Conclusions

An analysis of available site quality data for DC has been accomplished, including PWV measurements made by the authors. A comparison with SP and other sites has been performed.

AWS data show that the quality of DC and SP is comparable, at least for meteorological conditions. DC seems to be a more suitable site in terms of wind speed (which is related to atmospheric turbulence).

The PWV content, measured at DC during the 1996-97 antarctic summer, is comparable to that at SP during summertime. The high Antarctic Plateau is shown to be the driest site compared to other observing sites. Further measurements at DC, with improved sensitivity and automatic operation of the instrument, are mandatory in order to explore conditions also during wintertime.

In conclusion, the overall exceptional quality of the high Antarctic Plateau at millimetric wavelengths, widely discussed in the literature (Dragovan et al. 1990; Chamberlin & Bally 1994; Burton et al. 1994; Chamberlin 1995; Chamberlin, Lane & Stark 1997; Lane 1998, Stark 1998), is confirmed by our work. DC conditions are at least comparable and probably better than those at the SP. However, further and more sophisticated site testing experiments are required to completely assess the DC observing quality.

© Copyright Astronomical Society of Australia 1997