Mawson Station
Mawson Station is a research station in Antarctica. It is run by Australia. The station is on the coast of Mac. Robertson Land, beside the Southern Ocean. It is one of the oldest research stations in Antarctica that is still being used.
Mawson Station | |
|---|---|
Mawson Station looking toward the David Range | |
Mawson Station Location of Mawson Station in Antarctica | |
| Coordinates: 67°36′10″S 62°52′25″E / 67.602746°S 62.873726°E | |
| Established | 13 February 1954 |
| Elevation | 15 m (49 ft) |
| Population (2017) | |
| • Summer | 53 |
| • Winter | 15 |
| Time zone | UTC+5 (MAWT) |
| Website | aad.gov.au |
History
Mawson Station was opened on 13 February 1954. It was named after Sir Douglas Mawson, an Australian geologist and Antarctic explorer.
The station was the first permanent base set up by Australia in Antarctica.
Location and Climate
Mawson Station is built on rocky hills near the sea. It is surrounded by ice, snow, and glaciers. The weather is very cold and windy. Temperatures in winter can drop below -30°C (-22°F). It is also one of the windiest places on Earth.
Research and Work
Scientists at Mawson Station study:
- Weather and climate
- Glaciers and ice
- Animals, like penguins and seals
- Earth sciences, like rocks and the atmosphere
The station helps Australia understand more about Antarctica and how the climate is changing.
People
Mawson Station usually has 15 to 20 people in winter. In summer, the number goes up to around 40 to 50 people. Most of them are scientists, engineers, doctors, and support staff. People live in heated buildings and have supplies brought by ship or air.
Transport
Mawson can be reached by icebreaker ships during summer or by small planes. In winter, the sea is frozen and travel is harder.