Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition
The Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) conducts annual atmospheric and oceanic observations during the summer season using the icebreaker Shirase. These observations are carried out along the route between Fremantle, Australia, and Syowa Station in Antarctica.
During the Phase X of JARE project (2022–2029), the expedition focuses on integrated multidisciplinary research to uncover the details of mass loss processes in the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, particularly around the Totten Glacier region. The study also aims to understand the impact of these processes on the atmosphere. The Totten Glacier area is a unique site where meltwater from ice shelves rises to the ocean surface. In this region, mineral dust from the continental shelf and bioaerosols from biological activity are likely to be emitted to the atmosphere, potentially acting as ice nucleating particle (INP).
To investigate the supply mechanisms of marine INP, observations of sea spray are conducted alongside chemical analyses of particles in surface water samples. Aerosol particles that act as INP are sampled aboard the Shirase, while drones are employed to measure the vertical distribution of aerosol concentrations. Simultaneously, advanced remote sensing instruments aboard the ship determine the phase of clouds, and specialized radiosondes are used to observe the number and size of cloud droplets. These comprehensive studies aim to provide new insights into the unique cloud formation processes over the Southern Ocean.
Platform: Shirase (icebreaker)
Location: Southern Ocean (~40–120° E)
Timing: Austral summer 2022–2029
Contacts:
Atsushi Yoshida (yoshida.atsushi@nipr.ac.jp)
Yutaka Tobo (tobo.yutaka@nipr.ac.jp)
Jun Inoue (inoue.jun@nipr.ac.jp)