5:15 PM - 7:15 PM
[MTT36-P03] Antarctic Observation Using Deployable Penetrator Systems.
Keywords:Penetrator observation, Cryoseismology, Infrasound, Remote sensing
Acquiring high-quality observational data is a crucial challenge in natural sciences. In particular, array observations using multiple sensors are effective for monitoring propagating waves such as seismic and infrasonic waves, allowing for the determination of source locations and the analysis of propagation paths. However, the deployment of observational instruments is significantly constrained by geographical and environmental factors. While installation is relatively easy in accessible regions, it becomes increasingly costly and labor-intensive in remote and inaccessible areas, making comprehensive observations difficult.
Antarctica is a prime example of such an inaccessible environment, as it has no permanent human inhabitants and is extremely challenging to reach. Currently, seismic and atmospheric pressure variations in Antarctica are monitored by installing instruments at manned research stations and a limited number of unmanned observation points. However, this approach struggles to provide broad spatial coverage and is limited by the high costs associated with instrument deployment and data acquisition.
To address this issue, we have been developing a new observation method using penetrators. A penetrator is a pencil-shaped impact-deployed observational device that can be deployed remotely by being dropped from the air and embedding itself into the ground. The penetrators we have developed are designed specifically for geophysical observations in Antarctica and are equipped with seismometers, infrasound sensors, and GPS systems.
Since the 64th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE64) in 2022, we have conducted drop tests and performance evaluations of the penetrator observation system in the Antarctic. Notably, during JARE-66, we successfully deployed penetrators at Shirase Glacier and transmitted real-time GPS data back to Japan. These results demonstrate that penetrator-based observations are a effective method for remote sensing in extreme environments.
In future, we aim to establish a wide-area observation network around Shirase Glacier and Langhovde Glacier. This network is expected to provide new insights into seismic activity and infrasound generation mechanisms in glacial environments. In this presentation, we will outline the development of the Antarctic penetrator, present the obtained observational data, and discuss future prospects for this technology.
Antarctica is a prime example of such an inaccessible environment, as it has no permanent human inhabitants and is extremely challenging to reach. Currently, seismic and atmospheric pressure variations in Antarctica are monitored by installing instruments at manned research stations and a limited number of unmanned observation points. However, this approach struggles to provide broad spatial coverage and is limited by the high costs associated with instrument deployment and data acquisition.
To address this issue, we have been developing a new observation method using penetrators. A penetrator is a pencil-shaped impact-deployed observational device that can be deployed remotely by being dropped from the air and embedding itself into the ground. The penetrators we have developed are designed specifically for geophysical observations in Antarctica and are equipped with seismometers, infrasound sensors, and GPS systems.
Since the 64th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE64) in 2022, we have conducted drop tests and performance evaluations of the penetrator observation system in the Antarctic. Notably, during JARE-66, we successfully deployed penetrators at Shirase Glacier and transmitted real-time GPS data back to Japan. These results demonstrate that penetrator-based observations are a effective method for remote sensing in extreme environments.
In future, we aim to establish a wide-area observation network around Shirase Glacier and Langhovde Glacier. This network is expected to provide new insights into seismic activity and infrasound generation mechanisms in glacial environments. In this presentation, we will outline the development of the Antarctic penetrator, present the obtained observational data, and discuss future prospects for this technology.