Life and Work in the Frozen Realm of Antarctica
In the heart of Antarctica, the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station stands as a beacon of scientific discovery. This research hub, dedicated to astronomy, aeronomy, cosmology, and astrophysics, is home to telescopes measuring the cosmic microwave background, a neutrino detector enveloped in a cubic kilometre of ice, an NOAA laboratory investigating the cleanest air on Earth, and even a hydroponic growth chamber.
The station's living quarters, known as Jamesway, are heated with AN8 jet fuel. Despite the harsh Antarctic climate, with temperatures plummeting to -100F during winter and windchills reaching -125F, life at the station continues. During peak seasons, overflow staff reside in summer camp, a collection of tents about a 10-minute walk from the main station.
The South Pole is a vast, icy expanse, home to man-made structures amidst its tremendous, bleak beauty. However, life here is not all work and no play. Recreational activities abound, from soccer and outdoor kickball to cross-country skiing, dance parties, language classes, photography seminars, movie nights, open mic performances, pub trivia, a music room, a craft room, a gym, a library, and a greenhouse.
Typical non-scientist jobs in Antarctica revolve around station support, logistics, operational roles, tourism, and expedition support. These roles include station support personnel, operation and expedition staff, tourism industry jobs, and citizen science participants.
Kiell Kosberg, our guest writer from Minneapolis, Minnesota, spent two summers living and working in Antarctica at the Amundsen-Scott Station. In her first season, she worked as a General Assistant (GA), handling tasks such as snow shovelling and waste sorting. On her second season, she became a Materials person, managing station supplies and learning to operate heavy equipment.
Life in the Jamesway living quarters offers visual privacy, but residents can hear each other moving around and performing daily activities. Accommodations during summer are semi-cylindrical canvas and plywood structures called Jamesways. The main elevated station houses about 150 small, individual rooms.
Amidst the challenging conditions, the spirit of camaraderie thrives. Traditions such as the 300 Club, where individuals brave the cold by sitting in a sauna and then running naked around the Pole, are a testament to this. The workday is from 7:30 to 5:30 (New Zealand time), six days a week, with many people working overtime.
Every Sunday evening, a science lecture is hosted for the community, offering insights into the various research projects ongoing at the station. Despite the cold and isolation, the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station remains a hub of scientific exploration and human resilience.
- Recreational activities at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station include photography seminars, indicating a connection between Antarctica and the art of photography.
- The tourism industry in Antarctica offers roles such as expedition support, suggesting a connection between adventure travel and this research station.
- The station's residents engage in camaraderie-building traditions, like the 300 Club, which involves running naked around the Pole, showcasing an adventurous lifestyle in the midst of extreme conditions.
- The station houses a greenhouse, demonstrating that even in the heart of Antarctica, food cultivation and access to fresh produce are critical aspects of the lifestyle.
