Base Primavera
Primavera Base
Base Primavera Estación Primavera | |
|---|---|
Antarctic base | |
UTC-3 (ART ) | |
| Type | Seasonal |
| Period | Summer |
| Status | Operational |
| Activities | List
|
| Facilities | List
|
Primavera Base (
As of 2014[update] Primavera is one of 13 research bases in Antarctica operated by Argentina.[2] From 1977 to 1982 it served as a permanent base; since then it is open during the summer season only.[3]
History
On 23 January 1954, Argentine Navy personnel inaugurated the Capitán Cobbett Naval Refuge on a rocky promontory on Primavera Cape, along the southwestern coast of Cierva Cove in the north access to the Gerlache Strait.[3] Over many years this building was used by Argentine exploration expeditions to the area.[3]
On 3 March 1977, seeking to strengthen the Argentine sovereign presence over Antarctica and specifically, the expansion of scientific studies on the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, a task force of the Argentine Army settled in Primavera Cape.[3]
Since 1982 the base is activated only during the austral summer campaigns.[3]
Description
Formed by a large granite massif, the steep promontory where Primavera lies on benefits from a microclimate that favors both human activity and the development of rich flora and fauna:[3]
- On ice-free places, grassesgrow in layers.
- Ninety percent of all Antarctic animal speciescan be spotted in the bay, among them:
- A wide variety of large , etc.)
- A wide variety of , etc.)
- Many different large pigeons, cormorants, etc.)
The base is located within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as designated by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR).[3]
As of 2014[update] Primavera is only inhabited during summer, and has 11 buildings for housing a maximum of 18 people,[1][4] a crew usually made up by a staff of 6 Argentine scientists, 4 invited foreign ones and 7 army personnel. Some of the base's critical facilities are the main house, dining room, heliport, infirmary, power plant, vehicle fleet, laboratory, workshop (mechanical, carpentry) and deposits.[4][3] The heliport is only usable during summer.[4]
The main activities at the base are centered on area logistics; general maintenance of domestic buildings, neighboring shelters, and search and rescue capabilities; support for scientific activities, medical and meteorological expeditions, nearby bases, and ships and aircraft, both local and foreign.[3]
Scientific activities
Some of the scientific research programs locally carried out include limnology, ornithology, study of mosses and lichen species and their ecological impact.[3]
Climate
Owing to the mild microclimate within the bay, the maximum and minimum temperatures range between the relatively moderate 13 °C (55 °F) and −20 °C (−4 °F). Similarly, recorded wind speeds average 45 km/h (28 mph) blowing mostly from the northwest.[3]
See also
References
- ^ ISBN 978-0-473-40409-3. Archived(PDF) from the original on 22 October 2022. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
- ^ "Argentine Antarctic Stations". Dirección Nacional del Antártico. Archived from the original on 20 June 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Base de Ejército Primavera" (in Spanish). Fundación Marambio. Archived from the original on 8 March 2014.
- ^ a b c "Intercambio de información – Información Permanente". Dirección Nacional del Antártico. Archived from the original on 17 May 2013.
External links
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