Scott Base

Scott Base is a research station in Antarctica. It is run by New Zealand. The base is used for scientific research and as a support station for people working in Antarctica.

Scott Base
Antarctic base
Aerial photograph of Scott Base, looking towards Observation Hill at left.
Scott Base Location of Scott Base in Antarctica
Coordinates: 77°50′57″S 166°46′06″E
Established	20 January 1957 (1957-01-20)
Elevation	10 m (30 ft)
Population  (2017)
• Summer	78
• Winter	11
Time zone	UTC+12 (NZST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+13 (NZDST)
Website	antarcticanz.govt.nz/scott-base

Location

Scott Base is on Ross Island, near the Ross Ice Shelf. It is close to the coast of Antarctica and just 3 kilometers (2 miles) from the United States' McMurdo Station. The base is built on solid ground at the edge of Mount Erebus, an active volcano.

History

Scott Base was opened in 1957 for the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition. It was named after Captain Robert Falcon Scott, a British explorer who led early expeditions to the South Pole. Since then, the base has been used by New Zealand for many types of scientific research and logistical support.

Research

Scott Base is used for research in:

• Climate and weather
• Glaciers and ice
• Geology
• Biology
• Environmental studies

Scientists work there during the summer, and a smaller group stays over winter. Around 85 people live there in summer, and about 10–15 stay for the winter.

Buildings

The base has green-colored buildings connected by covered walkways. It includes:

• Living quarters
• Laboratories
• Dining room
• Workshops
• Storage areas
• A wind farm to make electricity

There are also communications rooms and vehicle garages.

Geography

Scott Base is located on Ross Island, which is made of volcanic rock. Nearby are:

• Mount Erebus (an active volcano)
• Ross Ice Shelf
• McMurdo Sound
• McMurdo Station (USA)

The area has a mix of rock, ice, and snow.

Climate

Scott Base has a cold polar climate:

• Winter temperatures can fall below -40°C (-40°F)
• Summer temperatures are usually around -2°C to -15°C (28°F to 5°F)
• Strong winds and snow are common
• There is no sunlight during winter (polar night)
• In summer, there is 24-hour daylight (midnight sun)
• The highest recorded temperature was 6.8 °C (44.2 °F), and the coldest was −57 °C (−71 °F), and the mean temperature was −19.6 °C (−3.3 °F).

Trivia

• Scott Base is the only New Zealand base in Antarctica.
• It is close enough to walk or drive to McMurdo Station.
• A wind turbine system helps reduce fuel use at the base.
• The base is managed by Antarctica New Zealand, the government agency for Antarctic programs.