Scott Base: the base of the world
Introduction
It was in the 1950s at the start of the International Geophysical Year (IGY: the predecessor of the IPY), that a permanent human presence was established in the Ross Sea region in the form of scientific research stations maintained by the national programmes of NZ and USA. Three year-round scientific stations were erected in the 1956/57 season - Scott Base (Hutt Point peninsula - NZ), McMurdo Station (Hutt Point peninsula - USA) and a station at the South Pole (USA). Science and its associated logistical support constitute the majority of both historical and present human activities in the Ross Sea region. Three national scientific programmes from Italy, New Zealand and USA are presently responsible for organising and conducting most of the activities within the region.
The Development of Scott Base
Scott Base was established by Sir Edmund Hillary and his team at Pram Point, Hutt Point Peninsula, Ross Island (77° 51' S, 166° 46' E) and was officially opened on 20th January 1957. The base was initially set up as a supply base for the Trans-Antarctic expedition, which was led by Dr Vivian Fuchs. Since its establishment, the base has grown so as to now accommodate up to 86 people during the summer field season, and can be maintained by ten support staff during the winter, to make Scott Base one of the few year-round scientific bases on the continent. Sir Ed returned to Scott Base in February 2007 to celebrate its 50th birthday and a website has been established to commemorate this anniversary of NZ's presence on "the Ice".
Scott Base Today
Since its establishment, the ethos of Scott Base has not changed - its main role is still to support the work of scientists in the region. However, the base itself has been adapted to support an increasing scientific interest in the continent. Scott Base now consists of eight main interconnected buildings, with its redevelopment beginning in 1976. Major construction since this redevelopment includes the erection of the Hilary Field Centre, which was opened in November 2004, and the current redevelopment of the kitchen and dining areas, which is set to open this coming summer. The facilities and layout of the base greatly influence the working and social atmosphere of the base, with the new developments including new social areas for inhabitants so as to make a greater proportion of the population feel that they are free to choose where and how to spend their time. In addition, the new developments have allowed nicer conditions for the Scott Base staff and scientists to work in. Having a heated space to set up gear for work in the field makes a huge difference, rather than having to work in buildings that mimic the temperature outside! New developments at the base also include modifications to the way that waste is handled and at present, there is a project looking into the development of renewable energy for the base.
Maintaining a "happy family" on Base
Being in Antarctica can be a weird experience. It can be quite lonely being separated from family and friends for weeks or months at a time, with the realisation that there's no way of going home. So, at Scott Base, it is important that people feel comfortable and included as if they were part of a family. Also, it's nice to be reminded of home, and what waits for you on your return, so there are pictures of New Zealand scattered throughout the base. Some other things which are used to boost morale include internet, postal and telephone services to contact people at home, a library to relax in, social activities (including events in cooperation with McMurdo Station), sporting pursuits (for example mountain bikes, a ski field, the annual rugby game against the Americans at McMurdo Station ) and a gym. Also, with 1000 people over the hill at McMurdo, there's plenty of opportunity to get out and about and meet new people! Another key ingredient which makes for a happy home is the delivery of fresh fruit and vegetables in the summer months, plus the fantastic breads and baking made by the base chef. Unfortunately for those who "winter-over", the list of recreational activities is not as long, and as no planes come to the base between February and August, there is no option for fresh food or parcels from home. With this in mind, how would you cope during the winter? What could you do for the people at base to help the time pass a little quicker?
Download an article about Rugby on ice here.
