A second request is for support of the acquisition of classified imagery of Antarctic field sites obtained from the National Reconnaissance Office. We support any and all initiatives by NSF to explore and, if deemed appropriate, authorize these and other systems for use. In the Committee s letter to us, two additional areas of interest were identified. They were weather and Air Traffic Control. I would like to address them now.
Antarctic weather is incredibly complicated to predict.
Ice fog and fast moving storms, which cause blowing snow, can begin without warning and, because of the diminished visibility that result, can bring air operations to an immediate halt. NSF has worked diligently with its contractors to improve forecasting. Possible aids under evaluation are improved satellite coverage of Antarctica and an increased number of remote sensors located throughout the continent and, in particular, in the McMurdo area. We support any and all initiatives by NSF to assist with weather forecasting improvements. In the absence of a comprehensive ATC radar system, this can mean that appropriate time sequencing must be imposed to assure suitable flight separation.