Antarctic Stations

Antarctica, which is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth, is the subject of much scientific exploration.

It’s a land that’s always been somewhat shrouded in mystery. Since there is no native indigenous population, there are no stories or information to be passed down through generations. We have very little idea of the history of the area, and what we do know about it is fuzzy and unconfirmed. What we do know is that the land was first discovered around 1820, but wasn’t fully explored until the 1900’s. It wasn’t until the Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 that research really took off.

A Scientific Research Ground

Antarctica is riddled with small to medium research stations. These Antarctic stations are mostly permanent, but they’re not necessarily staffed year-round. Some of the larger ones, especially those maintained by powerful nations like the USA, UK, Australia, etc, have scientists posted permanently. According to official reports from countries participating in the Antarctica treaty, there are currently 66 permanent or semi-permanent Antarctica stations on the continent. Each summer, roughly 30 field camps are established to help meet the growing demands of the summer research season. In the winter time, the population of researchers and scientists in Antarctica is usually around 1,000. In mid-summer, when research is at its height and the temperatures are relatively warm (although still in the negatives), roughly 4,000 people are stationed in Antarctica.

A Combined Effort

The Antarctic Treaty, which was originally signed in 1959 and became effective in 1961, currently has 47 participating countries. The treaty is long and complicated and establishes many rules for the governing and treatment of Antarctica. The main points of the treaty ban mining and military activities, and establish a peaceful working environment that promotes scientific research. Since so many countries participate in research in Antarctica, they often work together. Especially when Antarctica stations are located close together, researchers have been known to compare results and help each other understand this strange land. The Antarctica Treaty established one of the only truly peaceful places on Earth, and it continues to be very effective to this date.

Antarctica Home of the Scientists

Antarctica has often been called “home of the scientists” and similar names. This is because there is literally no population on the continent. If it weren’t for the Antarctica stations, it would be unlikely that ANYONE would live on the continent. The areas harsh temperatures and winds, coupled with a lack of food and natural resources, make Antarctica an extremely hard place to live. People have tried it before, and some have been successful. Most, however, have found an environment far too harsh for human life. Scientists have the funding and investor backing to build strong, warm Antarctic stations, and power them year-round with massive generators. This is the only reason that scientists are able to survive when no native population has been able to – it would simply be too expensive to maintain life in Antarctica.