Frequently Asked Questions
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Wandering Albatross

Pintado petrel

Southern Fulmar
 This list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) is intended solely for background information, and to provide a glimpse into the life of South Africa's Antarctic researchers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and validity of the information herein, it is possible that some of the information is outdated, and that errors have occurred. Some of the answers might be outdated, we are updating it at the moment (BW31-03-2004)



1. What is a FAQ?

A FAQ is a list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions people might have concerning a topic.

2. What is the SANAE FAQ?

The SANAE FAQ is a question-and-answer list designed to offer more information regarding SANAE, viz. the program, it's people and their lifestyle, it's environment and it's projects.

3. Why a SANAE FAQ?

We have found that the general public lacks access to adequate information regarding SANAE. This FAQ attempts to make more information available, as well as to provide an insight into the trials and tribulations of going to, and living at SANAE.

4. Who should read the SANAE FAQ?

Anybody interested in SANAE, the Antarctic, and the people that come here. Be it family and friends, the idly curious, those seeking to come to SANAE, or professional interest in the program - all are welcome to read and hopefully gain insight from this FAQ.

5. What is SANAP?

SANAP is an acronym for the South African National Antarctic Program, managed under the auspices of the Directorate: Antarctic and Islands of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Republic of South Africa. SANAP encompasses three research stations, viz. a meteorological station at Gough Island, a meteorological and biological research station at Marion Island, and a physical sciences research program at the SANAE base in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica.

"The mission of the South African National Antarctic Program is to increase understanding of the natural environment and life in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean through appropriate science and technology. This is necessary in order to optimise present and preserve future options for South Africa in the region and to enhance predictive capability in areas of relevance nationally and internationally, and will also ensure that South Africa remains party to informed decision making on matters in the national interest."

6. What is SANAE?

SANAE is an acronym for the South African National Antarctic Expedition and refers to the team, program, building, and location of South Africa's Antarctic research station. Various physical science programs are conducted from the base. For details of these programs, please visit the "Scientific Projects" page of our site.

7. Why is SANAE sometimes referred to as SANAE IV, or Vesles?

The current SANAE base is the fourth to be built by South Africa, the building itself sometimes being referred to as "SANAE IV". "Vesles" refers to the geographical location of SANAE - the base is built on top of a mountain called Vesleskarvet which is the Norwegian word for "flat mountain"

8. Where is SANAE?

SANAE is located at 71° 40,42' South and 002° 50,45' West. This is in the Queen Maud Land area of Eastern Antarctica. Located on a mountain named Vesleskarvet, the base looks out over a vista of flat ice and snow to the north and west, with some distant mountains rearing up from the ice-plain in the south and east. We're about 160 km inland from the coast, and about 80 km from the hinge zone, where the iceshelf, floating on the ocean, is attached to land.

9. Who manages SANAE?

SANAE is managed by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, under the Directorate: Antarctica and Islands. The Department is responsible for the maintenance, provisions, and personnel of the base. At the base itself, the team is responsible for the daily upkeep of the base, and it's various systems.

10. What gets done at SANAE?

Research into the interaction of the earth's magnetosphere and charged particles from the sun is the main reason for SANAE's existence. Among the prime research projects, there is an auroral observation center (UND), one of the few SHARE radar systems in the Southern Hemisphere (UND/PUCHE/BAS), neutron monitors and narrow angle riometers (PUCHE), and also an UV measuring station, a goniometer, and ice- and rock-magnetometers. Several international projects are also managed for their respective countries by the base personnel, namely a seismograph, and also a GPS receiver, for the Germans, and (due soon) a telemetry station for the Swedish Astrid satellite.

11. Why is there a SANAE?

Antarctica is a prime location for research into the upper atmosphere and the magnetosphere. SANAE is located within the auroral belt, making it a valuable contributor to the auroral science. The SHARE radar is well located to provide an overlap with the Halley (BAS / UK) and Syowa (JARE / Japan) radars. One of several narrow-angle riometers in the world is located at SANAE, as well as a neutron monitor.

Historically and politically SANAE also fulfils an important role in maintaining South Africa's status as a voting member of SCAR (the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research). South Africa is also a founding member of SCAR, and this overwintering base ensures we can make meaningful inputs to the preservation of Antarctica as a pristine, peaceful continent devoted to research. As the only African base, we also play a role in keeping Africa's interest in the Antarctic alive and flourishing.

12. How do people get to SANAE?

mv SA AgulhasThe new team, together with work teams for the summer take-over period, travel to the Antarctic by ship. The m.v. SA Agulhas is South Africa's polar support vessel, and transports all personnel and supplies south during the summer.

13. Who can apply for SANAE?

Currently any South African citizen with the applicable qualifications can apply to go to SANAE. (Those with a sense of adventure, and a yearning to experience the vastness of Antarctica, should definitely do so.) The team is usually made up of a medical doctor, a communications engineer, two diesel mechanics, a mechanical engineer, an electrical engineer, two scientists and one meteorologist. One of these will be appointed as team leader and another as deputy. The successful applicant should have the necessary tertiary qualification and experience, be able to function well within the close personal confines dictated by circumstances, and be able to function well within the team's make-up.

14. How do I apply for SANAE?

Application forms for SANAE (and the islands, Gough and Marion) can be obtained from:
 

  • The Personnel Officer
    Directorate: Antarctic and Islands
    Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
    Private Bag X447
    Pretoria
    0001
    Republic of South Africa

Tel: +27 (0)12 310-3570
Fax: +27 (0)12 351-1345

15. How long do you stay at SANAE?

Typically, the overwintering team will spend approximately 14 months at SANAE. This period excludes a training and familiarisation period of about two months at various institutions in South Africa.

16. When do the ships go to SANAE?

Usually the ships would leave Cape Town during December of one year, unload their cargo, then either proceed with marine research, or return to Cape Town for further supplies. They then return to the Antarctic to drop off these extra supplies, and to pick up the takeover workforce and the outgoing team to return them to South Africa. The last ship normally leaves the Antarctic during February or March, returning with the next team and new supplies only in December.

17. What is the Bukta?

Agulhas at buktaThe Bukta is a bay that is used to off load the people and supplies. Christmas Tree Bukta is a bukta where the ice-shelf is approximately 30 meters high where the ship unloads its cargo. It got its name from the fact that when it was first used it was marked at the top of the ice shelf  for the ship with a Christmas Tree.  Its co-ordinates are roughly 70° 16' South and 002° 47' West and is about 15 km from the E-base.

18. Where is E-base?

E-base is located about 15 km inland from the Bukta (70° 18' South, 002° 24' West), near where the previous South African base, SANAE III, is buried beneath the ice. SANAE IV is a further 160 km inland (south) from E-base.

19. What is E-base?

E-base was the emergency base for the old SANAE III base. Consisting of four sections, it is built on stilts, rising about 4 meters above the ice, and needs to be raised every two years due to ice build-up which threatens to bury it. E-base now serves as an advance and logistical base during the unloading and transporting of cargo during the summer season.

20. What happened to SANAE III?

SANAE III got buried beneath the snow and ice to its present depth of roughly 30-35 meters. Due to ice-pressure and glacial action, the base was declared unsafe for human habitation during the summer of 1994/1995, and was closed down. It is still accessible, and team members (at their own risk) sometimes still go down to have a look at how their predecessors used to live.

In the spirit of the Madrid protocol, South Africa is currently decommissioning the SANAE III base. This is a difficult task and all materials / liquids that can have a negative impact on the environment are removed first.

21. Are there any animals at SANAE?

Antarctic skua(Apart from the team members themselves... ) SANAE is unfortunately too far inland for any of the sea-going animals to be observed here. However, during summer, flocks of birds can often be seen flying around the mountain. Nearby Robert's Kollen is a prime nesting area for snow petrels. Due to the sensitivity of Antarctic ecology though, the area is altogether out of bounds to any personnel, except those that have an approved permit from the Department.

Although they are not animals, some leichens grow on the Northern Buttress of Vesleskarvet, and these are similarly out of bounds to personnel.

22. What do you use for transport?

For very short distances, we generally walk. This is very difficult and slow going however because of the bulkiness of the foul weather clothing. For moving around, or for towing light cargo, we use skidoos (snow mobiles) with sledges attached. We use Caterpillar Challengers (tractors) and bulldozers for moving large amounts of cargo, and for long-distance travel.

23. How do you measure travelling distance?

Because our vehicles travel very slowly, and their speed depends so much on the conditions, we don't measure travelling "distance" in terms of miles or kilometers. Instead we use time as a measure of distance. For instance we know it takes 8 to 10 hours to reach E-base from SANAE with a Challenger without load. With load, the average is 15 to 20 hours. Using time also allows us to more easily plan for long trips - instead of saying we're going to cover 300 kilometers, we say we're going to be out for 5 days. It is then easier to pack the necessary provisions, and to make arrangements for radio contact schedules.

24. What is a Challenger?

Challenger cagro trainA Challenger is a vehicle marketed by Caterpillar as a tractor. It is a large, rubber-tracked vehicle with a cab, especially adapted for the harsh Antarctic conditions. With a top-speed of 30 km/h (depending on load and snow-conditions), we use these for long-distance travel and for hauling cargo.

25. What is a skidoo?

A skidoo is a cross between a motorbike and a jetski (small watercraft). It uses a rear track for traction to drive it along the snow, and has a "ski" in front with which one steer. Fast and nippy, we use these for getting about locally.

26. What is a Cat?

We refer to our D6 Caterpillar bulldozers as "Cats". We use these vehicles for levelling large areas, for moving accumulated snow out of the way, for hauling heavy loads and to gather snow for our snow-smelter.

27. Where do you get water from?

We get water from melting snow in the "smelly". Once the ice has melted, we pump it up to base, where we have storage for about 37 000 liters of water. In an emergency and with rationing, this should last a team of 10 about six weeks.

28. What is the smelly?

With "smelly", we refer to our snow-smelter. Located about 200 meters from the base, this is where we dump snow into tanks, and use electrical elements to melt the snow and ice into water. We then pump the water from the tanks up to the main base, where it is stored in tanks for use within the base.

29. Do you grow your own food?

No, no food is grown on the Antarctic continent. By international agreement, no foreign plants or animals are to be brought onto Antarctica.

30. Who supplies the food?

The Department supplies all our food for the year. It is packed in containers in South Africa, and shipped down with the team.

31. Is it warm in the base?

The average inside temperature is 18°C. This temperature does vary slightly, depending on the outside temperature and wind conditions

32. What do you wear in the base?

Generally we find it quite comfortable wearing jeans and a T-shirt, with shoes and socks. During summer though, the base gets quite warm, and it is not unusual to find someone wearing shorts, a T-shirt and sandals inside.

33. What do you wear outside?

During a few days in summer, one can get away with wearing jeans, a jacket, boots, and sunglasses. (On odd days, not even the jacket is needed!) On average though, we have to wear boots with thick soles to keep our feet warm, thermal underwear, and then a padded, wind-proof suit. Gloves are a must, as one's bare hands can easily freeze to metal at the sub-zero temperatures, and even the slightest breeze can quickly lead to frostbite, or frostnip. Sunglasses are required outside - not only because of the incredible amount of glare present, but to prevent UV damage to the eyes. Suntan lotion, or blockout, is also recommended, as one can easily get sunburnt when outside. During colder periods, headgear is a must to limit heat loss from the head and to protect one's ears from damage. To see what the clothes look like, visit the clothing page that can be accessed from the photo album section.

34. What is the radar?

The SHARE radar (or just "radar" for short) is part of an international program (SuperDARN) to investigate the phenomena that could lead to an aurora. These phenomena include the ionisation and convection patterns of charged particles and plasma within the upper atmosphere. (SHARE stands for Southern Hemisphere Auroral Radar Experiment, and SuperDARN stands for Super Dual Auroral Radar Network.)

By broadcasting radio frequencies in the 8 to 20 MHz range (37 m to 15 m bands) at 600 W peak-to-peak, and receiving and processing the reflected signals, a radar image of plasma movement within the upper atmosphere (90 to 450 km high) is obtained. The radar image covers the Antarctic continent, looking south from SANAE. In conjunction with radars at Halley and Syowa, a three dimensional picture of the movements of charged particles within the atmosphere can then be obtained. Similar radar networks also exist in the Northern Hemisphere, giving a total of 10 radars.

Space agencies, such as NASA, use the data thus obtained for predicting space weather (which plays an important role in the life of our satellites, crafts such as the Space Shuttles and aeroplanes such as the Concord).

35. What is an aurora?

The earth is surrounded by a magnetic field (called the magnetosphere), much the same as the field a magnet has around it. Certain events on the sun result in waves of energy being radiated from the sun. When these waves hit the earth's magnetosphere, they energise particles (atoms) in the upper atmosphere. These energised particles are then generally guided along the earth's magnetic field lines to the north or south poles. Here they tend to release some of their energy. The same way a fluorescent tube releases energy as light, the energy released by these particles is observed as light waves. Depending on the type of atom that was energised, and the amount of energy released, we get different wavelengths, or different colours of light. We then observe this light as an aurora - a silent, beautiful, powerful natural phenomena, which can only be marveled at.

36. What is the aurora australis?

Most people are quite familiar with the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis - the auroras of the Northern Hemisphere. The equivalent term for the Southern Hemisphere auroras, is the Southern Lights, or aurora australis.

37. What is a magnetometer?

When charged particles emitted by the sun interact with the earth's magnetic field (the magnetosphere), they cause disturbances within this magnetic field. (A vague parallel would be when another radio station "breaks through" onto your favourite station's frequency, but this is much stronger and more widespread.) These changes in the magnetosphere are measurable, and the instrument used to measure the deviations is called a magnetometer. Magnetometers are very sensitive, and can give an indication of possible auroral activity before one can even see the light from the aurora.

38. What is a riometer?

We have all heard that enemies can "jam" the radars of their attackers? In much the same way, charged particles emitted by the sun interact with atoms in our upper atmosphere, thus giving rise to conditions that can "block" signals from outer space. We call this "absorption" - the energy in the signals from outer space is absorbed before it can reach our sensors. A riometer is an instrument that measures this absorption by comparing the incoming "signals" to a set of values taken when it was known there was definitely no absorption. (The signals from space come from stars that radiate radio waves.) The riometer therefore also gives us an indication of what is happening in the upper regions of the atmosphere.

39. What is a neutron monitor?

Cosmic rays are particles with high energy from interstellar space that bombard earth from all directions. A neutron
monitor is an instrument for detecting and counting cosmic rays. The earth's magnetic field stop most of the cosmic rays
from reaching the surface of the earth, except at the magnetic poles. Because SANAE is relatively close to the south
magnetic pole, it is a good place to monitor cosmic rays.
 

40. What is a goniometer?

A goniometer is a very sensitive low-noise broad-band direction finding radio wave receiver. They are designed for the reception of naturally occurring space and earth originating man-made very low frequency (VLF) radio wave signals that are affected by the conditions within the ionospheric and magnetospheric layers of the earth's atmosphere.
 

41. What is space weather?

Just as we have winds and storms on earth, space also has weather phenomena. The sun is constantly radiating, not only light, but also other electromagnetic waves, and various charged particles. Every 11 years, activity on the sun reaches a peak, and more of these particles and radiation are emitted. (This period would be the equivalent of a hurricane striking where only mild winds would normally prevail.) The radiation emitted at these times has the potential to destroy satellites, harm passengers in Space Shuttles and the Concord and can even wreak havoc with electronic equipment on earth. It is therefore quite important to gather data and set models for the space weather patterns so that, just as the USA has hurricane warnings, we can be forewarned about possible danger to our electronic equipment. We often also refer to space weather as "space physics", as we investigate the physics of the interaction between the earth's magnetic field, and the sun's radiation.

42. Why investigate space weather from SANAE?

The particles and radiation emitted by the sun are channeled by the earth's magnetic field to concentrate above the poles (north and south). We can therefore observe phenomena in the Antarctic that would be impossible to record from elsewhere in the world. Also, just as one would walk around a statue to observe it from all sides, it is important to observe these phenomena from as many viewpoints as possible. SANAE provides a platform for just such another viewpoint - this is why SANAE data are of value in the international scientific community. The Antarctic also offers a clean environment - there is virtually no pollution, and there are few unnecessary electromagnetic (or radio) waves that could interfere with the observations.

43. Why can't this research be done from South Africa?

The earth's magnetic field concentrates the effects the sun's radiation has on the earth's magnetosphere above the north and south poles. South Africa is too far to observe the unique phenomena thus induced - the only way for South Africa to contribute to this research, is by maintaining a base in the Antarctic. While it could be possible to make some of the observations from South Africa, one would gather so little useful data that the costs would not be justified.

45. Why is Antarctic research so important?

The Antarctic offers an environment clean of most modern pollutants - there is no industry, and very few human inhabitants to pollute the continent. It's very fragile ecology is a barometer of the effect mankind is having on earth's ecosphere - take for instance the research that led to the realisation that CFCs were destroying our ozone layer.

The eons old ice layers of the continent also yield valuable clues as to what possibly happened during the earth's distant past (e.g. the concentration of certain oxygen atoms in the ice tells us how warm the earth was at that stage). Lately the ice also gives us an indication of the pollution we're pumping into the atmosphere. Marine research around the continent yields information regarding the health of our oceans, and are also used as thermometers to measure possible increases in the earth's global temperature. Antarctic geology also tells us a lot about the earth's geological past, about when all the continents were joined as one big land mass.

Antarctica is also an ideal place from which to study the physics of the interaction between the earth's magnetosphere and the sun's radiation. This research has already played an important role in helping to extend the life of our satellites by predicting space "storms", and has given rise to possible alternative energy sources for future space travel (e.g. the space tether experiments conducted by NASA).

46. What links do you have with the outside world?

We maintain contact with South Africa (and from there the rest of the world) primarily by a telephonic satellite link. Using an IntelSat satellite, we have three digital lines linking us to the Hartbeeshoek satellite earth station just outside Pretoria. From there, these lines are routed into Telkom's telephone network, thus giving us telephone, fax, and Internet access to the rest of the world.

We also have HF (radio) contact with some other Antarctic bases (e.g. the German Neumayer, Norwegian Troll and British Halley bases), and sometimes even manage to talk to South Africa on the radio sets. Until about 1994, this form of radio communication was the only contact SANAE had with the rest of the world.

In case of emergency, we also have a portable INMARSAT telephone system that can also give us contact with South Africa. This is quite expensive though, and is only reserved for emergency use.

47. Who cooks for you?

Every member of the team gets a turn to cook. We generally all try to get together for one main meal a day - usually supper.

48. Where do you get electricity from?

We have three diesel engines that drive electrical generators to provide the whole base with electricity.

49. How much diesel do you take down?

We take polar diesel down only once per year and this must accommodate the possibility that the next supply time may be delayed for some time. At present we use about 450 000 liters per year for running the base at Vesleskarvet as well as for the vehicles and EBase that is occupied during the summer months only.  

50. Who, and where, are your nearest neighbours? / Who, and where, are your nearest Antarctic bases?

Our nearest neighbour, just over 220 km away as the scua flies, is the German base Neumayer. We have regular radio contact with them, but it is unfortunately too dangerous to travel to them at the moment since no safe GPS route has been established yet.

51. What is the snow like?

Fresh snow is almost like a fine, dry (and cold!) powder. After it has been on the ground for a while, it tends to turn into ice as it gets compacted by the wind and more snow. During a snowstorm, snow also has the manner of finding its way into the tiniest of cracks, and quickly filling an empty space. (Don't go out in a snowstorm with open pockets - when you return, they're filled with snow!) Walking on the snow is also quite interesting - depending on the temperature, and the age of the snow, one gets all different sounds as one walks along. Sometimes the snow becomes very hard and slippery - we call this "blue ice" on account of its brilliant, yet subdued, deep blue colour.

52. Is it cold?

When one first arrives on the ice, it seems incredibly cold. After a while the body adapts though, and it doesn't seems as cold anymore. Also, the clothing we get issued with is quite good, and keeps us fairly warm. The padded, wind-proof suits keep us warm even in 30-knot winds at -35°C. In summer, it is even possible to easily build up a sweat, as the sun shines quite strongly and can quickly heat up a body. As winter approaches and the temperatures drop, one finds that more layers of clothing become necessary. One's hands do get cold quite easily though, as do the nose and the ears. When standing still, one does become aware of the cold, as it tends to slowly penetrate all clothing. Some people also feel the cold more acutely than others do. In short, yes, it is cold, but with the proper equipment and mindset, the cold is not that much of an obstacle.

53. Is it dangerous?

Yes. Just being in Antarctica is dangerous. Man was not meant to live in these conditions, and if one forgets or ignores this, the consequences can be fatal. Proper equipment, planning and training, and an awareness of the dangers and the environment make staying here possible, but it would be reckless to deny that Antarctica is a dangerous, hostile place.

54. What do you do for entertainment?

The team is responsible for its own entertainment. There are videos to watch, some old 16 mm reel-to-reel movies, several board games, puzzles and cards, as well as a pool table and dart board to wile away the hours with. Private computers offer the extra realm of computer games, and a well-stocked library and many, many magazines offer the more quiet team members alternative entertainment. When the hangar is empty, it is also possible to play basketball, volley-ball, and badminton (sort of anyway). We also try to practice our abseiling and jumar skills in the hangar from time to time. Generally though, socialising with the other team members is the order of the day.

55. How many people are there on the team? / How many are you at the base?

The overwintering team currently numbers 10 - that is, there are ten people that stay at SANAE for the Antarctic winter. The team is made up of a team manager/leader, a medical doctor, three scientists, two diesel mechanics, an electrical engineer, a mechanical engineer, and a communications engineer.

During the summer takeover period, there are more people, as the new team, a workforce from PWD (Public Works Department), representatives from DEA & T (Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism), some geologists for field work, and a crew from SAAF (South African Air Force) are also present.

56. Do you get visitors?

During the "winter" period there are usually no visitors - the bases lack the means and personnel to make such visits possible. During the summer period though, it is not unusual for a delegation from Neumayer to visit SANAE, or vice versa. During the 1997/1998 summer season, Neumayer personnel flew in to visit SANAE, and summer SANAE personnel made courtesy visits to some of the Nordic summer bases in the region.

57. Do you go visiting?

During the winter months it is very difficult to go out, and often dangerous too. Our nearest neighbours are more than 200 km away - a two day journey if there was a mapped route. Unfortunately visiting is only limited to the summer months, when enough people and transport is available to do so.

58. Are there any shops?

No, there are no shops or shopping centres near SANAE. There might be a shop at each of the American bases McMurdo (summer personnel of 1000) and Scott-Amundsen (South Pole), but none near SANAE.

59. Are there any movies?

There are no cinemas at SANAE - the only movies we have are some old videos, and even older 16 mm reel-to-reel movies. There are no entertainment centres near SANAE - the closest is possibly the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, over 4 500 km away...

60. Are there any polar bears?

No, polar bears are not found on the Antarctic continent, only in the vicinity of the North Pole.

61. Does the sun ever rise in winter?

From SANAE's position, there are about ten weeks during which the sun does not rise at all. This does not mean it is totally dark for the full ten weeks though. Just as you get twilight (or dusk) just before a sunrise or after a sunset, so there will be some light for some of the ten weeks as the sun moves along just below the horizon.

62. Does the sun set in summer?

Just as there is a period in winter that the sun does not rise, so there are several weeks during summer that the sun does not set. We then have 24 hours of daylight - which is pretty weird the first time one experiences it!

63. Where do you set sail from?

The team leaves from Cape Town, South Africa near the middle of the Southern Hemisphere summer period, i.e. December / January. They travel to SANAE on the m.v. SA Agulhas.

64. How long is the takeover?

During the construction period of SANAE IV, the takeovers were long - typically about three months. Now that construction is completed, it is foreseen that the takeovers will probably be shorter, possibly in the region of 6 to 8 weeks Who all goes to SANAE for a takeover?

During the summer takeover period, the new team, a workforce from PWD (Public Works Department), representatives from DEA & T (Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism), some geologists for field work, and a crew from SAAF (South African Air Force) are present. They are initially the "guests" of the old team, until such time as the old team hands over their responsibilities to their new team members.

65. What does SAAF do at SANAE?

22 Squadron from Cape Town represents SAAF (South African Air Force) at SANAE. They provide helicopter transport for cargo and personnel. When geologists are out in the field, they provide logistical support, and are also available should the need for S&R (Search and Rescue) arise.

66. What does PWD do at SANAE?

PWD (Public Works Department) are responsible for all the maintenance that needs to be done on the base, and its systems. A typical PWD team would include electricians, boilermakers, carpenters, possibly a fitter-and-turner or two, and personnel familiar with operating heavy machinery.

67. What do geologists do at SANAE?

The geologists actually spend very little time at SANAE. Just after their arrival, and just prior to departure, they spend several days at SANAE to get their equipment sorted out - the rest of the time they spend camping out in the Antarctic hinterland. It is there that they spend weeks doing research into the Antarctic geology, and map various features in the region.

68. Where do the geologists stay when doing research in the field?

They operate from the sledges they tow behind their skidoos. On these sledges they carry all their equipment, food and medical supplies, and spares for their vehicles. When they make camp, they pitch tents very similar to the original design used by the early explorers, which is where they live, work, eat, and sleep for the duration of their stay in the field. When they are close to the rocky outcrop Grunehogna in the Ahlmannryggen mountains, they might use the Sarie Marais summer base for a time.

69. What contact do the geologists have with SANAE?

Once in the field, the "geos" have two means of contacting SANAE. Regular radio schedules (scheds) are made with them twice daily, on either VHF or HF frequencies. The VHF is made possible by using radio repeater stations on the Borga Massivet and Svendrupfjella mountains.

70. Do you speak to any of the other bases?

Yes, we have regular radio contact with the Germans at Neumayer, the Norwegians at Troll and the English at Halley. While it is possible to use faxes to make contact with other bases, this is expensive as they generally use the INMARSAT system. With the advent of email though, the costs are now negligible, and we regularly exchange messages with the Japanese at Syowa, as well as the Germans at Neumayer and the UK base at Halley.

71. Are phone calls expensive?

Telephone calls to and from SANAE are not that expensive at all. Our number is a Pretoria number, and all calls are charged as if the phone call was made to (or from) Pretoria. If one phoned SANAE from Cape Town, one would pay only for the call to Pretoria. Charges for the satellite connection are being introduced and will be fairly expensive.

72. What is HF?

HF refers to the High Frequency range of frequencies used for radio communication. These frequencies are in the range 3 MHz to 30 MHz.

73. What is "sat comms"?

"Sat comms" is a term used at SANAE to include all the equipment necessary to make the satellite connection to Hartbeeshoek. One could thus say: "Our sat comms system is working fine", or "We use sat comms to talk to people back home".

74. Can I pay to go to SANAE?

Currently there is no commercial package tour to go to SANAE - the only way to get here, is either as a team member, or as a representative on one of the workforce teams that comes down for the summer takeover period.

75. Are there tours of SANAE?

The only tours offered at SANAE are for the new arrivals at the beginning of each takeover period - no commercial tours are offered to tourists.

76. Does SANAE have a home page on the Internet?

Yes, we do! Point your browser to http://www.sanap.org.za, and browse our site to your heart's content... On the site you'll find pictures of the current team, noteworthy events at SANAE, and some more information on the base and surrounds. This
page is always under construction, so please return on a regular basis.

77. What is SANAE's email address?

Our email address is sanae@sanap.org.za. Since this is a shared address for all the team members, please put the name of the
person you are addressing your e-mail to, in the subject line. This makes the routing of e-mails on our side so much easier.

78. Do you have contact with Gough or Marion Islands?

Yes, we do have contact with Gough and Marion Islands. Through our sat comms system, we are able to make internally routed calls to each Island. They also have fax and email facilities, and we often make contact on our HF systems as well.

79. Where is Gough Island?

Gough Island is located midway between Cape Town and South America, at 40° 20' South and 009° 55' West.

80. What is Gough Island?

The island itself is a cold-temperate island, formed by undersea volcanic activity. The island is British territory, but South Africa leases some of the island to maintain the only manned meteorological station in the South Atlantic Ocean.

81. Where is Marion Island?

Marion Island is situated to the South-East of South Africa, and is part of the Prince Edward Island group. The island is situated at 46° 52' South and 37° 51' East.

82. What happens at Marion Island?

Marion Island is South African territory, and is used as a meteorological station, and also as a platform for mammal and insect research. Biologists, ornithologists and entomologists do research on - amongst others - the Antarctic Fur Seal, the Elephant Seal, the various albatross and penguin colonies, the insects present on the island, and also on the flora found there.

83. Who can apply for the islands?

Gough and Marion Islands' teams have similar requirements. Both Islands require a medic, a diesel mechanic, radio operator / radio technician, and three people to do the meteorological observations. The latter normally come from within the ranks of the SAWB (South African Weather Bureau), but anybody with a matric with Mathematics and Science (on the higher grade) can apply. Marion further requires university students in the appropriate biological fields to conduct the necessary research there.

84. How old is the SA Agulhas?

The keel of the m.v. SA Agulhas was laid in 1977 in Japan. Since she has been consistently used for annual voyages between South Africa and the SANAP bases at Gough Island, Marion Island and Antarctica, as well as offering a platform for marine biological research in the Southern Ocean.

85. Why do you need two ships for the takeover?

Especially during the construction phase of SANAE IV, there was a tremendous amount of material that had to be moved to the site at Vesleskarvet. Using one ship would have meant many delays in waiting for material, and would have been very costly in terms of both money and time. Also, with the large work crews needed for the construction, one ship alone would not have been able to transport the number of people that were needed.

86. Can anybody go down on the ships? / Who goes down on the ships?

Usually it is only the PWD workforce, the DEA & T representatives, the new team, the SAAF crew, and the geologists that come down on the ships. While they might not come ashore, the m.v. SA Agulhas also carries marine researchers to do research in the Southern Oceans. It is highly unusual for anybody not associated with the program to be included on the passenger lists.

87. Why are there two voyages?

During the construction phase of SANAE IV, the length of the takeover, and also changing demands during the takeover, necessitated a second voyage to bring more supplies from Cape Town. Economics also play a role, as it is expensive to keep the ships sailing around for two months waiting for the takeover to end.

88. What do you do if there's an argument?

The whole idea is to prevent arguments by sorting out little problems before they flare up into arguments. We are all only human though, each with his/her own little personality quirks, so differences do arise. Usually they can be sorted out quickly, and a mature attitude from all concerned makes things much easier to deal with. As long as we all know arguments are natural (and sometimes healthy), it is quite easy to deal with the differences that do arise.

89. Are there women on the team?

There was a woman doctor on the SANAE 36 (the 36th team to overwinter at a SANAE base) and SANAE 37 had two women - the doctor, and the UND (University of Natal, Durban) scientist. The present team does however not have any women team members.

90. Why is SANAE data so important?

SANAE is host to one of the few Southern Hemisphere SHARE radar systems that monitor phenomena leading to auroras. We also have one of several world-wide narrow angle riometers, and an active VLF and visual auroral monitoring station. The data gathered from these projects play an important role in the international scientific community's research into space weather. Data gathered from SANAE's physics program help lead to a greater understanding of the earth's magnetosphere, and also of the forces at work in outer space. (For instance, NASA and other space agencies use the data we gather here to help protect their equipment.)

91. Do you get TV at SANAE?

No, there is no TV reception at SANAE, as none of the commercial TV satellites broadcast their signals toward Antarctica.

92. Do you ski a lot?

During late summer, it is possible to go skiing. Unfortunately the snow is usually quite hard, and not very suitable for skiing. Fresh snow, just after a storm, is perfect for skiing, and it is then not unusual to find one or two people on the nearby slopes.

93. Can one ice-skate at SANAE?

Although the snow might be hard at times, it is not quite hard enough to support ice-skates. The windscoop around Vesleskarvet does have some patches of blue ice, and, although rough, a determined person could possibly skate on these surfaces. Nearby, Grunehogna has a nicer, slightly smoother blue ice section, but is too far for a casual visit to ice-skate.

94. What is blue ice?

Blue ice is formed when the water from melting snow fills the spaces between the snow crystals. When this water freezes again, it becomes very hard. As this process of melting and freezing continues over the years, one eventually finds that the patch of ice/snow assumes a deep blue colour, and is very hard and slippery - hence "blue ice".

Due to pressure from above, ice deep below the surface is compacted, and can also form blue ice. This is especially noticeable at the ends of glaciers, or in a crevasse.

95. What is a windscoop?

A windscoop is usually formed along the side and in the lee (downwind) side of a large obstruction in the way of the fierce Antarctic winds. When the wind hits the front of the object, it is forced around the sides of the object to get past. As it does this, it speeds up and scours away the snow at the base of the object. With the mountains, this then leaves a large apostrophe shaped depression around the edges and out on the leeward side of the mountain. The snow and ice that forms the walls are usually smooth and hard often with an overhanging edge at the start. These windscoops can be as deep as 120 meters and more than a kilometer long

96. How do you bumslide?

Bumsliding is a fun way to quickly get to the bottom of any safe snow-slope - especially the windscoop! Basically it involves sitting on one's bum and just sliding down the slope. On very steep slopes, one sometimes uses an ice axe for braking, but the adrenaline rush is much greater just to let go and speed down.

97. What is a katabatic wind?

Unlike the warmer regions of the earth, where air would normally flow from a high pressure area to a low pressure area, the weight of the air, and the lie of the land govern Antarctica's winter winds. Cold air is much denser than warm air, therefore heavier for any given volume. The very cold air on the Antarctic plateau in the interior is thus quite heavy, and needs to flow somewhere. The easiest path is downhill, so this all this cold air "flows" downhill from the plateau toward the sea. Depending on the slope and topography (shape) of the land, these winds can become very fast as they flow downhill. This "downhill flow" of cold air gives rise to fierce winds called "katabatic winds".

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