The expedition aims to develop a refined geological correlation between India and Antarctica
Marking an important milestone in international scientific collaboration, the 43rd Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (43-ISEA), led by the Goa-based National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), has embarked on a mission focused on climate change and its impact in Antarctica. This year's expedition is notable for including scientists from Mauritius and Bangladesh, in line with the cooperative spirit fostered by the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC).
 
Embarking from Cape Town on December 20, 2023, the expedition team comprises two scientists from Mauritius and one from Bangladesh. This collaboration follows the inaugural CSC Oceanographers and Hydrographers conference in November 2022, with their objective of shared maritime research and exploration.
 
The 43-ISEA is dedicated to a range of scientific themes, including the study of climate processes and their links to change, such as Antarctic ice-sheet dynamics and sea-level rise, sea ice monitoring and modelling, and the examination of Antarctic atmosphere and Southern Ocean teleconnections to the Tropics. The expedition also delves into paleoclimate studies through ice and sedimentary archives and investigates surface processes and landscapes.
 
A significant new research area for this expedition is the "Geological Exploration of Amery Ice Shelf (GeoEAIS)." This initiative, started during the 41st expedition, focuses on the Amery Ice-Shelf and Lambert Glacier off Prydz Bay. It aims to develop a refined geological correlation between India and Antarctica, examining orogenic and cratonic components in a multi-institutional program.
 
In addition to climate studies, the expedition will explore crustal evolution, including the reconstruction of sub-ice geology and early Earth evolution, and environmental processes like human interventions in mitigation and prevention. The scientific endeavours also cover the ecosystem of terrestrial and nearshore areas, including lake biogeochemistry, microbial diversity, and polar biodiversity.
 
Observational research forms a crucial part of the expedition, with a focus on atmospheric observations, coastal ocean observatories in Prydz Bay, ionospheric studies, and space weather. Additionally, the expedition will conduct hydrographic surveys, topographical and geological mapping, and satellite communication and remote sensing.
 
The NCPOR operates two year-round stations in Antarctica - Maitri and Bharati - located at strategic points to facilitate extensive research. The voyage will navigate the challenging Antarctic waters, with the team conducting scientific operations en route and at the stations, adapting to the dynamic weather and sea-ice conditions.
 
This historic expedition draws attention to the growing indispensability of international collaboration in environmental stewardship., particularly in the vulnerable polar regions. The participation of Indian Ocean countries in the 43-ISEA represents a significant step in building regional scientific collaboration and enhancing our collective understanding of the Antarctic environment and its global impact.