An aerial photo showing the two most recent National Science Foundation research stations at the South Pole. The 164-foot geodesic dome on the left was opened in 1975 and housed three two-story prefabricated buildings, a library and recreation center, science spaces, single-room berths for up to 23 people, a galley, post office, photographic darkroom, meeting space, dispensary, biomedical facilities, vehicle repair and maintenance shops, diesel generators, a storage space for the helium used in weather balloons and a small gymnasium. With eight inches of snow accumulating each year, a bulldozer crew has to excavate the dome every summer.
Work began on the newer Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, at the upper right, in 1999. The new station has a raised foundation and adjustable height, which will keep it from being covered in snow like the dome station was over time. The new building is covered with heat-absorbing siding and can be occupied by about 50 people.
Photo by Scot Jackson, National Science Foundation
