Project Title

CRREL Engineering Support for Antarctic Facilities

Summary

Event Number:
T-946-M/S
NSF Agreement

Program Director:
Ms. Carla Haroz

ASC POC/Implementer:
Matthew Erickson / Kevin Jones / Paul Duit / Sheryl Seagraves

Principal Investigator(s)

Ms. Renee Melendy
Renee.D.Melendy@usace.army.mil
US Army Cold Regions Research & Engineering Lab

Location

Supporting Stations: McMurdo Station, South Pole Station
Research Locations: McMurdo Station, South Pole Station

Description

Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) activities encompass engineering and basic research in support of a variety of projects at both McMurdo and South Pole Stations. This project provides engineering support for the USAP’s facility and infrastructure assets for the fixed stations and temporary field locations that are essential for the scientific mission in Antarctica. This project consists of two main tasks: 1) provide technical input and review of facility engineering projects planned during this timeframe for design, construction, and maintenance; and 2) conduct a site visit to McMurdo during the 2023-2024 austral summer season to monitor and report on progress of construction projects, identify facility-related issues, and report these findings to NSF-AIL. The impact of this project is to promote the AIL mission as related to improving facility operation and performance through increased efficiencies, such as reduced fuel consumption and maintenance needs.

Field Season Overview

Deployment to McMurdo Station and South Pole Station to interact with NSF representatives, ASC Facilities, ASC Operations, and others to oversee progress on construction projects and facility maintenance executed during the 2023-2024 austral summer season. CRREL will survey the station for potential issues that NSF should consider for future action and will conduct an outbrief with NSF prior to redeployment. The team will prepare regular updates to NSF and the government team on project progress and issues and provide recommendations.

Deploying Team Members