The region of Dome B (or Ridge B) in central East Antarctica is one of the last unexplored parts of the continent and, at the same time, ranks among the most promising places to search for Earth’s oldest ice. In January 2020, a first scientific traverse from Russia’s Vostok Station to the topographical Dome B (or Ridge B) at 71° 07′ 04,80″ South, 84° 19′ 15,6″ East.
The glaciological program included continuous snow-radar profiling and geodetic positioning along the traverse’s route, installation of snow stakes, measurements of snow density, collection of samples for stable water isotope and chemical analyses. A 20.5 meters deep borehole was drilled on the Dome itself, followed by a study of the raised firn core. As a result, it was possible to obtain the first field glacio-climatic data on Dome B.
The first results of the traverse show that the surface mass balance at Dome B (2.28 g cm−2 year−1) is among the lowest in Antarctica. The firn temperature below the layer of annual variations is −58.1 ± 0.2°C. A very low value of heavy water stable isotope content (-58.2‰ for oxygen-18) was discovered at a distance of 170 km from Vostok Station (WAP RUS-13). This work is the first step towards a comprehensive reconnaissance study of the Ridge B area aimed at locating the best site for future deep drilling for the oldest Antarctic ice.
First traverse and Temporary Dome B Camp
To reach Dome B, the first traverse started from Vostok at 2 p.m. local time on 24 January 2020. The caravan consisted of two PistenBully 300 Polar tractors, one balok (a crew box mounted on a sledge) and one fuel tank. Throughout the entire journey the Team performed kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements as well as GPR profiling. Every 5km the traverse made a short stop for glaciological observations, (installation of a snow stake, measurements of upper snow density and collecting snow samples for water stable isotope and chemical analyses.
The scientific traverse to Dome B, was equipped with scientific equipment including a sledge with the snow radar towed behind the traverse, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). The average speed of the traverse on the move was 9.7 km h-1, meaning that 5km intervals were passed approximately every 31 minutes. Aside from the short stops, the Team also made four longer stops a day for refueling, meals and rest. At such a speed, the traverse arrived at Dome B at 6 p.m. on 26 January.
On arrival at Dome B, firstly the Team set the camp and installed the drilling equipment and organize static GNSS measurements. The next day they completed the drilling of a 20.5m firn core and installed geodetic markers for the precise determination of local flow directions and velocities. The firn temperature was measured after 12h equilibration of the platinum thermometer at the hole’s bottom at 20.5m depth. A snow stratigraphy investigation and snow sampling were carried out in a 2m pit. Finally, a seven-snow-stake farm was set up in the vicinity of the camp. The traverse left Dome B at ∼5 p.m. on 28 January 2020 and arrived back at Vostok Station in the early morning of 30 January 2020.
Thanks to Oleg UA6GG @ DX Trophy, WAP did received the following information about next RI1ANI activity by Alexey RN1ON
In the 2025-26 season, Alexey Turkeev, UG1A-RI1ANI, was not at Dome B. They had planned it, but they didn’t meet the deadlines. RI1ANI worked instead from Novolazarevskaya (WAP RUS-Ø9) and from the Progress–Vostok expedition. This season, they are planning another expedition to Dome B.
On October 21, Alexey Turkeev RN1ON will fly from St. Petersburg to Cape Town. Then a flight to Novolazarevskaya (WAP RUS-Ø9) and Progress (WAP RUS-11). The campaign to the East and then to Dome B will then start.. RI1ANI will work the beam trailer vehicle. There are no exact deadlines yet, but Oleg and Alexey will keep us informed. RI1ANI license will be active again from November 21 of this year.
At he light of the information collected about the “Overland Glaciological Temporary Camp Dome B” which identify the site, the news recently received of a planned activity, the QSL already prepared, WAP is going to add “Overland Glaciological Temporary Camp Dome B” on WAP WADA Directory as WAP RUS-NEW.
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As soon as RI1ANI operation will take place a new WAP number will be issued.
TNX Oleg UA6GG and Alexey RN1ON/RI1ANI