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What does Australia research in Antarctica?
Since 1954 when the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition established the Mawson base on the coast of MacRobertson Land, Australia has maintained a continuous scientific presence in Antarctica. Australia maintains two other bases, Casey and Davis.
Where is Mawson research station located?
Established in 1954, Mawson is the longest continuously operating station south of the Antarctic Circle. Mawson is the most westerly of Australia’s 3 continental stations. It is situated about 5,200 km south-west of Perth.
How many research stations does Australia have in Antarctica?
Australia maintains a permanent presence in Antarctica through 3 continuously occupied continental stations, as well as temporary field stations. Australia also has a permanent research station on Macquarie Island (Figure ANT2). Scientific research is conducted in diverse areas of Antarctic science on land and at sea.
How many research stations are in Antarctica?
70
There are currently 70 permanent research stations scattered across the continent of Antarctica, which represent 29 countries from every continent on Earth.
Who owns most of Antarctica?
People from all over the world undertake research in Antarctica, but Antarctica is not owned by any one nation. Antarctica is governed internationally through the Antarctic Treaty system. The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 by 12 countries who had scientists in and around Antarctica at the time.
What is the purpose of the Mawson station?
Mawson Station is a base for scientific research programs including an underground cosmic ray detector, various long-term meteorological aeronomy and geomagnetic studies, as well as ongoing conservation biology studies, in particular of nearby Auster rookery, a breeding ground for emperor penguins and Adélie penguins.
Do you need permission to go to Antarctica?
Antarctica is the only continent on Earth without a native human population. If you are a citizen of a country that is a signatory of the Antarctic Treaty, you do need to get permission to travel to Antarctica. This is nearly always done through tour operators.
When was the Mawson research station in Antarctica established?
Mawson research station is the western-most focal point for Australian Antarctic science, and has been home to a range of scientific programs undertaken in and around the station since its establishment in 1954.
What kind of Science is done at Mawson Station?
Mawson Station research focuses on geosciences, space and atmospheric science, human impacts, medical, AMLR (Antarctic Marine Living Resources) and Adelie Penguin programs. Here’s some of this explained in layman’s terms.
How did the Mawson Station get its name?
Mawson was named in honour of the Australian Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson. Mawson was listed on the Register of the National Estate in 2001 and listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List on 22 June 2004, reflecting the post-World War Two revival of Australia’s scientific research and territorial interests in Antarctica.
How many litres of diesel does Mawson Station use?
It is the only Antarctic station to use wind generators for over 70% of its power needs, saving over 600,000 litres (130,000 imp gal; 160,000 US gal) of diesel fuel per year. It is accessible by sea for only a short period each austral summer, between February and March.