National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs U.S. Antarctic
Program
1994
Prepared by...
This booklet will assist you in your stay at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. It briefly covers facilities, procedures, services, and safety hints that will help you while at South Pole. Feel free to consult the Station Manager or the Station Science Leader for additional information.
Attainment of the geographic South Pole was a primary concern of early 20th century explorers. Tentative forays into the antarctic region had been undertaken by several expeditions during the 19th century, but it was not until the early 1900s that the Pole itself was considered to be a realistic goal.
Two British expeditions, the "Discovery" expedition of 1902 and the "Nimrod" expedition of 1908, were the first to depart for the continent with conquest of the Pole an expressed purpose. Robert F. Scott's "Discovery" expedition established an initial "furthest south" record, but competing expedition priorities prevented further progress. In 1908, Ernest Shackleton, a member of Scott's "furthest south" party, returned to the Antarctic as leader of the "Nimrod" expedition. In a remarkable feat of endurance, Shackleton and several others came to within 97 miles of the Pole before returning to their base at McMurdo Sound and an eventual hero's welcome in England.
Victory, it seemed, would come to the next expedition. Such, in fact, proved to be the case, but it came to a Norwegian expedition, led by the ascetic Roald Amundsen. Amundsen, perhaps the ultimate polar technician, had developed an interest in reaching the South Pole concurrent with the formation of Robert Scott's second or "Terra Nova" expedition. When Scott sailed for the Antarctic, Amundsen was not far behind and by intent or coincidence, a race began.
The race ended on 14 December 1911, when Amundsen and four others arrived at the South Pole after a generally uneventful and carefully managed overland journey. Their return was equally uneventful.
Amundsen's almost lighthearted success contrasted starkly with the fate of the Scott party. Scott and four companions reach the Pole a month after Amundsen, on 17 January 1912. Beset with problems from the outset and mortally weakened by the rigors of the return journey, Scott and his companions perished.
The South Pole was not visited again until 31 October 1956. On that date, a ski-equipped R-4D aircraft landed at the Pole. On board were Admiral George Dufek and several other personnel of the United States Navy. Their purpose was to survey the site in preparation for the establishment of a research station, one of many planned for the International Geophysical Year (IGY). Construction of the original South Pole Station began the following month and by February 1957, the station was complete. An eighteen-man Navy support and civilian scientific crew, led by John Tuck and Paul Siple remained for the winter, the first of the winter-over parties which have continuously occupied what became know as Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.
The original station was modified and expended over the years, but by 1967 it was becoming increasingly apparent that a new station would be needed. Construction of the new South Pole Station began during the 1970-71 austral summer. Erection of the dome, arches and interior modules took place over the next three summers. Finishing work was concluded during the 1974-75 season, and in January 1975, the station was formally dedicated. The old station was abandoned, and winter operations commenced at the new facility the following month.
The South Pole Station is situated at 90 degrees South on the Polar Plateau. The station was originally constructed 400 meters from the geographic South Pole; however, ice movement, at the rate of 10 meters per year, will eventually carry the station over the actual Pole.
The site is at an elevation of approximately 2850 meters (9300 ft), most of which is measured in ice thickness. The very low atmospheric temperatures produce an effective average pressure altitude of approximately 3230 meters (10,600 ft). The mean annual temperature is -49.3 degrees C (-56.7 F). The lowest recorded temperature is -82.8 degrees C (-117.0 F) and the highest temperature is -13.6 C (+7.5 F).
An extremely arid environment limits annual snowfall; however, a relatively constant wind speed of 5-15 knots compounds the accumulation and accounts for the heavy snow drifting common to inland antarctic stations. The surrounding terrain is completely flat, featureless snow.
The central area of the station is located beneath an aluminum geodesic dome, 50 meters (165 ft) in diameter at the base and approximately 17 meters high (55 ft) at its apex. The dome houses three two-story structures which contain living, dining, communications, recreation, laboratory, and meeting facilities. The station can accommodate a crew of 27 during the winter period and a crew of up to 27 during the summer in the dome itself, with additional people accommodated in Summer Camp 150 meters (500 ft) grid southwest of the station which is also the emergency facility for the winter crew.
A series of steel arches run perpendicular to the axis of the dome's main entryway and houses the garage complex, gymnasium, carpenter shop, power plant, biomedical facility, and main fuel storage. The fuel arch contains nine 25,000 gallon bladders, giving the station a maximum capacity of 950,000 liters or 225,000 gallons of JP-8 fuel. The four story Skylab and the balloon inflation tower adjoin the main station and are accessible through covered archways. The Clean Air Facility for atmospheric chemistry lies 100 meters upwind of the station. Other research modules are located at various distances from the station. Primary station power is provided by one of three 359 kW diesel generators. Waste heat is utilized for station heating via a glycol circulation system that conducts the heated coolant through the various station structures. Another glycol loop supplies heat to the snow melter for the station's water supply. These systems, as well as water, sewage, phone, computer, and electric lines are routed through a series of sub-surface steel utility corridors, called utilidors.
The purpose of the South Pole Station is to provide a year-round facility for scientific projects. Current on-going programs include:
Safety is of utmost concern at South Pole Station. All personnel should be aware of all safety measures practiced including "off limits" areas throughout the station. Particular emphasis is given in and around all work environments. Emergency response procedures are provided to all personnel on station. Each person is required to know these procedures. Make note of all exits throughout the facilities. Be aware of extinguisher placement and usage. Please report observed hazards to the Station Manager. Remember, prevention is of highest priority to ensure a safe living and working environment.
All personnel at South Pole Station are responsible to know and follow the proper procedures for the disposal of waste products. All waste will be separated for retrograde in accordance with established procedures. Information regarding the separation of waste will be made available at South Pole Station.
An awareness of issues concerning environmental impact and acceptable practices is crucial to the preservation of the pristine antarctic environment.
Berthing space at South Pole Station is very limited. Your berthing assignment, either under the dome or in the summer camp, will be given to you by a station representative upon your arrival.
If you are assigned to the summer camp, please be considerate of people sleeping in your Jamesway. Lavatory facilities are available. Personnel assigned to the summer camp should use the shower and laundry there. Linen for both the main station and the summer camp will be distributed by station personnel. You are requested to turn in your linen before departing.
Meal schedules will be posted in the dining area. Normally, everyone can be accommodated in the main station dining area, however, seating - particularly during lunch and dinner - is limited. During meal time, please eat promptly and vacate your seat if others are waiting. Please clean your table when leaving and dispose of all trash and deposit silverware and plates in the appropriate place. It takes effort by everyone to keep the dining room clean and sanitary with an enjoyable dining atmosphere. The cooks make every effort to provide the best meals possible.
Everyone on station is requested to assist in keeping the station clean. Please help by keeping your own living and working areas neat and clean. Items you wish to discard, including boxes, should be placed in the appropriate bin located inside the dome. If you wish to save boxes, please ask about appropriate storage areas where they should be neatly stacked. Your living and working areas are your own responsibility.
You may be asked to participate in "house mouse" duties on Sundays during your stay. These duties, which primarily consist of cleaning up the dining hall or other common use areas, are rotated among the entire station population. The "house mouse" schedule will be posted in the dining area. If your scheduled duty and your scientific duties conflict, special arrangements can be made. Any changes to the schedule should be discussed with the Station Science Leader or the Station Manager.
Recreation facilities include a game room, a library, a small gymnasium, a weight-lifting room, and a bar. Video tapes may be borrowed from the station store for use on the VCRs on station. After dining hours, the dining hall may be used for table games.
A station store is available to serve the personal needs of individuals assigned to the station. It is stocked with sundries (toiletries and tobacco), tourist items, postage stamps, and nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Items are in very limited supply, and you are cautioned not to be dependent on the station store for any items other than beverages. The station store also lends Beta and VHS format video movies. Station store operating hours will be posted.
The station store will not handle purchases of special items from the Navy Exchange at McMurdo. All such transactions will be between the Navy Exchange and the individual concerned.
Incoming mail is sorted and distributed as soon as it arrives. Outgoing mail may be left in the mail bag hanging outside the station store. If you wish to mail parcels, consult the Postmaster for information on postage, insurance, and customs.
Medical care is available year-round. An appointment with the Station Physician should be made for routine problems. There is no dentist at South Pole, but the Physician can advise you on proper course of action for dental problems.
Water for the main station is produced in a large snow melter filled by a front-end loader. Enough water is available for everyone's use. However, strict water discipline must be practiced, especially during summer peak population periods. During times of normal operations, showers should be taken no more than twice a week. Showers are not to exceed two minutes use of running water. Water faucets must not be left running while you are washing hands or brushing teeth. You will be expected to practice water conservation throughout your stay at South Pole.
Washers and dryers are available. Only one load of laundry per person per week is allowed under normal circumstances. To conserve water, washers should be operated only with a full load.
Vehicles available are tracked personnel carriers, Caterpillar 955 and 953 forklifts, and Caterpillar D-6 and D-7 Dozers. Scientific programs requiring vehicles should contact the O&M Coordinator. Since there are heavy demands on the small vehicle fleet, vehicle use will not be authorized for recreational or non-official use. The Sprytes are equipped with radios. Turn the radio on and conduct a check with communications when departing the station. All vehicles left outside must be kept running or be plugged into the proper electrical system.
You must be checked out and approved to operate each type of vehicle. This is an annual requirement. The ASA O&M Coordinator or Heavy Equipment Mechanic will instruct you on how to use the vehicles. Make it a practice to check fuel, anti-freeze, and engine oil levels, and always consult the proper authority when adding such substances. Supplies are available in the garage. Be sure the engine is warm before use. The Sprytes are equipped with radios. Turn the radio on and conduct a check with communications when departing the station. All vehicles left outside must be kept running or be plugged in to the proper electrical system.
Please report any defects, however slight, to the O&M Coordinator or Heavy Equipment Mechanic when returning the vehicle. Maintenance at an early stage keeps the vehicles from undergoing costly, time-consuming, and major repairs.
South Pole Station has designated fire teams specifically trained to respond to emergencies at the station. If you hear an alarm, report to the designated muster areas immediately, assisting fire teams only if requested to do so.
The danger of fire is always present and is always great. Be careful about smoking and smoke only in permitted areas. Do not smoke in bed! Check the ashtrays and waste baskets before leaving common-use areas for the night. Cigarettes are to be extinguished completely, only in ashtrays. Heat regulation throughout the facilities should be done by those individuals instructed in such procedures. If you see a fire, try to extinguish it quickly. Dry chemical, CO2, or water extinguishers are available inside each building. If you are not familiar with the operation of these extinguishers be sure to request instruction on their use. Sound the alarm by pulling one of the fire alarm boxes. If you hear a fire alarm, report immediately to the muster area so that you can be accounted for. Your assistance in fighting the fire will be requested only if needed.
Even with the best of safety precautions, accidents and injuries may occur. Use common sense in providing first aid or moving an injured person. After your initial action to assist the individual involved, report the accident, no matter how slight, to the Physician and the Station Manager. The Station Manager will coordinate documentation and reporting of accidents and injuries.
Communications systems of various types are available. If you wish to utilize electronic mail, contact the Station Manager, the Station Science Leader, or the Information Systems Coordinator for guidance. Sideband (voice) communications with the NSF Representative or the Senior ASA Manager at McMurdo may be made by coordinating with the Station Manager. HAM patches may be made by signing up on the list located outside the HAM shack in the communications building. Telephone calls utilizing the ATS-3 satellite system may be made on Sundays and Mondays when official business matters are complete. This service is a privilege which will be terminated if abused. A sign up list for these services is posted in the Communications Center. Handheld radios are available in the Communications Facility if required. Please do not loiter in the communications building if you do not have official business there. Communications personnel are usually busy with airplane operations and message rely traffic. Report any problems with any of the equipment to the Information Systems Coordinator.
Certain station areas are restricted, either for your own safety or for the sake of efficient science. If you wish to enter the instrument areas grid north of the station, please do not disturb the sensors or move upwind of them without consulting the Science Support Coordinator. The power plant, fuel arch, antenna field, and garage should not be entered without good reason. If you intend to travel more then 2,000 feet from the station, advise the communications operator on duty of your departure and make sure you have appropriate clothing. This is for your own safety. No one will be allowed on the skiway one-half hour prior to the arrival of all air traffic. Flight schedule information is made available by the Communications Operator. Remember, weather conditions in the antarctic can change unexpectedly. Handheld radios are available from the communications staff. Wherever possible, distant travel should be in pairs using the buddy system for maximum safety. The Old Pole Station area is unsafe and has been declared strictly OFF LIMITS.
The station telephone system connects most station facilities. A directory is posted by each telephone.
Work spaces are limited. Those spaces that have not been allocated to specific projects will be assigned on a first-come, first- serve basis. If you require more space, consult the Science Support Coordinator. Work facilities such as shelves, tables, and benches may be available, but resourcefulness is encouraged. All non-authorized personnel requiring the use of trade work areas, i.e., the garage or carpenter shop, must do so only with the supervision of those responsible for each work shop.
If you need general supplies, consult the Supervisor, Logistics, who may be able to save you the trouble of requesting items from your institution. Electronic and scientific supplies may be available through the Science Support Coordinator. Please do not take items off the shelves without first asking the materials personnel, as all materials are inventoried. Inadvertent use of project-specific materials can have devastating effects on those projects.
Cargo movements and inventories are managed by the Supervisor, Logistics. To inquire about the status of your cargo or to request support requirements consult this person. Science personnel can also contact the Science Coordinator for these types of assistance. If you require to send cargo to the United States (retrograde), advise materials personnel promptly. They will advise you of proper documentation to be completed and packaging requirements to ensure that your cargo is shipped.
The Supervisor, Logistics, controls cargo and supplies. If you want to know about your cargo, see this person. Science personnel can also contact the Science Coordinator for cargo information. If you need to send things to the United States (retrograde), advise materials personnel promptly. They will advise you of packing and marking requirements and ensure that your cargo is shipped.
You are cautioned to prepare retrograde cargo as early as possible since the cargo ship leaves McMurdo the end of January. Air cargo space is very limited, thus permission and prioritization from the NSF Representative, Antarctica, for all air shipments back to the United States will be necessary.
Two DEC VAX computer systems are available for data acquisition and on-site reduction and analysis. Several general-purpose PCs are also available, as well as a Sun Unix Workstation. Personnel from Antarctic Support Associates operate and service these general- purpose systems and help scientists program and interface their experiments to the systems. Consult the Computer Technician or Science Support Coordinator for information concerning computer capabilities and availability if you have a need.
When you arrive at McMurdo Station on your way to the South Pole, the Administrative Coordinator at the NSF Chalet will request you provide the dates on which you wish to redeploy to Christchurch, New Zealand, and to the United States. Confirmation or revision to plans should be provided to the South Pole Station Manager at least two weeks in advance of departure so that the Chalet may be informed and your departure scheduled.
It is good practice to advise the Station Administrative Coordinator as early as possible of your departure date from South Pole. Note, however, that flights are never scheduled more than four days in advance. During the austral summer there are usually several flights weekly to the South Pole, providing ample opportunities for your departure. Because of the nature of antarctic operations, flights are subject to various delays. Decisions to fly are often given on very short notice and flight times may be advanced or delayed several hours. In general, when a flight for South Pole departs from McMurdo, its Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) is announced over the South Pole Intercom. This provides about three hours before arrival at South Pole. The Station Administrative Coordinator will provide the point-of- contact for passenger movement from South Pole Station.
When your plane arrives, be ready to board as soon as cargo off- load is complete, and the loadmaster gives the okay. The airplane does not wait for passengers. Please be very careful in boarding as the engines normally will remain running during ground operations. Approach the aircraft only from the nose or tail direction (not parallel to the wings and engines) and only when directed by the air crew or ground personnel.
