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The United States and about 12 other nations support continuous earth sciences programs in Antarctica. These range from station geophysics at a single coastal location to the complex mixes of many aspects of geology, geophysics, and cartography that are mounted by the United States and the USSR every year ranging over much of the continent. Year-round stations are maintained at 29 locations on the coast and three interior places from which seismic, magnetic, and gravity measurements can be made on a continuous basis. Marine geophysics (including gravity, magnetics, and reflection and refraction seismic) and marine geology (including dredging and coring) are supported from a variety of research ships and icebreakers. Some of these same types of surveys are also supported by tracked veh cles and aircraft from locations on fast sea ice. Geologic and geophysical research on the continent are supported on oversnow traverses by tracked vehicles or, more frequently, from temporary camps by fixed-wing, ski-equipped aircraft and by helicopters. In the United States program, approved projects are given grant funds to cover salaries and direct expenses, plus transportation from California to Antarctica, all food, field clothing, camp equipment and supplies, transportation to field locations, and movement in the field area by tracked vehicle, motor toboggan, or man-hauled sled. During fiscal year 1978 (1977-78) U.S. funds available for support of Antarctic science were $6,475,000 and to cover the costs of logistic support for this science were $41,758,000. Much of the logistics f nds were used to contract for logistic support form the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, and a private corporation, Holmes and Narver.

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