on the Planet
Scientists say Slow-Motion Collision Near Antarctic Research Station Imminent
01.06.05
It is an event so large that the best seat in the house is in space: a massive iceberg is on a collision course with a floating glacier
near the McMurdo Research Station in Antarctica.
NASA satellites have witnessed the 100-mile-long B-15A iceberg moving steadily towards the Drygalski Ice Tongue. Though the iceberg's pace has slowed in recent days, NASA scientists expect a collision to occur no later than January 15, 2005.
Go to URL for article and photo
http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/lookingatearth/ice_berg_ram.html
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Russian icebreaker to rescue U.S. base
Moscow, Russia, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- A Russian icebreaker sent to rescue a U.S. Antarctic base is halfway there, Interfax news agency reported Thursday.
The icebreaker Krasin left Vladivostock on Russia's Pacific coast on Dec. 21 and is scheduled to rendezvous with an American icebreaker on the outer edge of the Antarctic ice pack on Jan. 20, Interfax said. The two ships will then seek to rescue the McMurdo research base.
The base at McMurdo Sound is the main scientific base of the Antarctica program of the U.S. National Science Foundation. The Krasin will clear the way for cargo ships carrying fuel, food and medicines. Otherwise the McMurdo station personnel would have to be evacuated, Interfax said
The rescue operation was requested by the U.S. government.
Traditionally, two icebreakers of the U.S. Coast Guard, Polar Sea and Polar Star, cater to the needs of the McMurdo station. However, their capacity is several times smaller than that of the Krasin and one of them is currently being repaired, the news agency said.
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