Station Leader
Rothera Research Station
Rothera Research Station, Rothera Research Station
- Position
- Lat: -67.568889, Long: -68.1248
- Occupied
- 25 October 1975 to present
- Staff
- Summer: 160+, Winter: 34
Rothera Research Station is the UK’s largest Antarctic station.
Positioned on Adelaide Island off the Antarctic Peninsula, Rothera is both a focal point for a range of polar research, and an essential logistics hub for supporting airborne science, deep-field science, and accessing other Antarctic research sites.
Rothera is located in a region of Antarctica that is experiencing rapid warming, which makes it an important site for studying the real-time effects of climate change. It is home to research ranging across marine and terrestrial biology, geology, glaciology, meteorology and upper atmospherics.
With a substantial 50-year history and year-round staffing, Rothera is known for producing rolling data about this changing environment that supports climate modelling and prediction.
Science at Rothera
Scientists at Rothera use long-term datasets to understand how the continent and the Southern Ocean are responding to climate change and to improve models for predicting sea-level rise. Daily meteorological records, collected since the station’s establishment, are fed to the UK Met Office for global weather forecasting.

Long-term meteorological observations happen at Rothera Research Station (Credit: Pete Bucktrout)
The station also employs new technologies such as remotely operated vehicles for long-term biodiversity monitoring, and autonomous ocean gliders to collect data in the Southern Ocean.
Rothera hosts many scientific programmes, including marine and terrestrial biology, geology, glaciology, and meteorology. Consequently, the station is a hub for interdisciplinary research, with collaborations from UK universities and international partners. For example, the Netherlands’ polar research programme which operates the Dirck Gerritsz laboratory.
Bonner laboratory
The Bonner lab and dive facility is a centre for terrestrial and marine biology studies. It includes an aquarium, research labs, and a year-round scientific dive programme.
Divers access the water through holes cut in the sea ice during winter to conduct research on biodiversity, the effects of climate change on macroalgae, and the impact of iceberg scour on seabed life.
The western Antarctic Peninsula where Rothera Research Station is located, is the most rapidly warming region in the southern hemisphere Long-term research improves our understanding of how marine and terrestrial species are responding to climate change.
The data also enhances our ability to model climate change and predict sea level rise. These datasets help scientists to untangle seasonal variation and changes from one year to the next from longer-term climate change.

The Bonner Laboratory and dive facility supports marine and terrestrial long-term monitoring programmes. (Credit: Joe Marlow.)
Modernisation
Rothera Research Station is currently undergoing a significant transformation as part of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP). This long-term initiative will ensure the UK remains a leader in polar research by updating and replacing facilities that supported the first 50 years of BAS’ science at Rothera.
A cornerstone of this transformation is the substantial new Discovery Building, which includes a new operations tower, workshop and storage spaces for vehicles and equipment, energy generation and management facilities, and living and recreation spaces.

Discovery Building with its new operations tower
Rothera air facility
Rothera is the home of BAS’s air operations, including a 900m gravel runway and a fleet of 5 aircraft specially adapted for flying in the extreme Antarctic climate. The Air Unit oversees aircraft travel to and from Antarctica, flight logistics across the region, and specialist support for airborne geophysics, meteorology and mapping.

Rothera Research Station with the new Discovery Building and resurfaced runway
Garage and mechanical workshop
Our skilled people in Rothera’s garage and mechanical workshop maintain our fleet of wheeled and tracked vehicles. They play an essential role in daily station operations, and field science through long-distance transport of equipment.
Medical Unit
The station has a fully equipped medical facility – supported by British Antarctic Survey Medical Unit (BASMU) in Plymouth, which provides specialised training and 24-hour emergency support.
The Rothera community
From scientists and field guides to chefs and mechanics, the station community works together year-round to maintain the station and carry out vital research. The station population can swell to over 100 people in the summer, while a dedicated team of about 22 remains during the winter. To maintain a sense of community, everyone helps with communal duties like cooking and cleaning.

Some of the team at Rothera Research Station preparing mince pies for the festive season.
In their free time, staff can take advantage of recreational facilities such as a gym, library, and climbing wall. Outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing are popular. The station’s coastal location means we frequently see penguins, whales, and seals. While the environment is extreme and isolated, the sense of community and the unique experiences make it a rewarding place to be.

Adelie Penguin at Rothera Research Station. (Credit: Billy Thursfield)
Deep-field operations and remote stations
Rothera is the gateway to deep-field Antarctic operations, supporting science teams in remote locations via its air facility and the innovative Tractor Train Traverse system. This uses a PistenBully 300 Polar vehicle to tow sledges with accommodation, supplies, and fuel bladders across Antarctic’s vast areas of ice. This supports major scientific programmes, such as the UK-US International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration, which studied this vast unstable glacier understand the factors that are driving its rapid retreat and the implications for the future of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.

On approach to the blue ice runway at SkyBlu. Mount Carrera in the background. (Credit: Matt Bell)
To facilitate these deep-field missions, BAS also operates two permanent summer-only field stations:
- Fossil Bluff, located on Alexander Island, is an air operations and refuelling facility for Twin Otter aircraft. It has an unprepared snow runway and provides weather forecasting for flight safety.
- Sky-Blu is a logistics facility with a blue ice runway, allowing larger Dash-7 aircraft to support deep-field operations.
What’s it like to live and work at Rothera?
If you want to know what it’s really like to live and work in Antarctica, who better to tell you than the Antarcticans themselves?
Virtual tour
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Low Powered Magnetometers (LPM)
Read more of: Low Powered Magnetometers (LPM)British Antarctic Survey Low Power Magnetometers focus on studying the external magnetic field and its impact on power grid infrastructure.
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Rothera Air Facility
Read more of: Rothera Air FacilityWith its runway Rothera Research Station is the polar operations hub that supports British Antarctic Survey’s airborne capability
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Rothera garage and mechanical workshop
Read more of: Rothera garage and mechanical workshopTo ensure that the vehicles fleet remains reliable and succeeds in supporting deep-field science and station operations there’s is fully equipped mechanical workshop staffed by vehicle and plant technicians.
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Rothera medical facility
Read more of: Rothera medical facilityRothera Research Station has a fully equipped medical surgery. In summer there are two doctors onsite; during winter there is one.
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The Discovery Building
Read more of: The Discovery BuildingThe Discovery Building will be a new world-class scientific support and operations facility at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica.
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Tractor train traverse system
Read more of: Tractor train traverse systemOur tractor train traverse system is an innovative way to support deep-field science across Antarctica.
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Bonner Laboratory and dive facility
Read more of: Bonner Laboratory and dive facilitySupporting near-shore marine biology
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New Bransfield House
Read more of: New Bransfield HouseOffices, social and recreational faclilities
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Fossil Bluff Field Station
Read more of: Fossil Bluff Field StationRefuelling and meteorology facility to support deep-field science parties
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Very Low Frequency receiver (VLF)
Read more of: Very Low Frequency receiver (VLF)The VLF receivers listen to very-low frequency radio waves as part of a network of receivers located all over the polar regions. The data gathered by this network is used by more than 35 institutions around the world.
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Polar Ocean Mixing by Internal Tsunamis
Read more of: Polar Ocean Mixing by Internal TsunamisPOLOMINTS investigates how glacier calving triggers internal tsunamis, reshaping polar ocean mixing and influencing climate, ecosystems, and carbon cycling.
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Southern Ocean Clouds
Read more of: Southern Ocean CloudsSouthern Ocean Clouds improves climate models by studying cloud processes over the Southern Ocean to reduce global prediction errors.
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Meteorology and Ozone Monitoring
Read more of: Meteorology and Ozone MonitoringLong-term meteorological and ozone observations and data help determine the causes of climate change in the polar regions.
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Silicon cycling in glaciated environments
Read more of: Silicon cycling in glaciated environmentsSiCLING studies how silicon cycles in Arctic and Antarctic glacial environments and how these cycles affect marine ecosystems and carbon flow.
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Changing biodiversity
Read more of: Changing biodiversityBaseline study to monitor how marine biodiversity will respond to climate change
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Depositional patterns and records in sediment drifts off the Antarctic Peninsula and West Antarctica
Read more of: Depositional patterns and records in sediment drifts off the Antarctic Peninsula and West AntarcticaDuring this project essential survey data was collected to help plan future deep ocean drilling expeditions.
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Filchner Ice Shelf System, Antarctica
Read more of: Filchner Ice Shelf System, AntarcticaThis project investigated the stability of Antarctica’s Filchner Ice Shelf to produce sea-level projections using hot water drilling, ocean measurements beneath the ice shelf, sediment coring, radar surveys and autonomous submersibles.
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Impact of Plastic in the Polar Regions
Read more of: Impact of Plastic in the Polar RegionsThis project investigated plastic pollution across Arctic and Antarctic environments. Scientists collected water, ice, and sediment samples to quantify macro and microplastic pollution, track its sources, and assess its impact on polar wildlife.
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iSTAR – Stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet
Read more of: iSTAR – Stability of the West Antarctic Ice SheetScience on the move – the mission to understand the stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet
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Monitoring climate change in action
Read more of: Monitoring climate change in actionSince Near-shore Marine Biology was moved to Rothera in 1997, we have been conducting biological long-term monitoring in both the marine and terrestrial environments. These represent some of the longest continuous datasets in the Southern Ocean.
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Renewable Energy at Rothera Research Station
Read more of: Renewable Energy at Rothera Research StationOver the past 15 years we have been introducing renewable energy to buildings across the station in the form of solar thermal and solar photovoltaics (PV).
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Reproduction in a changing world
Read more of: Reproduction in a changing worldReproductive capacity and success of marine animals
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Resisting temperature change in the marine environment
Read more of: Resisting temperature change in the marine environmentA research project studying temperature tolerances of over 20 Antarctic marine invertebrate species at Rothera Research Station.
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Rothera Wharf
Read more of: Rothera WharfOver the next decade Rothera Research Station will be upgraded to ensure its facilities keep the UK at the forefront of climate, biodiversity and ocean research.
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Skua monitoring at Rothera
Read more of: Skua monitoring at RotheraLong-term monitoring helps scientists understand how wildlife responds to environmental changes. Skuas are top predators, so their breeding success reflect wider ecosystem conditions.
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Sustainability within AIMP
Read more of: Sustainability within AIMPThe Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) Sustainability Strategy comprises eight major sustainability themes.
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Towards Net Zero Carbon
Read more of: Towards Net Zero CarbonOur strategy and work streams to meet Net Zero goals
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Transformation
Read more of: TransformationRealising the benefits of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation programme.
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Using an Antarctic fungus as a wintertime biopesticide
Read more of: Using an Antarctic fungus as a wintertime biopesticideThis project investigated whether Mortierella, a cold-tolerant Antarctic soil fungus, could replace banned chemical pesticides in controlling weevil larvae that damage UK soft fruit and forestry crops.
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Air Infrastructure
Read more of: Air InfrastructureThe Rothera Air Infrastructure project is part of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) future phases.
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A new chapter for Rothera Research Station: inside the Operations Tower
Read more of: A new chapter for Rothera Research Station: inside the Operations TowerAs Rothera Research Station continues its modernisation programme, Matt Hughes, Tower Operations Supervisor, shares his thoughts on the transition to our new Operations Tower, marking a significant milestone in Antarctic […]
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Eliot’s reflections on working at Rothera Research Station
Read more of: Eliot’s reflections on working at Rothera Research StationFor some people, working in Antarctica is a lifelong dream. For others, like Eliot Perez, Assistant Project Manager for the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme, that dream became a reality nine […]
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Katie’s Journey to Antarctica
Read more of: Katie’s Journey to AntarcticaAs the Antarctic winter season fast approaches, we’ll be following the journey of one of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme’s (AIMP) Assistant Project Managers, Katie Handford as she gears up to spend winter at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica.
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2023 in 10 stories from British Antarctic Survey
Read more of: 2023 in 10 stories from British Antarctic SurveyEvery year at British Antarctic Survey is a huge team effort. What we do couldn’t happen without every one our talented staff – whether they are doing the legwork of […]
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BAS celebrates the Coronation
Read more of: BAS celebrates the CoronationThis weekend, BAS staff in Antarctica and on board RRS Sir David Attenborough celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III. On the RRS Sir David Attenborough RRS Sir David Attenborough spent the […]
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First journey to Rothera
Read more of: First journey to RotheraSimeon Anastasov, Principal Fire Engineer at OFR Consultants, is currently working at Rothera Research Station providing site supervision as part of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP). In this blog […]
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International Men’s Day: Burnout in Cambridge and in the Polar Regions
Read more of: International Men’s Day: Burnout in Cambridge and in the Polar RegionsInternational Men’s Day is an annual celebration taking place on Saturday 19 November around some of the issues that specifically impact men and boys. The themes of the day centre […]
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From Inverness to Antarctica: meeting (supply chain) milestones
Read more of: From Inverness to Antarctica: meeting (supply chain) milestonesJoe Stebbing, Assistant Project Manager, AIMP at British Antarctic Survey on how we are meeting our (supply chain) milestones. January has marked a momentous milestone for the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation […]
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The challenges of running Antarctic stations during a pandemic
Read more of: The challenges of running Antarctic stations during a pandemicChristopher Robert Lloyd, Contract Manager for Ramboll, will be working in Antarctica on constructing the new scientific support facility at Rothera, the Discovery Building. He first travelled to Antarctica in […]
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BLOG: Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network
Read more of: BLOG: Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis NetworkIn the latest of the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) blog series on the Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network, we hear from Simon Morley, British Antarctic Survey (BAS) […]
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BLOG: On Thick Ice
Read more of: BLOG: On Thick IceRothera Field Guide Ed Luke is part of the skilled team who safely facilitate fieldwork year-round in Antarctica. In this blog, Ed takes us on the experience of conducting winter […]
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BLOG: Diversity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond
Read more of: BLOG: Diversity and inclusion in the workplace and beyondJon Ager joined British Antarctic Survey as Director of the UK Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme in 2019, after serving for almost 35 years in the Royal Air Force and aerospace […]
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Bonner Laboratory featured at Global Biodiversity Festival 2021
Read more of: Bonner Laboratory featured at Global Biodiversity Festival 2021Rothera Marine Biologist Nadia Frontier and Rothera Marine Assistant Ryan Mathews spoke about the work of the Bonner Laboratory and dive facility at Rothera Research Station during the Global Biodiversity […]
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Solitude and Survival in the South
Read more of: Solitude and Survival in the SouthDoctor James Bowyer has just returned to the UK after providing medical cover for Rothera Research Station staff from 2019 – 2021. James shares his experiences of life and work […]
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Challenges of Construction in Antarctica
Read more of: Challenges of Construction in AntarcticaChristopher Robert Lloyd, Site Supervisor for Ramboll, is currently working in Antarctica constructing the new scientific support facility at Rothera, the Discovery Building. He travelled to Antarctica in December 2020 […]
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Life in Antarctica
Read more of: Life in AntarcticaBilly Thursfield, Sub-Agent for BAM, is currently working on the construction of the new science and operations facility at Rothera Research Station, the Discovery Building. Here he reflects on working […]
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Blog: The Rothera marine team
Read more of: Blog: The Rothera marine teamNadia Frontier is the new Marine Biologist at Rothera Research Station. In her latest blog, Nadia takes us through safety training, wildlife sightings, and what it takes to dive successfully […]
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Blog: First experiences at Rothera
Read more of: Blog: First experiences at RotheraNadia Frontier is the new marine biologist at Rothera Research Station. In her blog below, Nadia takes us through arriving at Rothera, first impressions of the station, and Christmas celebrations! […]
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PODCAST – Iceworld, Episode 6 – Underwater
Read more of: PODCAST – Iceworld, Episode 6 – UnderwaterEpisode 6: Underwater Blue carbon capture, cold water gigantism, iceberg scouring, algal blooms…this episode covers a lot of ground! Rothera Field Guide Rob Taylor speaks with Aurelia Reichardt, Nadescha Zwerschke […]
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PODCAST – Iceworld, Episode 4 – Atmosphere
Read more of: PODCAST – Iceworld, Episode 4 – AtmosphereEpisode 4: Atmosphere In the latest episode of Iceworld, Josh Eveson joins Rob Taylor to talk about the atmosphere and weather research taking place at Halley Research Station. More than […]
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PODCAST – Iceworld, Episode 1 – Maps
Read more of: PODCAST – Iceworld, Episode 1 – MapsMapping in Antarctica – podcast
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Living my dream of working in Antarctica
Read more of: Living my dream of working in AntarcticaPlant operator and enthusiastic environmentalist Matt Southworth finds his dream of working in Antarctica coming true!
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SCIENCE IN THE SEA: Ocean sampling day at Rothera
Read more of: SCIENCE IN THE SEA: Ocean sampling day at RotheraZoe Waring, the Rothera Marine Assistant provides us with an account of the recent Ocean Sampling Day at Rothera. Since 2012, the Rothera Marine Assistant has been collecting samples for World […]
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Guest blog. RRS Sir David Attenborough: The story so far
Read more of: Guest blog. RRS Sir David Attenborough: The story so farPaul Fox, Senior Responsible Officer for RRS Sir David Attenborough, has written a guest blog for a behind-the-scenes look at NERC’s commission of a new polar research ship for Britain and the associated Antarctic infrastructure modernisation programme.
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SCIENCE BLOG:Penguin or sea lemon?
Read more of: SCIENCE BLOG:Penguin or sea lemon?Dr Melody Clark gets excited about sea snails as part of an innovative research programme to investigate how Antarctica’s animals will adapt to life in a warmer world. Penguins or […]
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ANTARCTIC BLOG: Extreme Geology #11
Read more of: ANTARCTIC BLOG: Extreme Geology #11After our extended period of lie-up, I now have the slightly surreal pleasure of sitting at Rothera writing this, contemplating flying home tomorrow. We flew back from the field on […]
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ANTARCTIC BLOG: meet Ali – Rothera’s lab manager
Read more of: ANTARCTIC BLOG: meet Ali – Rothera’s lab managerI am sat gazing with child-like wonder through my office window at the huge snow-flakes falling outside and, despite the fact that the snowstorm is obscuring my usual spectacular view […]
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ANTARCTIC BLOG: Science from the air #2
Read more of: ANTARCTIC BLOG: Science from the air #2The altimeter in the front of the Twin Otter aircraft is showing 8500 ft as we cruise due south from Rothera research station for the next leg in our PolarGAP […]
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ANTARCTIC BLOG: The journey South is long – #2
Read more of: ANTARCTIC BLOG: The journey South is long – #2“Goodbyes” get harder each time so I avoid them by saying “See you later” as if I’m just going to the shop. The journey South is long and for me […]
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ANTARCTIC BLOG: Tales from a polar guide – #1
Read more of: ANTARCTIC BLOG: Tales from a polar guide – #1It’s four AM and I’m wide awake, staring at the deep blue and black shadows on the ceiling of my bedroom. I allow myself just this once to indulge in […]
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GUEST BLOG: Ready for Antarctic trip number five!
Read more of: GUEST BLOG: Ready for Antarctic trip number five!Find out about NERC Research Fellow Dr Sian Henley’s preparations for her fifth visit to Rothera Research Station and what she looks forward to onboard the RRS James Clark Ross.
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ANTARCTIC BLOG: Extreme Geology #1
Read more of: ANTARCTIC BLOG: Extreme Geology #1Science team goes deep field to Marie Byrd Land
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Rothera Diary – November 2014
Read more of: Rothera Diary – November 2014October saw the arrival of the first Dash 7 of the season containing the first of the summer staff, and quite a few other planes from different Antarctic programs. It […]
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Rothera Diary – October 2014
Read more of: Rothera Diary – October 2014The End is Nigh! In 12 days the first planes will arrive, invading us with who knows what? Well we have a pretty good idea. We are looking forward to […]
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Rothera Diary – August 2014
Read more of: Rothera Diary – August 2014August has been another busy month on and off the base, with the second round of winter trips starting at the beginning of the month. Mine and Andy’s winter trip […]
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Rothera Diary – May 2014
Read more of: Rothera Diary – May 2014May has been a busy month at Rothera, with the weather starting to get a bit more wintery and Antarctic – less rain(!) and more snow and darkness. We are […]
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Rothera Diary – April 2014
Read more of: Rothera Diary – April 2014The RRS Ernest Shackleton left us on the 21st of March this year so April saw the first month of winter here at Rothera. We are getting used to a […]
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Rothera Diary – July 2013
Read more of: Rothera Diary – July 2013Midwinter Roundup The days got shorter and shorter, the sun stopped appearing over the mountainous horizon and the snow continued to fall; winter was well and truly here at Rothera […]
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Rothera Diary — February 2013
Read more of: Rothera Diary — February 2013So, we’ve been back at Rothera for a couple of weeks now after spending the previous two and a half months “deep field” working on a scientific project in the […]
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Rothera Diary — January 2013
Read more of: Rothera Diary — January 2013After a long, but good journey, from The Netherlands our group arrived January 10th safe and sound at Rothera. The first sight was of stranded icebergs in North Cove blindingly […]
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Rothera Diary — August 2012
Read more of: Rothera Diary — August 2012…Sledge echo sledge echo, this is Rothera do you copy… August kicked off with a week of night watch duties, well welcomed after a hectic month on the jazz drumming […]
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Rothera Diary — July 2012
Read more of: Rothera Diary — July 2012July at Rothera. The excitement of the midwinter’s week festivities is slowly dying down and the base is returning to its usual routines. All the midwinter presents, that many people […]
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Rothera Diary — May 2012
Read more of: Rothera Diary — May 2012With the Ernest Shackleton long departed and the daylight disappearing rapidly, the 18-strong team remaining at Rothera really started to experience the proper Antarctic winter. On the 18th of May […]
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Rothera Diary — April 2012
Read more of: Rothera Diary — April 2012In one hour it will be time to switch on the high frequency radio and report back to base, let them know we’re safe & well, our location, our intentions […]
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Rothera Diary — March 2012
Read more of: Rothera Diary — March 2012Early March saw the departure of the last BAS planes for the season. This left 42 people on station to carry on the science, various works and to commence winterising […]
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Rothera Diary — December 2011
Read more of: Rothera Diary — December 2011Cargo and Christmas were the main features of December at Rothera. The arrival of the BAS ship RRS James Clark Ross turned the base into an even busier place than […]
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Rothera Diary — July 2011
Read more of: Rothera Diary — July 2011Cold and Icy I am sitting in my office in The Bonner Laboratory looking out over the frozen sea towards the snowy mountains and remembering why it was such an […]
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Rothera Diary — June 2011
Read more of: Rothera Diary — June 2011Some Things Never Change Spending June in the Antarctic gives you time to think a little. Darkness, blizzards and the all important task of polishing my midwinter’s present often left […]
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Rothera Diary — May 2011
Read more of: Rothera Diary — May 2011It’s been two months since the RRS Ernest Shackleton left us, and left 20 of us alone at Rothera Research Station to look after the facility and maintain the science […]
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Rothera Diary — April 2011
Read more of: Rothera Diary — April 2011With memories of those who left us in March becoming more distant by the day, April was a month of “getting into the swing” of the Winter regime proper. While […]
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Rothera Diary — March 2011
Read more of: Rothera Diary — March 2011Good morning, outside world! As I sit here typing this, the first few snowflakes of winter are starting to fall outside the window, and Rothera is well and truly taking […]
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Rothera Diary — November 2010
Read more of: Rothera Diary — November 2010On 2nd November BAS’s first aircraft of the season arrived, the DASH 7. The October weather had been somewhat inclement, and there had been delays in flight arrivals. For the […]
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Rothera Diary — September 2010
Read more of: Rothera Diary — September 2010Diving and music As the marine biologist at Rothera, I had an unusual start to my career here. I flew in late in February this year and after a whirlwind […]
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Rothera Diary — July 2010
Read more of: Rothera Diary — July 2010July — potentially a period of anticlimax following the events of midwinter and all the furore that surrounds it, but this year July has been one of my favourite months […]
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Rothera Diary — June 2010
Read more of: Rothera Diary — June 2010Midwinter The month of June is one of great celebration in the Antarctic; it is the month when the days are at their shortest and the sun remains below the […]
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Rothera Diary — May 2010
Read more of: Rothera Diary — May 2010Diving & Discos Hi everyone and welcome to May’s diary, my name is Jon James and I am the Diving Officer here at Rothera. My job involves organising and maintaining […]
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Rothera Diary — April 2010
Read more of: Rothera Diary — April 2010Beach parties and Barbee sauce So we have reached the official start of winter… what, already? How did that happen? Surprisingly it seems time really does pass quite quickly down […]
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Rothera Diary — March 2010
Read more of: Rothera Diary — March 2010March — the month of change in an Antarctic context! Welcome to March, a month in the Antarctic calendar that signifies change, a rising sense of panic and relief. Depending […]
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Rothera Diary — February 2010
Read more of: Rothera Diary — February 2010As I sit here sipping Earl Grey in the comparative comfort of the surgery it is hard to believe that just a few weeks ago I was sipping tea in […]
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Rothera Diary — January 2010
Read more of: Rothera Diary — January 2010Power Downs and Parties The year is 2010, the month is January my task to write about the trials and tribulations of base life down at Rother research station. Well […]
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Rothera Diary — December 2009
Read more of: Rothera Diary — December 2009Fresh Marmite November’s diary ended with Mike returning to base on the RSS James Clark Ross, having spent most of the previous month loitering in the Falkland Islands. As the […]
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Rothera Diary — November 2009
Read more of: Rothera Diary — November 2009A Glimpse of Life on the Outside At the time of volunteering to write this month’s entry for the Rothera Diary, I had no reason to suspect that I might […]
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Rothera Diary — October 2009
Read more of: Rothera Diary — October 2009End of winter, planes, new faces and freshies All good things come to an end, also the winter of 2009. This happened on the 10th day of this month. One […]
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Rothera Diary — September 2009
Read more of: Rothera Diary — September 2009Hello, and welcome to the Rothera diary entry for September. I would like to give you an insight to base life from my own personal perspective. I am Tony McLaughlan, […]
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Rothera Diary — August 2009
Read more of: Rothera Diary — August 2009Spring As I sit here waiting to leave base and head out into the field for my week long winter trip, I thought now would be a good time to […]
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Rothera Diary — July 2009
Read more of: Rothera Diary — July 2009Water, ice and steam It’s 10pm Friday 31st July. Mug of coffee in hand, I am awaiting the return of James and Jonny with a bundle of newspapers for the […]
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Rothera Diary — May 2009
Read more of: Rothera Diary — May 2009Say Goodbye to the Sun Welcome everyone to the month of May at Rothera Research Station. My name is Andy Webster and I am the Communications Manager here on station. […]
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Rothera Diary — April 2009
Read more of: Rothera Diary — April 2009Winter training In keeping to winter traditions, I am writing the April diary entry between the hours of 1am to 6am. Yes, I’m on nightwatch and it’s currently 4am on […]
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Rothera Diary — March 2009
Read more of: Rothera Diary — March 2009Preparing for Winter I am Dr Matt A Edwards, medical officer for the British Antarctic Survey research facility on the Antarctic Peninsula known as Rothera. It is an honour to […]
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Rothera Diary — October 2008
Read more of: Rothera Diary — October 2008The start of Summer Hi, I’m Ali the marine assistant. It is exactly a year since I last wrote an entry for the Rothera diary. I have been at Rothera […]
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Rothera Diary — July 2008
Read more of: Rothera Diary — July 2008Moving into New Bransfield I thought as the wintering chef for this year I would first mention my new kitchen. After a bit of a delay, in February last summer, […]
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Oct – The end of Winter
Read more of: Oct – The end of WinterHi, I’m Ali the Marine Assistant; I arrived at Rothera in December 2006 and shall be based here for a total of 2½ years. The month of October marked the […]
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Aug – Wind and Snow… and more wind
Read more of: Aug – Wind and Snow… and more windHello and welcome to the August diary of Rothera Research Station, I’m Jim the Boating Officer, or JimBoat to the locals, and I excitedly volunteered to indulge readers with the […]
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Jul – Ice Diving
Read more of: Jul – Ice DivingRothera July Diary My name is Kelvin Murray, I am the Field Diving Officer and my job is to manage all diving operations at Rothera. I work very closely with […]
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Jun – Midwinter Mayhem
Read more of: Jun – Midwinter MayhemHi everyone and greetings from Rothera Research Station Antarctica. My name is Richard and I’m the wintering Electrician. This is my second consecutive winter here at Rothera but the joys […]
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May – The first month of winter
Read more of: May – The first month of winterHello and welcome to our first proper month of winter here at Rothera. By winter proper I don’t mean that its all that much colder (we don’t get the really […]
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Apr – Night Watch
Read more of: Apr – Night WatchIt’s 4 am in the morning on 19th April and I’m on Night Watch, a good opportunity to write the monthly web diary, or so I thought! Hello, I’m Birgit, […]
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Mar – The Month Marcheth…
Read more of: Mar – The Month Marcheth…THE MONTH MARCHETH… “The first day of March was once the time for taking the young virgins into the fields, there in dalliance to set an example in fertility for […]
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Feb – The End is Nigh
Read more of: Feb – The End is NighThe end is nigh. Firstly I’m going to cheat a little, only by a few days, but I’ll start this month’s diary at the end of January. This is because […]
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December – Festive, Restive, Joyful
Read more of: December – Festive, Restive, JoyfulFestive, Restive and Joyful To many, December makes us think of winter, of short days, long coats, bustling winds and curling up in front of the fire with a duvet […]
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October – The End of Winter
Read more of: October – The End of WinterThe End of Winter by Jamie Fletcher Well, it’s almost the end of winter and a very busy time both for work and socially. I have asked several of my […]
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October – A poetic view
Read more of: October – A poetic viewOctober, the month of spring. The waiting hours creep silently across the shining skies. There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce […]
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September – Behind the Scenes
Read more of: September – Behind the ScenesBEHIND THE SCENES By Richard Logan Hello to everyone from Rothera Antarctic Research Station and welcome to September’s Web Diary. Have we got a corker of a diary this month […]
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August – An active August
Read more of: August – An active AugustAn active August People back home often ask us how we spend our time during the winter – I think some people imagine us huddled around the stove in a […]
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July – The Third Quarter
Read more of: July – The Third QuarterAt the start of this month’s diary I feel obliged to warn you this entry is long (probably befitting of 3 female writers!). So if you are not already sitting […]
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June – Midwinter
Read more of: June – MidwinterJune, month of maximums, minimums, everything, nothing and mid-winter! Hello everybody it is I, Riet, the chef here at Rothera and I will tell you about the beautiful month of […]
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May – Winter
Read more of: May – WinterWell hello, may I take this opportunity to formally welcome you to the month of May? What does May symbolise in good old Blighty? Spring has sprung, summer well on […]
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Apr – Shackleton departs
Read more of: Apr – Shackleton departsAfter days of false starts, the RRS Ernest Shackleton finally departed for sunnier climes (and Grimsby) on April 2nd. We waved and shouted our goodbyes between deck and wharf as […]
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Mar – Mad March!!
Read more of: Mar – Mad March!!By Tim Burton photos by Tim Burton, Lowri Bowen and Chris Martin Mad March. So much is happening. Emotions are running high as people either prepare for their return to […]
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Feb – Images of Antarctica
Read more of: Feb – Images of AntarcticaPeople are always asking me what it’s like working in Antarctica; we ask ourselves the same questions, since each of us go to different stations and field camps. What can […]
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Jan – Changing plans
Read more of: Jan – Changing plansI’m serving in the Royal Navy, I joined just over two years ago as a pilot and have been lent to BAS for a few months to work here at […]
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December – Sunny Rothera-by-the Sea
Read more of: December – Sunny Rothera-by-the SeaRothera Web Diary December 2005 by Pat Fielder Well there we go, the blink of an eye and another month has disappeared under our belts here at sunny Rothera-by-the Sea. […]
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November – Welcome to Rothera
Read more of: November – Welcome to RotheraMost people at home have a slightly false impression of Antarctica in the summer. As I’m saying final farewells some people think I’m mad and others think it’s a great […]
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September – The Tale of Two Jigsaws
Read more of: September – The Tale of Two JigsawsThe Tale of Two Jigsaws Our Midwinter song was, ‘Wake Me Up When September Ends’. Well woken up we have, that is woken up to the tremendously enjoyable pastime of […]
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August – Second Round of Winter Trips
Read more of: August – Second Round of Winter TripsRothera Diary, August 2005 As August began to rise above the horizon and into view people were beginning to stir, the threat of heading out into the field and away […]
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July – Sea Ice Travel
Read more of: July – Sea Ice TravelRothera Diary, July 2005 A new month and a new trend as the days were to get lighter as the month went on. The lethargy caused by mid winter (mid […]
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June – Midwinter
Read more of: June – MidwinterRothera Diary, June 2005 Hi everyone, June is such an exciting time to be in Antarctica. The main reason being that the 21st June is mid winter’s day, very significant […]
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May – Ice diving
Read more of: May – Ice divingRothera Diary, May 2005 Our second full month of isolation has seen the real signs of winter beginning to show themselves. As the days get longer and warmer back in […]
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Apr – Winter Trips
Read more of: Apr – Winter TripsRothera Diary, April 2005 April has been our first full month of winter since our summer colleagues left for the year. Traditional April Fool japes were skipped as we were […]
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Mar – Winter begins
Read more of: Mar – Winter beginsRothera Diary, March 2005 There is no doubt of the dominating image of March 2005. For the twenty one of us left at Rothera, the departure of RRS Ernest Shackleton […]
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Feb – Windy weather
Read more of: Feb – Windy weatherRothera Diary, February 2005 February was dominated by the weather. Over 80 knot winds hit the refuelling stations of Fossil Bluff and Sky Blu. Fossil Bluff is a sturdy hut […]
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Jan – A long run
Read more of: Jan – A long runRothera Diary, January 2005 January started with a bang for some of the station members as they took part in a 10km New Years Day run on the runway organised […]
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Dec – A busy month!
Read more of: Dec – A busy month!Rothera Diary, December 2004 A busy month at Rothera! One of the main ‘events’ was the JCR battling through miles of sea ice to try to get to Rothera for […]
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Oct-Nov – New arrivals
Read more of: Oct-Nov – New arrivalsRothera Diary, October/November 2004 After a fantastic winter at Rothera, the onset of spring and summer brings many new arrivals to the base. With the busy summer season due to […]
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Sept – Final month of winter
Read more of: Sept – Final month of winterRothera Diary, September 2004 September was a very diverse and dynamic month on base. Our penultimate month of winter had lots in store. It got off to a fine start […]
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August – Diving, talks and singing
Read more of: August – Diving, talks and singingRothera Diary, August 2004 August began with what was to be our last under ice dive before high winds broke the sea ice out. The objectives were photographic and specimen […]
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July – Return of the sun
Read more of: July – Return of the sunRothera Diary, July 2004 By Steve Hinde July on an Antarctic research station can be a strange time. June is our month for anticipating and celebrating mid winter, just as […]
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June – Mid-Winter
Read more of: June – Mid-WinterRothera Diary, June 2004 By Andy Miller June was an eventful and significant month for the twenty-three of us. It heralded the winter’s austral solstice. This marks the shortest day […]
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May – Winter begins
Read more of: May – Winter beginsRothera Diary, May 2004 After the swift departure of April, we felt that winter would take hold in a brusque manner, but apart from the rapidly shortening days, the weather […]
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April – Fool!
Read more of: April – Fool!Rothera Diary – April 2004 By Adam Thornhill It is amazing how fast a month can go! Especially down here in the Antarctic. April was meant to have been the […]
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Dans Birthday
Read more of: Dans BirthdayBirthday Boy By Dan Smale My 22nd birthday proved somewhat different to those that have passed before. I guess it was just coincidence but it did turn out to be […]
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Winter Trip
Read more of: Winter TripSledge Golf After a few days of pretty rough weather and a reasonable amount of snowfall, Dougal, my ever ready Field Assistant, and I finally made it up onto the […]
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The Shack returns
Read more of: The Shack returnsThe Shack Returns. By Fin O’Sullivan. The beginning of the winter season was the departure of RRS Shackleton in mid March. This left the 23 winterers to get on with […]
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Golf Tournament
Read more of: Golf TournamentBransfield Open By Adam Thornhill Saturday evenings can get very repetitive with the same people, the same room and the same Bar. Not to say, we have any less fun […]
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March – Winter begins
Read more of: March – Winter beginsRothera Diary – March 2004 By Julian Klepacki Time had drawn upon us. It would be soon that RRS Ernest Shackleton would be leaving and isolate the remaining winterers until […]
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After the Shack
Read more of: After the ShackAfter the Shack written by Tim Burton After the ship had left and winter life had begun, the atmosphere considerably changed on base – more relaxed, informal, friendly and positive; […]
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Cyril the Chef
Read more of: Cyril the ChefBeing here still By Cyril Millet Et voila, the summer has gone, time went well, so did life. A brand new episode is just about to start, the winter rise […]
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Fire Training
Read more of: Fire TrainingFire Training By Fin O’Sullivan As well as running a power station and sewage plant, all the winterers have to be the fire brigade, as there is no one coming […]
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Meet the team
Read more of: Meet the teamWinter Team 2004 By Fin O’Sullivan I thought that I wouldn’t go on about how nice it is that winter has arrived now and that the base is much more […]
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Feb
Read more of: FebFeb The Laurence M Gould made her annual visit to Rothera this month. We are doing collaborative science with this USAP research vessel. Their LTER program ties in with our […]
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November – Newsletter
Read more of: November – NewsletterRothera Newsletter November 2003 by Isabelle Gerrard November was a busy time at Rothera. Winter was well and truly over and people were arriving all the time. The weather was somewhat […]
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August – Sunrise
Read more of: August – SunriseRothera Diary – August 2003 written by Andrew Porte August has been a month of mixed emotions. As July ended and August started the base team was still trying to […]
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August – Snowblowing
Read more of: August – SnowblowingBlowing snow the Rothera way Written by Chris Jacobs and Iain Airth When clearing a gravel strip runway in the middle of winter it is not without problems. There is […]
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August – Night shift
Read more of: August – Night shiftWeek on Night Shift written by Issy Gerrard At some point during the winter each base member will do a week on night shift. My turn came around in late […]
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August – Skiing
Read more of: August – SkiingSkinning Up? It had to happen after an absence of 18 years from skiing I had to give up, giving up. My previous experiences of skiing are not good, for […]
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June – Midwinter
Read more of: June – MidwinterJune 2003 – Midwinter The month of Midwinter had arrived. The three weeks prior to the big day, the sun completely vanished below the horizon and darkness reigned. But not […]
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June – Photo Comp.
Read more of: June – Photo Comp.June 2003 – Midwinter Midwinter Photo Competition Photo competitions at Rothera have been traditional, as shown by the number of winning photos that are proudly hung around the dining room. […]
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June – Presents
Read more of: June – PresentsJune 2003 – Midwinter Midwinter Presents On first hearing about the presents that winterers give to each other on Midwinter’s Day, I was full of dread. Why? Because they are […]
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June – Celebrations
Read more of: June – CelebrationsJune 2003 – Midwinter Midwinter’s Week Midwinter’s week for Rothera base started on the Midwinter’s day (Saturday 21st June). The day started with tea, coffee and toast delivered to those […]
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June – LIDAR
Read more of: June – LIDARJune 2003 – Midwinter Rothera Lidar Facility During the 2002/2003 summer season a new atmospheric research laboratory was installed at Rothera. This facility houses a single piece of equipment, the […]
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May – Winter Arrives
Read more of: May – Winter ArrivesMay at Rothera May brought the true onset of winter with colder wilder weather and darker days. Snow finally started to settle permanently round the base. Towards the end of […]
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May – Wildlife
Read more of: May – WildlifeWildlife in May A duty that is shared by all those on base is to record the local wildlife. This survey has been continuous for five years and is a […]
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May – Field Training
Read more of: May – Field TrainingMay Winter Field Training Trips Summary The winter training trips in May started with bad weather, poor contrast and blizzards once again, with two trips bogged down together just south […]
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May – Centurian Night
Read more of: May – Centurian NightCenturion Night! Birthdays are a good excuse for a party. The official line, of course, is that we are boosting base moral. So, when it was Adam’s birthday, the youngest […]
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May – Sun Visions
Read more of: May – Sun VisionsRothera Diary – May 2003 Sun Visions Sunsets in Antarctica are like no other that I have ever seen. This may be because the sunsets also happen to be part […]
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May – Plumbing
Read more of: May – PlumbingPlumbing…. I’m supposed to be writing about plumbing. There is just one small problem that I can see right from the onset with me writing about plumbing, that being I […]
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May – Fondue Night
Read more of: May – Fondue NightFondue Night Saturdays and Sundays are our days off and as a result Saturday night is always something special. At the very least we have a sit down dinner but […]
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Apr – Isolation
Read more of: Apr – IsolationIsolation Isolation was finally complete when the remaining two twin otters and the Dash 7 flew north on the 15th. The moment was captured by a farewell salute to the […]
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Apr – Diving
Read more of: Apr – DivingDiving for Science Rothera Station Diary – April 2003 There was a crisp feeling to the air as it blew over my face. I could feel the start of an […]
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Apr – Sledge
Read more of: Apr – SledgeManhauling Madness’ Preparations for this trip started almost two months prior to departure. One mistimed remark too many about the demonic nature of skidoos and a man-hauling trip was born. […]
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Apr – Winter
Read more of: Apr – WinterWinter Begins. As I’m sure everyone connected to BAS is aware, winter here at Rothera started a little later than usual this year. April the 15th proved to be long […]
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Apr – Visit
Read more of: Apr – VisitVisit by the Almirante Iriza On the 17th April, two days into winter, Rothera received a visit form the Argentinean icebreaker Almirante Iriza. Seventeen personnel came ashore in the Sea […]
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Apr – Training
Read more of: Apr – TrainingApril Winter Field Training Trips One of the best things about being posted down south is the Winter Field Training Trip. These superb trips offer the opportunity for base members […]
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Apr – Cooking
Read more of: Apr – CookingCan’t Cook, Won’t Cook So, what is the most important job on base? Well, some would argue that it is the science that we are here for and so the […]
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Rothera Diary July 2001
Read more of: Rothera Diary July 2001Rothera Diary – July 2001 written by Pete Milner The Sun Returns With our limited access to email facilities I try and write regularly to friends at home and strangely […]
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Rothera Diary July 2001 – Historical Menu
Read more of: Rothera Diary July 2001 – Historical MenuReturn to Full Diary Jenny and I have been spending a week working through mid-winter dental checks for the crew. With a healthy team not much needs doing, just a […]
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UK investment in polar research reaches milestone with opening of new Antarctic hub
Read more of: UK investment in polar research reaches milestone with opening of new Antarctic hubScientists working in Antarctica will benefit from a major new British Antarctic Survey (BAS) facility that demonstrates the UK’s position as a world leader in polar research. The £100 million […]
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Celebrating the festive season in Antarctica
Read more of: Celebrating the festive season in AntarcticaResearchers, engineers and support staff at British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) five UK research stations and aboard the UK’s polar research ship RRS Sir David Attenborough mark the festive season at […]
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20 November 2025: Postcard from Rothera Research Station
Read more of: 20 November 2025: Postcard from Rothera Research StationDiscovery Building takes shape The latest update from Rothera, our largest research station in Antarctica, where construction work on the new Discovery Building is advancing well as the summer season […]
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14 March 2025: Postcard from Rothera Research Station
Read more of: 14 March 2025: Postcard from Rothera Research StationPostcard from Rothera Research Station – Discovery Building progress!
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From Fine Dining to Frozen Frontiers: Life as an Antarctic Chef
Read more of: From Fine Dining to Frozen Frontiers: Life as an Antarctic ChefMeet Olivier Hubert, the chef bringing culinary excellence to the bottom of the world at British Antarctic Survey’s research stations.
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12 February 2025: Postcard from Rothera Research Station
Read more of: 12 February 2025: Postcard from Rothera Research StationHere’s our fifth postcard from Rothera, where exciting changes are transforming our largest Antarctic research station this month.
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15 January 2025: Postcard from Rothera Research Station
Read more of: 15 January 2025: Postcard from Rothera Research StationWelcome to our fourth Postcard from Rothera Research Station, giving you an update on the latest progress as we modernise our largest station in Antarctica.
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New Year Honour for British Antarctic Survey’s Head of Air Unit
Read more of: New Year Honour for British Antarctic Survey’s Head of Air UnitRod Arnold, Head of the Air Unit at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list for services to Polar Science and Aviation in British Antarctic Territory.
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Spare a thought for those spending Christmas in Antarctica
Read more of: Spare a thought for those spending Christmas in Antarcticaritish Antarctic Survey (BAS) staff working on the frozen continent are preparing to celebrate the festive season in style. Nearly 300 researchers, engineers, crew and support staff, located across five research stations and on board the RRS Sir David Attenborough, are guaranteed a white Christmas complete with snow, ice and penguins.
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Cloud scientists take to the skies to solve climate uncertainty
Read more of: Cloud scientists take to the skies to solve climate uncertaintyA project looking at how clouds affect climate change in Antarctica starts its second year of field research this month. The Southern Ocean Clouds (SOC) project, which is part of the CloudSense programme, will carry out research on the RRS Sir David Attenborough and at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica.
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9 November 2024: Postcard from Rothera Research Station
Read more of: 9 November 2024: Postcard from Rothera Research StationWelcome to our second Postcard from Rothera Research Station, giving you an update on progress as we modernise our largest station in Antarctica.
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New construction season drives Antarctic modernisation forward
Read more of: New construction season drives Antarctic modernisation forwardA new season of construction is underway in Antarctica for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). Specialist teams are arriving at Rothera, the UK’s largest research station and gateway for international science and collaboration.
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BAS wins national award for runway resurfacing project
Read more of: BAS wins national award for runway resurfacing projectBritish Antarctic Survey has won the Gold Award at the National Building and Construction Awards 2024 for ‘The Project of the Year (£10 million to £25 million)’.
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Modernisation milestones achieved in Antarctica
Read more of: Modernisation milestones achieved in AntarcticaConstruction teams have completed significant stages of the British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme and joined the over-wintering staff for the first time as the 2023/24 summer season ended.
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British Antarctic Survey’s Antarctic field season wraps up
Read more of: British Antarctic Survey’s Antarctic field season wraps upThe 2023/4 Antarctic field season has wound up and the last of the summer teams are aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough and heading for home.
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New connectivity for Antarctica
Read more of: New connectivity for AntarcticaA new trial of Eutelsat OneWeb at British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station is providing new opportunities for science, and even live broadcasting.
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Antarctic Runway is upgraded to support UK hub for polar science
Read more of: Antarctic Runway is upgraded to support UK hub for polar scienceAs part of the British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), the runway at Rothera Research Station has successfully been resurfaced by construction company BAM and the design completed by Ramboll.
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Update on construction season in Antarctica
Read more of: Update on construction season in AntarcticaModernising Antarctic Infrastructure for Future Generations of Polar Scientists Specialist construction teams are travelling home to the UK after five months of work in Antarctica to modernise British Antarctic Survey […]
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British Antarctic Survey completes Antarctic field season
Read more of: British Antarctic Survey completes Antarctic field seasonThe 2022/23 Antarctic field season has ended, marking the conclusion of another successful year of scientific exploration in one of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. This field season, […]
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New season begins for Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation programme
Read more of: New season begins for Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation programmeThe next phase of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation programme (AIMP) is set to begin with a 6-month construction season at Rothera Research Station. The station is the UK’s largest Antarctic research and operations hub that supports leading researchers in frontier science in the region.
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Celebrating Polar Pride Day 2022
Read more of: Celebrating Polar Pride Day 2022Today (18 November) British Antarctic Survey (BAS) joins global celebrations to mark LGBTQIA+ STEM DAY and Polar Pride Day. Polar Pride is a celebration of the contribution of LGBTQIA+ people in polar research […]
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British Antarctic Survey’s 2022-2023 field season begins
Read more of: British Antarctic Survey’s 2022-2023 field season beginsOur Antarctic field season has begun, with a challenging and ambitious range of projects to be delivered at five British Antarctic Survey (BAS) research stations and across the wider continent. […]
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Antarctica drawing competition launches
Read more of: Antarctica drawing competition launchesThe British Antarctic Survey and its partners are launching a drawing competition for schools, to inspire the next generation of polar engineers, scientists and explorers. School children between the ages […]
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BAS’ 2021-2022 field season has ended
Read more of: BAS’ 2021-2022 field season has endedThe British Antarctic Survey (BAS) field season has finished for another year. RRS Sir David Attenborough departed Rothera Research Station for the final time earlier in May and is […]
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New aircraft investment supports polar science
Read more of: New aircraft investment supports polar scienceOn 17 March 2022, Professor Dame Jane Francis, Director of the British Antarctic Survey, Nigel Bird, Director of Major Programmes at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Brian Love, Chief […]
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Job opportunities in Antarctica
Read more of: Job opportunities in AntarcticaLooking for a new challenge? British Antarctic Survey has launched its latest recruitment campaign for a wide range of jobs in Antarctica for the 2022/23 Antarctic season. Antarctica is the […]
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Opportunities for Antarctic research – Apply now
Read more of: Opportunities for Antarctic research – Apply nowApplications to carry out small-scale research projects in the Antarctic in the 2022/23 season are invited from UK-based researchers. The Collaborative Antarctic Science Scheme (CASS) provides opportunities for scientists in […]
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Celebrating Christmas in Antarctica 2021
Read more of: Celebrating Christmas in Antarctica 20212021 has been a rollercoaster year for British Antarctic Survey, operating research stations in the Antarctic and the sub-Antarctic through the Covid-19 pandemic, while our new polar research vessel, the […]
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British Antarctic Survey’s 2021-2022 field season is underway
Read more of: British Antarctic Survey’s 2021-2022 field season is underwayScience and support teams from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are gearing up for the start of the Antarctic summer field season. All five of our research stations will be open […]
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RRS Sir David Attenborough arrives in Antarctica for the first time
Read more of: RRS Sir David Attenborough arrives in Antarctica for the first timeBritain’s new polar research vessel, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, has travelled to Antarctica on its maiden voyage, with its first call today (17 December) at Rothera Research Station – […]
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Winners announced in British Antarctic Survey and University of Cambridge net zero hackathon to decarbonise UK Antarctic Research Stations
Read more of: Winners announced in British Antarctic Survey and University of Cambridge net zero hackathon to decarbonise UK Antarctic Research StationsA hackathon involving some highly innovative minds from across business and academia has resulted in the announcement of three winning entries to help decarbonise research stations for the British Antarctic […]
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Antarctica experiences rare total solar eclipse
Read more of: Antarctica experiences rare total solar eclipseA rare total solar eclipse in Antarctica this weekend (Saturday 4 December) is giving researchers a unique opportunity to learn more about how solar eclipses affect space weather. The next […]
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Celebrating Polar Pride 2021
Read more of: Celebrating Polar Pride 2021Today (18 November) British Antarctic Survey (BAS) joins global celebrations to mark LGBTQ+ STEM DAY and Polar Pride Day. Polar Pride is a celebration of the contribution of LGBTQ+ people […]
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UK takes vaccines to Antarctica
Read more of: UK takes vaccines to AntarcticaA consignment of AstraZeneca vaccines has been received by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Rothera Research Station in Antarctica – the furthest south any British Covid-19 vaccine has yet travelled. […]
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Warming Western Antarctic Peninsula waters impact plankton community
Read more of: Warming Western Antarctic Peninsula waters impact plankton communityWarming water and receding sea ice in the Western Antarctic Peninsula is changing the local plankton community with potential consequences for climate change, according to an international team of researchers. […]
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Antarctic teams send best wishes to England football team
Read more of: Antarctic teams send best wishes to England football teamThe teams in Antarctica show their support to the England football team in advance of this Sunday’s final.
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Celebrating Midwinter in Antarctica
Read more of: Celebrating Midwinter in AntarcticaBritish Antarctic Survey (BAS) is celebrating Midwinter’s Day (Monday 21 June) as staff in three British Antarctic Territory Research Stations mark the shortest and darkest day of the year on the frozen continent. The tradition began in […]
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Rothera Research Station’s new wharf achieves first CEEQUAL award in Antarctica
Read more of: Rothera Research Station’s new wharf achieves first CEEQUAL award in AntarcticaAward reflects project’s excellent environmental approach to biodiversity and sustainability. A new 74 metre wharf at British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Rothera Research Station has achieved the first CEEQUAL award in […]
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Construction starts at UK’s largest Antarctic research hub
Read more of: Construction starts at UK’s largest Antarctic research hubThe next stage of building a scientific support facility in Antarctica begins this week [11 January 2020]. To avoid the risk of introducing COVID-19 to British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Rothera […]
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BAS field season underway
Read more of: BAS field season underwayThe BAS field season is underway. Since the RRS James Clark Ross departed the UK in November last year, it has safely delivered summer and wintering staff and essential cargo […]
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Festive Greetings from BAS!
Read more of: Festive Greetings from BAS!Staff at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) ships and research stations prepare to celebrate the festive season. It’s been a year like no other, with extraordinary arrangements made to keep facilities […]
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Update: British Antarctic Survey response to COVID-19 and planning for next season
Read more of: Update: British Antarctic Survey response to COVID-19 and planning for next seasonCAMBRIDGE: British Antarctic Survey (BAS) continues to plan its operational support to the UK and international polar research community during global challenges posed by COVID-19. Halley and Signy Research Stations […]
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End of Antarctic field season 2020 – repatriation
Read more of: End of Antarctic field season 2020 – repatriationExceptional plans to repatriate our people at the end of the Antarctic summer field season
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New building at Rothera breaks ground
Read more of: New building at Rothera breaks groundIn commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the first sighting of Antarctica by the British naval officer Edward Bransfield on this date in 1820, a new building to facilitate the […]
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Ramboll re-awarded Technical Advisor role
Read more of: Ramboll re-awarded Technical Advisor roleEngineering, design and consultancy company Ramboll has been re-appointed as Technical Advisors for British Antarctic Survey (BAS), successfully winning the next phase of work in a series of projects to […]
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Festive Greetings from Antarctica
Read more of: Festive Greetings from AntarcticaAs you make the last preparations for the festive period, spare a thought for those who will be working away in Antarctica for British Antarctic Survey. Over 300 staff, scientists […]
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Antarctica: Getting Ready for RRS Sir David Attenborough
Read more of: Antarctica: Getting Ready for RRS Sir David AttenboroughA major modernisation programme at British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Rothera Research Station begins its second ‘summer season’ this month with the arrival of a 60-plus person team from BAM. Construction […]
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2019/20 Antarctic field season begins
Read more of: 2019/20 Antarctic field season beginsGetting ready to go south
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First Antarctic construction season success
Read more of: First Antarctic construction season successANTARCTICA: At the onset of the Antarctic winter British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Rothera Research Station bids farewell to 50 construction workers. They have spent the last six months building the […]
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Construction of new wharf begins as first frame is lowered into place
Read more of: Construction of new wharf begins as first frame is lowered into placeA major milestone has been reached in the construction of a new wharf at Rothera Research Station. The first of 20 steel frames, forming the skeleten of the new structure, has been lowered into place in a piece of precision engineering.
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Scientists drill to record depths in West Antarctica
Read more of: Scientists drill to record depths in West AntarcticaA team of scientists and engineers has for the first time successfully drilled over two kilometres through the ice sheet in West Antarctica using hot water. This research will help […]
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Digging begins in construction of new Antarctic wharf
Read more of: Digging begins in construction of new Antarctic wharfFirst digging has begun to deconstruct the old wharf at Rothera Research Station as part of modernisation work to transform the way British Antarctic Survey delivers frontier science
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Voyage delivers wharf-building equipment to Antarctica
Read more of: Voyage delivers wharf-building equipment to AntarcticaA huge cargo ship loaded with 4,500 tonnes of steel and construction equipment required to build a new Antarctic wharf has arrived at British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station. Staff […]
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British Antarctic Survey seeks small passenger aircraft for Antarctica
Read more of: British Antarctic Survey seeks small passenger aircraft for AntarcticaBritish Antarctic Survey is seeking to purchase a small passenger aircraft to work alongside its de Havilland Canada DHC-7 Series 110 (Dash 7). The aircraft will transport science and support teams and cargo between Rothera Research Station on the Antarctic Peninsula and Punta Arenas, Chile.
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Practice makes perfect
Read more of: Practice makes perfectThe construction team responsible for building a new Antarctic wharf at Rothera Research Station have been practicing full-scale assembly of the 30 tonne steel rigs in Southampton before deployment South. […]
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Fungi respire millennium-old carbon from Antarctic soil
Read more of: Fungi respire millennium-old carbon from Antarctic soilFungi in Antarctic soils release carbon that is more than a thousand years old, a team led by scientists at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has found. This discovery sheds light on how carbon is released into the atmosphere as polar regions warm.
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Life in the slow lane
Read more of: Life in the slow laneA new study from British Antarctic Survey shows how five common Antarctic marine invertebrates (animals without a backbone) use less energy to feed, grow and reproduce than their temperate and […]
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Antarctic marine life may grow faster in a warming world
Read more of: Antarctic marine life may grow faster in a warming worldA team of scientists has discovered that a 1°C rise in local sea temperature has massive impacts on an Antarctic marine community. These new results are published this week (31 […]
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How much carbon can polar seafloor ecosystems store?
Read more of: How much carbon can polar seafloor ecosystems store?One of the best-known impacts of climate change is the loss of sea ice in the Arctic, but also in parts of the Antarctic: the poles are increasingly turning from […]
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New footage shows crack in Larsen C Ice Shelf
Read more of: New footage shows crack in Larsen C Ice ShelfBritish Antarctic Survey (BAS) recently captured this video footage of a huge crack in the Larsen C Ice Shelf, on the Antarctic Peninsula. Currently a huge iceberg, roughly the size […]
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Giant iceberg set to calve from Larsen C Ice Shelf
Read more of: Giant iceberg set to calve from Larsen C Ice ShelfA huge iceberg, roughly the size of Norfolk, looks set to break away from the Larsen C ice shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula. Larsen C is more than twice the size […]
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Construction partner announced
Read more of: Construction partner announcedConstruction expert BAM has been chosen to partner with British Antarctic Survey (BAS) to modernise UK Antarctic and other research facilities, enabling British scientists to continue delivering world class research […]
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New field season begins
Read more of: New field season beginsAs spring returns to the southern hemisphere British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has started another research season which will take them over land, sea and ice in search of answers to […]
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Ramboll named technical adviser to BAS
Read more of: Ramboll named technical adviser to BASTechnical advisor appointment
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Medical evacuation successfully completed
Read more of: Medical evacuation successfully completedThe medical evacuation from the US South Pole station via British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station has been completed successfully. A Twin Otter arrived in Punta Arenas, Chile in the […]
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British Antarctic Survey seeks construction partner
Read more of: British Antarctic Survey seeks construction partnerOpportunity to partner with BAS to deliver a construction programme to modernise UK Antarctic and other research facilities.
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PRESS RELEASE: Cool Antarctic jobs
Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Cool Antarctic jobsBritish Antarctic Survey (BAS) is recruiting now. The smooth operation and maintenance of our research stations depends on skilled technical support teams. Check out our latest vacancies!
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NEWS STORY: Polar Medal awards
Read more of: NEWS STORY: Polar Medal awardsTwo British Antarctic Survey (BAS) personnel, and one former member of staff, have been awarded the Polar Medal. The announcement was made today (Fri. 8th Jan 2016) in the London […]
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NEWS STORY: Rothera participates in Live Earth 2015
Read more of: NEWS STORY: Rothera participates in Live Earth 2015British Antarctic Survey participates in Live Earth 2015 Rothera Research Station band ‘The Skadoos’ has written and performed a song called ‘Holding up the World’ which will be premiered online […]
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NEWS STORY: Christmas in Antarctica
Read more of: NEWS STORY: Christmas in AntarcticaBritish Antarctic Survey staff prepare to celebrate Christmas far away from home As you make the last preparations for the festive period, spare a thought for those who will be […]
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NEWS STORY: Commemorating Antarctica Day
Read more of: NEWS STORY: Commemorating Antarctica DayAntarctica Day 2014: 55 years since the signing of the Antarctic Treaty Today, 1 December, is Antarctica Day and people across the globe are celebrating! The Day was inaugurated in […]
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NEWS STORY: Midwinter’s Day in Antarctica
Read more of: NEWS STORY: Midwinter’s Day in AntarcticaMidwinter’s Day celebrations take place at Antarctic Research Stations Staff at the British Antarctic Survey are celebrating Midwinter’s Day in Antarctica. In a tradition which began in the days of […]
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NEWS STORY: Icebergs leave their mark
Read more of: NEWS STORY: Icebergs leave their markClimate related iceberg activity has massively altered life on the seabed Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey have found evidence that climate change has fundamentally altered the way that life […]
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BLOG: Bird Island Station Leader
Read more of: BLOG: Bird Island Station LeaderWe caught up with Bird Island Research Station Leader Adam Bradley who was living and working on the island when the BBC crew came to film Deadly Pole to Pole. […]
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NEWS STORY: Pass the panda for Earth Hour
Read more of: NEWS STORY: Pass the panda for Earth HourBAS staff support WWF’s Earth Hour with cuddly friend! This Saturday, 29 March, is WWF’s Earth Hour. Earth Hour aims to focus the world’s attention on the planet and the […]
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NEWS STORY: Glacier thinning at point of no return
Read more of: NEWS STORY: Glacier thinning at point of no returnFocus on Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica Pine Island Glacier, on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) is the largest single contributor to sea-level rise in Antarctica. The stability of the […]
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NEWS STORY: Greetings from Antarctica
Read more of: NEWS STORY: Greetings from AntarcticaChristmas messages from Antarctic staff Many British Antarctic Survey scientists and support staff will be spending this Christmas thousands of miles from home on the frozen continent. BAS has five […]
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NEWS STORY: Staff head into deep Antarctica
Read more of: NEWS STORY: Staff head into deep AntarcticaBritish Antarctic Survey field season is underway On the eve of the centenary year of Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance Expedition the ship which bears his name is playing a crucial role […]
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NEWS STORY: More moss growing in Antarctica
Read more of: NEWS STORY: More moss growing in AntarcticaMoss growth in Antarctica linked to climate change Increases in temperature on the Antarctic Peninsula during the latter part of the 20th century were accompanied by an acceleration in moss […]
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PRESS RELEASE Age and Antarctic clams
Read more of: PRESS RELEASE Age and Antarctic clamsAge matters to Antarctic clams A new study of Antarctic clams reveals that age matters when it comes to adapting to the effects of climate change. The research provides new […]
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NEWS STORY: Dutch research lab opened
Read more of: NEWS STORY: Dutch research lab openedNew Research Laboratory opened at Rothera Research Station A new scientific laboratory has been built at the UK Rothera Research Station in Antarctica as a result of an international collaboration […]
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NEWS STORY: Ocean sampling at Rothera
Read more of: NEWS STORY: Ocean sampling at RotheraOcean sampling: Rothera, Antarctic Peninsula: last but not least! Are the World’s oceans all the same, or are they different? OK at the most basic level, we all know that […]
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PRESS RELEASE: Shellfish and changing oceans
Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Shellfish and changing oceansNew study helps predict impact of ocean acidification on shellfish An international study to understand and predict the likely impact of ocean acidification on shellfish and other marine organisms living […]
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NEWS STORY: Antarctica celebrates Olympics
Read more of: NEWS STORY: Antarctica celebrates OlympicsRothera Station staff take part in ‘All the Bells’ to celebrate the Olympics Kitchen pots, glasses and a bedpan are just some of the items being used by staff at […]
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NEWS STORY: Antarctic band reform for one off gig
Read more of: NEWS STORY: Antarctic band reform for one off gigNunatak reunion at the Sanday Soulka festival on the Orkney Islands Having performed at one of the world’s biggest concerts ‘Live Earth*’ on 7th July 2007, Nunatak** — the British […]
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NEWS STORY: Midwinter’s Day in Antarctica
Read more of: NEWS STORY: Midwinter’s Day in AntarcticaAntarctica celebrating Midwinter’s Day A hundred years ago Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his team celebrated Midwinter in Antarctica (known as Midsummer’s Day in the UK) — a tradition that […]
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New Laboratories arrive at Rothera Research Station
Read more of: New Laboratories arrive at Rothera Research StationAs part of an international collaboration between British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the Netherlands Polar Programme — managed by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, Earth and Life Sciences Division […]
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Christmas Campers
Read more of: Christmas CampersAs you get stuck into your turkey on Christmas Day, spare a thought for scientists working in Antarctica for British Antarctic Survey, where Christmas is just another working day. Around […]
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PRESS RELEASE: Study of largest glacier
Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Study of largest glacierScientist on BBC Frozen Planet investigates how world’s largest glacier is contributing to sea-level rise A team of scientists from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is to survey the largest glacier […]
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Frozen Planet: Autumn arrives
Read more of: Frozen Planet: Autumn arrivesThis week on Frozen Planet (BBC1 Wednesday 16 November at 21.00, repeated Sunday at 16.10) the programme explores autumn in the polar regions. As life cools down in the Antarctic, […]
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Frozen Planet: Summer in Antarctica
Read more of: Frozen Planet: Summer in AntarcticaThis week on Frozen Planet (BBC1 Wednesday 9 November at 21.00, repeated Sunday at 16.10) the programme explores Summer in the Polar Regions. As life thrives in the Antarctic, viewers […]
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This week on Frozen Planet
Read more of: This week on Frozen PlanetThis week on Frozen Planet (BBC1 Wednesday 2 November at 21.00, repeated Sunday at 16.10) the programme explores Spring in the Polar Regions and how life begins the race to […]
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BBC Frozen Planet: the Poles like you’ve never seen them before…
Read more of: BBC Frozen Planet: the Poles like you’ve never seen them before…Series starts Wednesday 26 October, BBC1 at 9.00pm, repeated on Sundays at 4.10pm. Embark on the trip of a lifetime, as the award-winning BBC team behind Planet Earth takes you […]
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End of the Rothera winter and arrival of the first aircraft
Read more of: End of the Rothera winter and arrival of the first aircraftMarking the end of the Rothera winter, Rothera had its first visitors since the departure of the Ernest Shackleton in March. On Tuesday a Kenn Borek Air (KBA) Twin Otter […]
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Climate change affects marine animals on Antarctica’s seabed
Read more of: Climate change affects marine animals on Antarctica’s seabedA rapid increase in the frequency of icebergs pounding the shallow seafloor around the West Antarctic Peninsula — as a result of shrinking winter sea ice — has caused the […]
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Raising the flag to celebrate the return of the sun
Read more of: Raising the flag to celebrate the return of the sunStaff at British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station recently raised the Union flag to mark the first sighting of the sun again after several weeks of continual darkness. The sun […]
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Antarctic researchers strive to make better predictions for future sea-level rise
Read more of: Antarctic researchers strive to make better predictions for future sea-level riseAntarctic geoscientists and ice sheet modellers get together in Edinburgh this week to investigate ways to improve predictions of likely sea-level rise as a result of future ice loss from […]
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Midwinter’s Day Celebrations
Read more of: Midwinter’s Day CelebrationsStaff at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) celebrate Midwinter’s Day today. Celebrated as the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere, Midwinter’s day is the shortest and darkest day for the […]
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Chief Scientific Adviser David Clary visits British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station
Read more of: Chief Scientific Adviser David Clary visits British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research StationThe UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Chief Scientific Adviser David Clary visited Rothera Research Station in January to gain an understanding of the importance and breadth of BAS’s science programme […]
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An International Feel to Antarctic Research
Read more of: An International Feel to Antarctic ResearchThere is a distinctly cosmopolitan feel around British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station this month (February). Science teams from eight countries enjoyed Rothera’s hospitality as they passed through on their […]
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New pictures reveal rich Antarctic marine life in area of rapid climate change
Read more of: New pictures reveal rich Antarctic marine life in area of rapid climate changeNew photographs of ice fish, octopus, sea pigs, giant sea spiders, rare rays and beautiful basket stars that live in Antarctica’s continental shelf seas are revealed this week by the […]
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PRESS RELEASE: New jobs in Antarctica
Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: New jobs in AntarcticaAntarctic jobs offer opportunity of a lifetime Trades people looking for a career with a difference should check the national press this week. British Antarctic Survey (BAS) launches a recruitment […]
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Crown Prince of the Netherlands to visit Rothera Research Station
Read more of: Crown Prince of the Netherlands to visit Rothera Research StationCrown Prince Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and his wife Princess Maxima of Orange will visit British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Rothera Research Station from 6-10 February 2009. The fact-finding visit […]
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Reuters news team visit Rothera Research Station
Read more of: Reuters news team visit Rothera Research StationReuters reporters Alister Doyle and Stuart McDill are visiting Rothera Research Station to file a series of special reports about the research there. Dr Pete Convey is one of the […]
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PRESS RELEASE: Mission to buried mountain range
Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Mission to buried mountain rangeChallenge to discover Antarctica”s hidden world Later this month teams of scientists, engineers, pilots and support staff from British Antarctic Survey (BAS), USA, Germany, Australia, China and Japan will join […]
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Scraping the bottom
Read more of: Scraping the bottomIceberg scouring is a major factor affecting the diversity and abundance of marine benthic communities in Antarctica’s highly dynamic ecosystem. Reporting in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series biologist Dr […]
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Antarctica – musical images from the frozen continent
Read more of: Antarctica – musical images from the frozen continentAntarctic is a beautiful new DVD/Book that describes through music, sound, film, photography and literature, composer Craig Vear’s three month journey into the mysterious frozen world of Antarctica. Craig Vear […]
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Antarctic Tragedy
Read more of: Antarctic TragedyPress Statement – 23 July 2003 It is with the deepest sorrow that British Antarctic Survey (BAS) reports the death of a marine biologist at Rothera Research Station on the […]