USAP Peninsula Field Manual 2026 Version

USAP Peninsula Field Manual (2026)

The USAP Peninsula Field Manual collates decades of first-hand field experience in the Antarctic Peninsula with the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). You may view the entire book by opening the link, or select individual chapters and sections utilizing the links below.

USAP Peninsula Field Manual (7.9MB)

Chapters

1. Front Cover and Table of Contents

   • Front Cover
   • Table of Contents

2. Program Information

   • U.S. National Science Foundation Introduction
   • Emergency Management
   • Emergency Response Guidelines
   • Field Deployment Emergency Planning
   • USAP Operational Risk Management
   • Survival Bags

3. Environmental Policies

   • Policy and Designations
   • Antarctic Specially Managed Areas
   • Antarctic Specially Protected Areas
   • Visitor Site Guidelines
   • ACA Permits
   • Specimen Collection and Permits
   • Environmental Training
   • Wildlife
   • Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
   • Non-native Species
   • Sample Site Markings and Equipment Installation
   • Spill Prevention, Cleanup and Reporting
   • Waste Management
   • Environmental EOS Report

4. Risk Management

   • Hazards and Risks
   • RM Process
   • Practical RM in the Field
   • Positive Work Environment
   • Rest and Duty Cycles
   • Lifting and Carrying
   • Staying Warm
   • Clothing
   • Sleeping in the Field
   • Staying Found
   • Hygiene

5. Communications

   • Radio and Phone Best Practices
   • VHF Radios
   • Iridium Satellite Phones
   • HF Radio
   • Check-ins for Overnight or Multiday Camping

6. Field Camp Operation

   • Overview
   • Field Plan
   • Camp Put-in
   • Proper Gear
   • Site Selection
   • Camp Layout
   • Shelters
   • Camp Medical
   • Drinking Water
   • Fire Prevention
   • Field Camp Daily Tasking
   • Camp Takeout
   • Tasks on Vessel
   • Punta Arenas Gear Return

7. Field Gear

   • Predeployment
   • Stoves
   • Heaters
   • Sleds
   • Snowmobiles
   • ATVs
   • Honda Generator
   • Solar Recharging Systems

8. Cargo Operations

   • Cargo Requirements
   • Shipping to the U.S.
   • Grantee Tasks in Punta Arenas

9. Weather and Sea Ice

   • Antarctic Weather
   • Working in the Peninsula Environment
   • Forecasting
   • Weather Observations in the Field
   • Kestrel Setup
   • Sea Ice Assessment
   • Sea Ice Cracks
   • Sea Ice Travel and Work

10. References

    • SOAP Note
    • Emergency Incident Worksheet
    • Knots
    • Common Conversions of Measure
    • Chilean Standard Time-Zulu Time Conversions
    • Temperature Conversions
    • Wind Chill Chart
    • Maps
    • Glossary