Belgrano II Base

Belgrano II Base is a scientific research station in Antarctica. It is run by Argentina. It is one of the southernmost research stations in the world. , Belgrano II is one of the 13 research stations in Antarctica operated by Argentina.

 Location 
Belgrano II is located in Coats Land, near the Weddell Sea. The station is built on ice about 1,300 kilometers from the South Pole. It is the southernmost of all Argentine stations.

The base is built on a floating ice shelf called the Berkner Ice Shelf, which is part of the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf. Because it is on ice, the location slowly moves over time.

 History 
Belgrano II was opened in 1979. It replaced Belgrano I, which was closed because the ice under it became too dangerous. Belgrano II was built using special modules designed to survive in the extreme cold.

 Research 
The base is used for scientific research in areas like:
 Glaciology (study of ice)
 Meteorology (study of weather)
 Geophysics
 Medicine
 Climate change

It is active all year, even during the long, dark Antarctic winter. Around 20 people live there in summer, and about 15 stay for the winter.

 Buildings 
Belgrano II has several connected modules (like big containers), which include:
 Sleeping quarters
 Laboratories
 Kitchen and dining area
 Medical room
 Communications room
The base is built on stilts or skids to help it stay above the snow.

 Geography 
Belgrano II is on the Berkner Island, which is fully covered in ice. It is surrounded by thick snow and glaciers. The Weddell Sea is nearby, but most of the year it is covered with sea ice.

 Climate 
Belgrano II has a polar climate, with:
 Very cold winters, temperatures below -40°C (-40°F)
 Cold summers, usually around -10°C (14°F)
 Very strong winds
 Little snowfall, but constant snow drifting
 No sunlight during winter months (polar night)
2 4-hour daylight in summer (midnight sun)

 Trivia 
 Belgrano II is one of the closest stations to the South Pole.
 The base uses renewable energy, including wind power.
 It has its own chapel called “Capilla de San Francisco de Asís” – the southernmost chapel in the world.

 References 

Category:Antarctica
Category:Research stations in Antarctica