding Antarctica are home to diverse marine life, including krill, a protein-rich shrimp-like creature. The sustainable harvesting of krill could potentially provide a significant food source while preserving the delicate ecological balance of the region.

In addition to its scientific significance, Antarctica’s magnetic field interactions and geological features offer valuable insights into Earth’s processes and history. The issuance of a special stamp by the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department commemorates the historic landing of the first Indian scientific team on Antarctica, marking a milestone in India’s exploration and understanding of this remote and enigmatic continent.