MAWSON STATION

• AQMAW
• Latitude: -67.5971
• Longitude: 62.8533
• Shelter in Antarctica

Location: Antarctica

Mawson Station is one of the three permanent Antarctic research stations operated by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD). Named after the prominent Australian Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson, it is the oldest continuously inhabited Antarctic station south of the Antarctic Circle and is known for both its scientific research initiatives and its historical significance.

Location

• Coordinates: Approximately 67°36′S 62°52′E
• Region: Located on the coast of Mac. Robertson Land, East Antarctica.
• Nearest Landmark: Situated on the coast at Holme Bay between the David and Masson Ranges.

Climate

• Type: Polar climate, characterized by extremely cold temperatures, strong katabatic winds, and extended periods of both daylight (summer) and darkness (winter).

Facilities and Structures

The facilities at Mawson Station are designed to withstand the harsh Antarctic environment and support a wide range of activities, including scientific research, meteorological observations, and logistical support.

• Main Living Quarters: Equipped with bedrooms, kitchen, dining room, recreational areas including a library, gym, and theater.
• Laboratories: Specifically designed for various scientific investigations, including glaciology, biology, atmospheric sciences, and geology.
• Power and Utilities: Diesel generators provide power, with some supplementary wind turbines contributing to energy needs. Freshwater is produced by melting snow and ice.
• Communication: Satellite communication links for voice, data, and internet services essential for operation and research.
• Storage: Facilities for food, equipment, and scientific samples.
• Transportation: Includes tracked vehicles, snowmobiles, and smaller utility vehicles for movement in and around the station.

Port Specifications

Mawson Station has very limited port facilities due to its remote location and harsh environmental conditions.

• Access: Typically accessed by sea during the summer months when sea ice is less prevalent. The icebreaker vessel Aurora Australis (or successor vessels like the RSV Nuyina) is commonly used for resupply missions.
• Landing Facilities: Shore facilities include a small jetty and ice ramps. Cargo is usually offloaded via helicopters or barges.
• Resupply: Conducted annually during the Antarctic summer, involving transport of food, fuel, equipment, and personnel.
• Logistics: Often assisted by helicopters that ferry supplies and personnel between the ship and station when ice conditions make direct docking impossible.

Scientific Research

Mawson Station supports a range of Antarctic and Southern Ocean research activities, including but not limited to:

• Meteorology and Atmospheric Science: Collecting weather data, studying atmospheric composition and behaviors.
• Biological Research: Observations and studies of the local wildlife, particularly seabirds, seals, and penguins.
• Glaciology: Examining ice formations, movement, and melt patterns.
• Geology and Geophysics: Exploring rock formations, geological history, and seismological activity.

Environmental Considerations

The AAD emphasizes strong environmental stewardship in all activities at Mawson Station, including waste management, minimization of human footprint, and adherence to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.

Overall, Mawson Station serves as a critical hub for Australian Antarctic operations, contributing significantly to global scientific understanding of this remote and extreme part of the world.