When and why was NZ Scott Base established?

When and why was NZ Scott Base established?

Scott Base was constructed for New Zealand’s participation in the Commonwealth Trans- Antarctic Expedition (TAE) and was officially opened on 20 January 1957. It was also used to support a party of scientists participating in the International Geophysical Year (IGY).

Is Scott Base New Zealand?

Scott Base, New Zealand’s only Antarctic research station, perches on a low volcanic headland called Pram Point at the southern end of Ross Island. It is 3800km south of Christchurch and 1350km from the South Pole. From October to February, Scott Base is a bustling hub of scientists, staff and visitors.

Who founded Scott Base?

Scott Base
Location in Antarctica Ross Island Ross Dependency Antarctica
Administered by Antarctica New Zealand
Established 20 January 1957
Named for Captain Robert Falcon Scott, RN

Who chose Scott Base location?

Led by the then Dr Vivian Fuchs, the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition (TAE) 1955–1958 planned to cross the continent from the Weddell Sea. Pram Point, on the edge of the McMurdo ice shelf and four kilometres from the United States’ McMurdo Station, was chosen as the site for Scott Base.

Why is Scott Base named Scott Base?

Appropriately, as the base was named after the British explorer Robert Falcon Scott, the New Zealand flag was then raised on a flagstaff used by Scott at Hut Point in 1903. The base was established to support the privately run Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition (TAE) of 1955–58.

Why is Scott Base Green?

Why is Scott Base painted green? The original base was a mixture of orange, red and yellow. However in 1965 discussion was held about the need to re-paint the base and it was decided that, in keeping with the image of the New Zealand landscape, Scott Base would be repainted green: British Standard BS670.

Why is it called Scott Base?

What do they do in Scott Base?

Life at Scott Base The base supplies its own heat, electricity, freshwater and food for up to 85 people during the summer and fewer than 20 over winter. People are at Scott Base to work – either on scientific research or to keep the base running – but there are recreational opportunities for ‘down time’.

What research is done at Scott Base?

Science activities that are carried out at Scott Base include: environmental monitoring. atmospheric studies. meteorological observations.

What do they do at Scott Base?

What is McMurdo station named after?

Lieutenant Archibald McMurdo
The station takes its name from its geographic location on McMurdo Sound, named after Lieutenant Archibald McMurdo of HMS Terror. Under the command of British explorer James Clark Ross, the Terror first charted the area in 1841.

How many people stay at Scott Base over the winter?

Scott Base accommodates up to 86 people over summer. From late February the population drops to approximately 12 people who will winter over. Most of the base buildings are linked by all-weather corridors. Antarctica New Zealand also manages several other research facilities in the McMurdo Sound region.

Where is Scott Base in Antarctica New Zealand?

Scott Base, New Zealand’s only Antarctic research station, perches on a low volcanic headland called Pram Point at the southern end of Ross Island. It is 3800km south of Christchurch and 1350km from the South Pole. Mt Erebus, an active volcano, sits north-east and to the west, across McMurdo Sound, is the Royal Society Range.

Is the New Zealand government rebuilding Scott Base?

Antarctica New Zealand is thrilled the Government has committed $344 million to rebuild New Zealand’s home in Antarctica, Scott Base.The announcement has just been made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, as pa… Read More

How is Scott Base connected to the world?

Like nearby McMurdo Station, Scott Base is connected to the global telephone network via a Satellite Earth Station operated by Spark New Zealand, located approximately 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) away at Arrival Heights. Spark NZ also provide phone services to McMurdo for calls to New Zealand as well as to the Italian Programme at Terra Nova Bay.

Who was the architect of the Scott Base?

In February 1956, 10 months before the TAE and IGY parties were due to head to the Antarctic, Frank Ponder, an architect at the Ministry of Works (New Zealand), was given the task of designing the base. Ponder’s design consisted of six main buildings and three smaller scientific labs.