National Geographic – Megastructures: South Pole Station (2007)
English | Documentary | Size: 1.20 GB
Welcome to the South Pole, one of the most isolated places on the planet. For decades, the South Pole has been a haven for astronomy, climatology, and other science fields. Now, nearly 50 years after the first research station was built, a team of mega-builders is daring to construct a 21st century science research facility: the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.
Before this station existed, from 1975 to 2008, home at the Pole was known familiarly as ‘the Dome,’ or, affectionately, ‘Dome, Sweet Dome.’ Built from 1971 to 1975, the former base was a silver-gray aluminum geodesic dome, 50m in diameter at its base and 15m high. It covered three structures, each two stories high, which provided accommodations, dining, laboratory and recreational facilities. Over time, as the base became submerged in snow and ice, parts of the complex became unsafe. Occasional power brownouts and fuel leaks threatened station security, and the drifting snow began to crush the Dome. Because of all these problems, the old Dome complex was dismantled over several years, and the current above-snow facility was built.
Work on the Pole’s current US$174-million station began in 1997 and required 80 construction workers to work nine-hour days, six days a week. In the 24-hour summer daylight, three crews worked shifts round the clock.
The South Pole station was built in phases, so the first group of occupants was able to take up residence in January 2003. The 6039-sq-meter, elevated station stretches 128m, facing the prevailing winds with an aeronautical design that helps scour snow from beneath it. The complex accommodates 150 people in summer and 50 in winter.
Producer/Writer: Paul Donvito ; A National Geographic Television Production
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