Available in two versions:
The R/V Polar Duke arrived in Port Fourchon, Louisiana, on 4 June 1997, ending its 13-year mission in support of antarctic research for the National Science Foundation. Antarctic Support Associates, NSF contractor, unloaded supplies and equipment for storage until they are put aboard the Laurence M. Gould, a new ship being built by Edison Chouest Offshore for antarctic service.
This issue introduces the monthly online Antarctic Journal. The Office of Polar Programs hopes readers will like the increase in frequency from quarterly to monthly as well as the shift to online access. The change eliminates the cost of printing and mailing the former quarterly issues, which will no longer be prepared.
This issue is big because it has some of the backlog of a recurring feature, lists of National Science Foundation antarctic awards, that used to be in the printed quarterlies. Another recurring item, monthly weather summaries from U.S. antarctic stations, also will be brought up to date in future issues. After the backlog is gone, the size each month will be about eight pages.
The annual review issue, consisting of articles by investigators about the recent and ongoing research, will continue in both print and online versions.
The Antarctic Journal has had several changes since its inauguration in 1966 as a medium for information about, and related to, the U.S. Antarctic Program. The magazine belongs to you, its contributors and readers. As always, NSF will welcome ideas for improvement.