A Continent for Research

Astronomy:

High elevations and dry atmosphere make the South Pole ideal for continuous observations over multiple 24 hour periods.

Atmospheric Sciences - Lower Air:

Studies of large and intense areas of cold are possible and contribute to research of factors affecting global climate.

Atmospheric Sciences - Upper Air:

Unique studies of the ionosphere and magnetosphere are possible due to Antarctica's high geomagnetic latitude.

Biology - Marine and Terrestrial:

World's most productive major region. Researchers are studying the adaptation of marine life to unique and extreme environment and the abundance of organisms.

Earth Sciences:

Continental drift, geology and geophysics processes are studied in a natural laboratory.

Glaciology:

The ice holds a history of millions of years of global climates.

Oceanography:

The ocean's deep water and circumpolar current affect circulation worldwide. researchers study formation and distribution of water masses, currents and new ice.