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SANAE IV  
 
South Africa's base in Antarctica, SANAE IV, is built on a rocky outcrop called Vesleskarvet, and is situated 170 kilometres inland from Blaskimen Bukta, in Dronning Maudland.

SANAE IV consists of three double story, insulated units which are raised four meters above the ground in order to avoid a buildup of show on the leeward site of the base. The three aerodynamically shaped units are joined by interlinking passageways on the lower level.

The dark rocks of Vesleskarvet absorb the little warmth that is available during the summer months, thereby preventing the build up of ice on the mountain face.

SANAE IV provides accomodation for 18 winer personnel and can accommodate up to 80 people.

It was the first base in Antarctica to undergo a comprehensive environmental assessment which was conducted in accordance with stringent international guidlines. These guidelines have have since been adopted as a benchmark for the construction of new bases in Antarctica.

At a magnetic latitude of approximately 60°S, SANAE IV is well situated to facilitate the recording of a number of geomagnetic observations and radio studies of the magnetosphere. The position of the base, and the fact that it is built on a solid rock foundation, has promoted other Antarctic nations


Gateway to Antarctica
Logistics
Once there were forests
Ice sheet

Young Scientists
Avinash Bisnath
Lizel Hugo
Tankiso Modise

to house some of their more sensitive scientific equipment at the base, in keeping with the spirit of cooperation that characterises the Antarctic Treaty.

SANAE IV is the fourth South African Base to be built on Antarctica. The first two South African bases, SANAE I and SANAE II, were simple wooden structures. Like most Antarctic bases, they were built on the ice sheet and were quickly buried under snow and ice. Both bases had to be abandoned.

SANAE III was built in 1978 and 1979 using corrugated steel tunnels which were placed on space-frame stilts. The stilts were jacked up each season to keep pace with the thickening ice, but the structure was eventually twisted out of shape and had to be abandoned.

Since the cost of building bases in Antarctica is high - and rising all the time - SANAP decided to invest in a permanent structure. An idea site was found on a gently sloping, rocky outcrop or nanatak called "Vesleskarnet". It is expected that SANAE IV will be habitable well into the future.

 

 
 

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