Like the other Australian research stations, Casey has the opportunity to travel on the sea ice during winter and conduct monitoring of changes in the sea ice in support of science.
For Casey, sea ice assessment and travel differs from Davis and Mawson as the growth and deterioration of sea ice across the travel area can vary significantly. It also can dramatically change after a weather event, be it a blizzard or high tide combined with an increase in wind.
The sea ice monitoring science project has no dedicated personnel and relies on station-based volunteers to conduct year-round measurements of the date of formation, rate of growth, and other physical properties of sea-ice. These measurements have been carried out intermittently since the mid to late 1950s.
Sea ice travel also provides the unique opportunity to see the Antarctic continent from the sea side. The changing ice features, cliff faces and colours make for some beautiful viewing and “wow” moments.