Scott Base to Erebus (and return) transportation depended mainly on Antarctica NZ helicopter services. Season two (2010/2011) transportation relied on both McMurdo and Ant NZ helo services. The flight up to Lower Erebus Hut (LEH) was stagnated into two events to allow for acclimatisation of team members. In the first trip a helicopter transported all members of the event to Fang camp, the American acclimatisation camp, and all scientific equipment up to LEH. The second trip transported team members from Fang camp to LEH along with remaining equipment, food, tents etc. Each trip was heavily dictated by unpredictable weather and busy helo schedules. As a result, timelines were made flexible and regularly reprioritised.
From LEH, sampling and scientific expedition was conducted via skidoos. Skidoo training at McMurdo, prior to leaving for the field was mandatory. Before expeditions were carried out, ASPA and ASMA guidelines were carefully examined to prevent illegal entry/disruption of protected areas. Once on site sampling was achieved by foot, taking care to minimise human interference of protected sites by walking only on ice, not thermal soil and following previously made tracks. |