Troll Station
Troll Station is a scientific research station in Antarctica. It is operated by Norway and is located in Queen Maud Land, part of Antarctica. The station is used for research on climate, glaciology, and other environmental sciences.
Troll Station | |
|---|---|
A picture of Troll Station | |
Troll Station Location of Troll Station in Antarctica | |
| Coordinates: 72°00′42″S 2°32′06″E / 72.011662°S 2.535138°E | |
| Elevation | 1,275 m (4,183 ft) |
| Population (2017) | |
| • Summer | 45 |
| • Winter | 7 |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (CEST (March-Oct)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+0 (GMT (Oct-March)) |
| Website | Troll Station Norwegian Polar Institute |
Location
Troll Station is situated at 72°00′S 2°31′E, on the coast of Queen Maud Land in the Eastern Antarctic region. The station is located near the Sofia Coast of Antarctica and is close to the Southern Ocean.
History
Troll Station was established in 1990 by the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI). It was built to support scientific research in Antarctica and has been continuously operated since its opening. The station is named after the Troll mountain range nearby.
Research
Scientists at Troll Station conduct a variety of studies. These include research on:
- Glaciology: Studying ice sheets and glaciers in Antarctica.
- Climatology: Examining the climate of Antarctica and its effects on the global environment.
- Biology: Researching the ecosystems and wildlife of Antarctica, especially the effects of climate change.
- Geophysics: Studying the Earth's magnetic field and seismic activity in the region.
Facilities
Troll Station has several facilities, including:
- Research laboratories for scientific work.
- Living quarters for researchers and support staff.
- A heliport for transportation by helicopter.
- Vehicles for land-based exploration during the summer months.
Population
During the summer months (October to February), the station can accommodate up to 30 researchers and staff. In winter, the population decreases to around 15-20 people because of the harsh weather conditions.
Importance
Troll Station plays an important role in Norwegian and international scientific efforts in Antarctica. It helps scientists monitor climate change and understand its impact on the environment. The research conducted at Troll Station contributes to the global understanding of Antarctica’s role in the Earth’s climate system.