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.

 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 , and the coldest was , and the mean temperature was .

 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.
Category:Antarctica
Category:Research stations in Antarctica
Category:Ross Dependency