The SP-33 station, which was opened exactly 100 days ago, has already drifted 706 km, Mr. Sokolov noted. Average daily drifting speeds totaled 15-17 km and even 20 km in some cases; such ice-drift speeds were perceived as quite unique in the 20th century; these speeds are still exceptional, Mr. Sokolov added.
In his words, a cyclone has now swooped in on the ice-drift area. That cyclone was to have brought warm temperatures and precipitation along with it; however, the SP-33 station is subjected to snow storms and subzero temperatures (minus 30 degrees centigrade) all the time, Mr. Sokolov went on to say.
According to Mr. Sokolov, the station is functioning normally; its personnel is implementing all the required research programs, Mr. Sokolov stressed.
The SP-33 will function for two years; it is intended to conduct additional research projects in March 2005; and the SP-33 crew will increase to 24 persons. Plans are in place to rotate the crew over the August-September 2005 period.
Eleven people are currently working at SP-33. The expedition also involves three dogs, i.e. Dixon, Nadya and Karat, who are supposed to warn researchers about approaching polar bears. No one else except eleven Russians and three dogs is staying in those latitudes, Mr. Sokolov noted.
The SP-33 station is used to conduct those long-term Arctic research programs, which were launched by Russia back in 1937, that is, when the SP-1 station had been opened. Research data will enable scientists to learn more about Central Arctic natural processes, also helping explain the causes of global climatic changes.
