The project was funded by Italian National Antarctic Project within a Joint Research Program between CNR and GIN of Moscow.
This work was done under heavy or very heavy weather conditions, with a particularly difficult and dangerous navigation within icebergs. Ship's and scientific party's collaborative availability and instrument reliability were the key factors for the success of the expedition. We (the Italian Team) are particularly indebted to Captain Yuriy Shikera and bridge officers and crew of R/V Gelendzhikfor the extra work required.