The GERG team's trip to McMurdo Station, Antarctica began on December 9, 1999
as they left College Station, Texas and will continue in Antarctica until January
31, 2000. McMurdo Station is a
US scientific outpost that houses approximately 1200 people during the peak
periods of the austral summer (the seasons are opposite of those in the Northern
Hemisphere). The population of McMurdo Station includes scientists and the staff
needed to support a wide variety of research and exploration activities that
are conducted each year at this remote location. McMurdo also serves as
the gateway to the rest of the Antarctic continent including South Pole Station,
the coldest place on Earth.
Over a three year period, the information gathered by GERG
scientists will be used to design a long-term monitoring program to provide
scientific information and advice to aid the US Antarctic Program (USAP) in
effectively managing its presence in Antarctica. It is intended that by example,
USAP will lead the way for other nations that operate scientific stations on the
Antarctic continent. Together, all treaty signatory countries are working toward
a common goal of reducing, minimizing and preventing deterioration of the
environment due to the presence of humans. All Treaty nations share a
responsibility for stewardship of the resources and values that make Antarctica
unique.