Engineering and Communications in Antarctica: Enabling Technologies in Antarctica (Springer Transactions in Civil and Environmental Engineering)

India launched its maiden scientific expedition to Antarctica way back in 1981 and ever since annual expeditions are launched to address thematic research in the contemporary areas of Antarctic Science and Engineering. The initial efforts and achievements of India are not only significant but are of historical importance.

This book discusses a wide array of topics that have entered the mainstream of geotechnical and geo environmental engineering over the initial two and half decades of India’s presence in the icy continent ‘Antarctica’. At the same time, it highlights the lessons learnt in cryo-engineering technologies. It covers various articles on many aspects of environmental science and collates the overall achievements in the fascinating field of Antarctic engineering and environmental impact assessment. Accordingly, this book covers articles on wind energy by Ramesh et al., and engineering aspects in Antarctica by Rai. Similarly, Pathak has reviewed the engineering details of Dakshin Gangotri and Maitri. On the contrary, Sharma has provided an interesting history about the process of establishment of Dakshin Gangotri station. Similarly, communication aspects have been highlighted by Dhaka. Commercial polymers and their utility in cold region have been discussed by Dabholker et al.  Besides, Tiwari and Khare have reviewed the environmental studies carried out during the initial 25 years in Antarctic research base ‘Maitri’. Similarly, Ramchandran and Sathe have studied the natural radioactivity in Antarctica while fire safety in Antarctica has been touched upon by Chatterjee. On the other hand, Veerbhadraiah and Jain have provided a status on environmental management services at Maitri station Additionally Tiwari has provided  details on the new Indian Research Base ‘Bharti’ at Larsemann Hills region. It provides a one-stop reference for researchers and those working in industry and government.

Dr. Neloy Khare, presently scientist ‘G’/adviser to the Government of India at the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has a distinctive acumen of not only handling administration but also quality science. His area of research covers large spectrum of geographically distinct locations like Antarctic, Arctic, Southern Ocean, Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, etc. He has more than 30 years of experience in the field of paleoclimatic research using paleobiology (Paleontology). Having completed his Ph.D. on tropical marine region  and D.Sc. on southern high latitude marine regions towards environmental/climatic implications using various proxies including foraminifera (micro-fossil), he has made significant contributions in the field of paleoclimatology of southern high latitude regions (Antarctic and Southern Ocean) using micropaleontology as a tool. He has been conferred honorary and adjunct professorship by many Indian Universities. He has a very impressive list of publications to his credit (123 research articles in national and international scientific journals; 23 popular science articles). He has authored/edited many books published by international and national publishers. He was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi National Award in 2013 by the President of India. He has made tremendous efforts to popularize ocean and polar science across the country by way of delivering many invited lectures, radio talks and publishing popular science articles. He has sailed in Arctic Ocean as a part of “Science PUB” in 2008 during the International Polar Year campaign for scientific exploration in Arctic Ocean and became the first Indian to sail in the Arctic Ocean.