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'''McMurdo-South Pole highway''' is a 900-mile (1450 km) planned road in [[Antarctica]] to link the [[United States]] [[McMurdo Station]] on the coast to the [[Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station]]. It will be constructed by leveling snow and filling in [[crevasse]]s, but not [[pavement (material)|paved]]. Once finished, [[caterpillar tractor]]s will be able to drive to the [[South Pole]]. |
'''McMurdo-South Pole highway''' is a 900-mile (1450 km) planned road in [[Antarctica]] to link the [[United States]] [[McMurdo Station]] on the coast to the [[Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station]]. It will be constructed by leveling snow and filling in [[crevasse]]s, but not [[pavement (material)|paved]]. Once finished, [[caterpillar tractor]]s will be able to drive to the [[South Pole]]. |
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The ice shelf and the Antarctic Plateau are relatively stable. Most crevasses occur in the short, steep shear zone where the road would climb over 2000 meters above sea level; this section of the road would need maintenance each season. |
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The project is funded by the United States [[National Science Foundation]] to support the South Pole Connectivity Program, a planned [[optical fiber]] link between the stations. [[Geosynchronous satellite]]s can not be used at the poles because they appear to be below the horizon. |
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The project is funded by the United States [[National Science Foundation]] to provide a lower cost, potentially more reliable method of supplying the South Pole Station. Bad weather at McMurdo some summers has reduced the total number of supply flights the NSF could make to bring in construction supplies and scientific equipment. |
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Such a road would also facilitate the heavy equipment needed to implement its proposed South Pole Connectivity Program, a planned [[optical fiber]] link between the South Pole and the French-Italian [[Concordia Station]] located at [[Dome C]] at the edge of the Antarctic Plateau; Concordia has 24-hour access to [[Geosynchronous satellite|geosynchronous satellites]]. Most such satellites cannot be used at the poles since they are below the horizon; the South Pole now uses a few older, low-bandwidth satellites that dip sufficiently south of the equator to be usable for several hours daily. These satellites are near the end of their life. A new road to McMurdo might provide a regularly maintained alternate right of way for such a link, however the shear zone section is presently thought to be too unstable for a long-term cable. It's also possible the NSF may choose to deploy several special purpose satellites in polar orbits. |
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A February 7, 2006 NSF press release stated that 110 tons of cargo had been successfully delivered overland to the South Pole Station in a "proof of concept" of the highway.[http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=105718] |
A February 7, 2006 NSF press release stated that 110 tons of cargo had been successfully delivered overland to the South Pole Station in a "proof of concept" of the highway.[http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=105718] |
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*[http://www.itworld.com/Tech/4535/021224southpoleonline/ South Pole online in 2009] ITWorld, December 24, 2002 |
*[http://www.itworld.com/Tech/4535/021224southpoleonline/ South Pole online in 2009] ITWorld, December 24, 2002 |
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*[http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn3300 US building highway to the South Pole] New Scientist, January 23, 2003 |
*[http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn3300 US building highway to the South Pole] New Scientist, January 23, 2003 |
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*[http://www.nsf.gov/attachments/106772/public/nsffy2007_budgetrequest.pdf NSF FY 2007 Budget Request to Congress] -- see pages 197 to 203 for a discussion of the proposed highway |
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*[http://www.nsf.gov/attachments/102806/public/NSFFacilityPlan.pdf NSF 2005 Facility Plan] -- see page 53 for a brief overview of fiber vs. satellite links |
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*[http://www.southpolestation.com/news/traverse1.html Diagram of route with timeline of progress made to date] |
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Revision as of 21:22, 28 September 2006
McMurdo-South Pole highway is a 900-mile (1450 km) planned road in Antarctica to link the United States McMurdo Station on the coast to the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. It will be constructed by leveling snow and filling in crevasses, but not paved. Once finished, caterpillar tractors will be able to drive to the South Pole.
The ice shelf and the Antarctic Plateau are relatively stable. Most crevasses occur in the short, steep shear zone where the road would climb over 2000 meters above sea level; this section of the road would need maintenance each season.
The project is funded by the United States National Science Foundation to provide a lower cost, potentially more reliable method of supplying the South Pole Station. Bad weather at McMurdo some summers has reduced the total number of supply flights the NSF could make to bring in construction supplies and scientific equipment.
Such a road would also facilitate the heavy equipment needed to implement its proposed South Pole Connectivity Program, a planned optical fiber link between the South Pole and the French-Italian Concordia Station located at Dome C at the edge of the Antarctic Plateau; Concordia has 24-hour access to geosynchronous satellites. Most such satellites cannot be used at the poles since they are below the horizon; the South Pole now uses a few older, low-bandwidth satellites that dip sufficiently south of the equator to be usable for several hours daily. These satellites are near the end of their life. A new road to McMurdo might provide a regularly maintained alternate right of way for such a link, however the shear zone section is presently thought to be too unstable for a long-term cable. It's also possible the NSF may choose to deploy several special purpose satellites in polar orbits.
A February 7, 2006 NSF press release stated that 110 tons of cargo had been successfully delivered overland to the South Pole Station in a "proof of concept" of the highway.[1]
External links
- USA's Science-Driven "Ice Highway" Hitting Rough Sledding in Antarctica Online Insider, December 13, 2004
- No, not a ski resort - it's the south pole Guardian (UK), January 24, 2003
- Construction Begins on South Pole Highway Outside Online, January 30, 2003
- South Pole online in 2009 ITWorld, December 24, 2002
- US building highway to the South Pole New Scientist, January 23, 2003
- NSF FY 2007 Budget Request to Congress -- see pages 197 to 203 for a discussion of the proposed highway
- NSF 2005 Facility Plan -- see page 53 for a brief overview of fiber vs. satellite links
- Diagram of route with timeline of progress made to date