Antarctica: the 39th Italian expedition begins

The 39th Italian scientific expedition to Antarctica began with the opening of the "Mario Zucchelli" base on the headland of Terra Nova Bay. The summer campaign will last over 4 months. About 130 researchers and technicians will participate in 31 research projects in the fields of atmospheric sciences, geology, paleoclimate, biology, oceanography and astronomy.

The Italian missions in Antarctica, funded by the Ministry of University and Research within the framework of the National Research Programme for Antarctica (PNRA), are led by the Cnr for the scientific coordination, by ENEA for the planning and logistical organisation of the activities in the Antarctic bases and by the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics - OGS for the technical and scientific management of the icebreaker Laura Bassi