UK’s Halley Research Station skis 14 miles inland in Antarctica for safety
ANTARCTICA — The British Antarctic Survey has completed the relocation of its Halley research station in Antarctica some 14 miles inland.
The Halley VI Research Station was moved after one of two chasms in the area became active in 2013, and a new crack discovered on the Brunt Ice Shelf last year. The new crack was dubbed “Halloween crack” as it was discovered on October 31.
The modules of the research station have hydraulic legs that allow them to be raised and lowered while the skis on the bottom of the legs allow the station to be transported easily. The modules were hauled individually to the new site, where they were reassembled.
The research center will be closed due to safety considerations and all staff at the station are currently being evacuated in stages. The station will be re-opened in November 2017.
The Halley VI Research Station was moved after one of two chasms in the area became active in 2013, and a new crack discovered on the Brunt Ice Shelf last year. The new crack was dubbed “Halloween crack” as it was discovered on October 31.
The modules of the research station have hydraulic legs that allow them to be raised and lowered while the skis on the bottom of the legs allow the station to be transported easily. The modules were hauled individually to the new site, where they were reassembled.
The research center will be closed due to safety considerations and all staff at the station are currently being evacuated in stages. The station will be re-opened in November 2017.