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Tag: Australia

  • Antarctica airstrip melting fast

    Antarctica airstrip melting fast

    Australian plane in Antarctica

    The Australian runway on Antarctica is melting fast. The melting is causing problems in transport and there will be no flights from Australia to January.

    Australia will seek help from China with transport if needed.

    It is possible that a new airstrip of gravel will be made in the future.

    The $46 million Antarctic air link opened four years ago with the expectation of 20 flights to the Wilkins runway near Casey Station each season.

    Antarctic flights in 2009-2010 were supposed to be 20 for each season, but were 14 in the earlier season and only two in the latter. In 2011-2012 season all four planned flights were achieved and now for 2012-2013 there are six flights scheduled.

    Australian Antarctic Division chief Tony Fleming says that safety issues are very strict. “Once it gets to above minus five degrees in the ice, then there are safety parameters which mean we can’t [land] aircraft on that. Some way down in the ice, if it becomes above that temperature, we can’t guarantee the structural integrity of the surface.”

    The Wilkins runway is used to get vital equipment, medical supplies, people and food to the continent.

    Source:
    ABC

    See also:
    Video about the story

  • Framing China and Australia in the Antarctic

    Framing China and Australia in the Antarctic

    Penguins in Antarctica

    Framing of the Antarctic is different between states. In a new interview with Anne-Mary Brady, we look at the framing theory, identifying two prominent Antarctic players, Australia and China.

    Australia claims 42% of Antarctic territory, while China has three bases in Antarctica (two of them on the Australian claim) and is rapidly expanding its operations there.

    Official framing is an important tool by which Antarctic players can boost the legitimacy of their right to engage in Antarctica. State’s utilise official frames when there is a perceived legitimacy deficit that must be addressed and as part of an ongoing process of legitimation of their interests, according to Brady.

    Here is the interview:

    Sources

    IPY Interview