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63-894: Download coordinates as: The Phillips Mountains are north of the terminus of Balchen Glacier in Block Bay , facing the Fosdick Mountains to the south of the glacier. Hermann Nunatak, Hutcheson Nunataks and Abele Nunatak are to the east and Adams Rocks to the west. Features of the range include, from west to east, Favela Rocks, Webster Bluff, Lewis Rocks, Mount June, Groux Rock, Mount Paige, Mount Carbone and Reddick Nunatak. The range spans about 40 miles (64 km) from west to east with elevations near 1000 m. Individual mountains are aligned northeast–southwest or northwest–southeast. Mountains and nunataks are composed of either Ford granodiorite ( Devonian age), or Byrd Coast granite ( Cretaceous age). Nunataks are mostly found north of

126-603: A hostile environment requires specialized systems to keep scientists and support staff safe and equipment operational. The Antarctic Program uses a variety of aircraft to transport people and cargo to and from Antarctica, as well as throughout the continent. McMurdo Station maintains two landing strips on the adjacent McMurdo Ice Shelf: Williams Airfield for ski-equipped planes, and Phoenix Airfield for wheeled planes. U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo planes and unique New York Air National Guard ski-equipped LC-130s ferry people and cargo between Christchurch, New Zealand and McMurdo Station. During

189-588: A member of the ByrdAE (1933–35). 76°01′S 145°01′W  /  76.017°S 145.017°W  / -76.017; -145.017 . An isolated mountain 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) north of Webster Bluff. Mapped from surveys by USGS and U.S. Navy air photos (1959–65). Named by US-ACAN for Norman W. Peddie, geomagnetician and seismologist at Byrd Station, 1964. 76°14′S 145°39′W  /  76.233°S 145.650°W  / -76.233; -145.650 . Two large rock outcrops that overlook

252-499: A period called "Mainbody," with fewer flights during the winter months (March – September). South Pole Station is located at the geographic South Pole, on the polar plateau, at an elevation of 2,835 m (9,300 ft) above sea level. The station sits on an ice sheet that is 2,700 m (8,858 ft) thick and drifts with the ice at about 10 m (33 ft) a year toward the Weddell Sea . The mean annual temperature

315-420: A small fleet of helicopters, under contract, at McMurdo Station to transport people and cargo around the immediate area of the station. Helicopters also carry scientific survey equipment and reconnoiter landing and scientific sites. Occasionally some of the helicopters will be temporarily set up at larger field camps to enable transport around an otherwise inaccessible region. The current helicopter support contract

378-537: A steep, rocky north face, 9 nautical miles (17 km; 10 mi) long, forming a northern extension of the Phillips Mountains. Mapped by USGS from surveys and US Navy air photos, 1959-65. Named by US-ACAN for David O. Webster, ionospheric physicist at Byrd Station, 1964. 76°18′S 145°21′W  /  76.300°S 145.350°W  / -76.300; -145.350 . An area of rock outcrops 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) in extent, at

441-638: Is 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph), but winds have exceeded 100 knots (190 km/h; 120 mph). McMurdo Sound is a historic area. In 1841, James Clark Ross brought his ships HMS Erebus and HMS Terror into the Sound, farther south than anyone had ever gone, before sailing eastward along a great wall of ice. He and his crew were the first humans to see the island and the ice shelf that both now bear his name. In 1902, Robert F. Scott wintered HMS Discovery in Winter Quarters Bay, adjacent to

504-619: Is a long ice-filled bay lying east of Guest Peninsula along the coast of Marie Byrd Land , Antarctica. Block Bay was discovered in 1929 by the Byrd Antarctic Expedition (ByrdAE), and named by Richard E. Byrd for Paul Block , newspaper publisher and patron of the expedition. Download coordinates as: Block Bay is on the Pacific Ocean coast of Marie Byrd Land, east of the Guest Peninsula and

567-745: Is a modern, multi-disciplinary research vessel containing six laboratories with a combined space of 353.5 m (3,805 sq ft). It can accommodate 39 scientists and ASC personnel and operates throughout the Southern Ocean. ASRV Laurence M. Gould is 70 m (230 ft) long and is capable of breaking one foot (0.30 m) of first-year ice while maintaining continuous forward progress. Lawrence M. Gould has berthing space to accommodate 28 scientists and ASC personnel. There are an additional nine bunks for passengers transiting to Palmer Station. Lawrence M. Gould transports personnel and cargo to and from Palmer Station and supports research in

630-476: Is about 44 in the summer and 20 or more in winter. Unlike the South Pole and McMurdo stations, Palmer usually receives transportation year-round and does not generally have a period of winter isolation. RVIB Nathaniel B. Palmer is 94 m (308 ft) long and is able to break three feet (0.91 m) of ice at a continuous forward speed of three knots (5.6 km/h; 3.5 mph). Nathanial B. Palmer

693-712: Is an organization of the United States government which has a presence in the Antarctica continent. Founded in 1959, the USAP manages all U.S. scientific research and related logistics in Antarctica as well as aboard ships in the Southern Ocean . The United States established the U.S. Antarctic Research Program (USARP) in 1959—the name was later changed to the U.S. Antarctic Program—immediately following

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756-402: Is for ski-equipped aircraft only. McMurdo also has a heliport to support helicopter operations. Approximately 90% of USAP participants live in or pass through McMurdo Station. The austral winter population ranges from 150 to 200, with the summer population varying between 800 and 1,000. The station has routine weekly flights to and from New Zealand during the austral summer (October – February),

819-455: Is held by Air Center Helicopters. Tractor-pulled convoys or “traverses” are used to transport large quantities of fuel and cargo across large distances. Every year three traverses carrying more than 100,000 gallons of fuel drive the 1,600 km (990 mi) from McMurdo Station to Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to deliver fuel for the next year. Other "science traverses" transport heavy science equipment to field sites hundreds of miles from

882-405: Is the primary cause of snow accumulation around buildings. Average wind speed is 10.8 knots. The original station was built in 1956-1957 and is buried beneath the ice. A second station, located under a geodesic dome, was completed in 1975. The Dome was dismantled in 2009-10 and removed from the continent. The current station was dedicated on January 12, 2008. The winter population is around 45, and

945-544: Is –49 °C (–56 °F). Average monthly temperatures range from –28 °C (–18 °F) in the summer to –60 °C (–76 °F) in winter. The record high of – 12.3 °C (9.9 °F) was recorded in December 2011, and the record low of –82.8 °C (–117 °F) was recorded in June 1982. The site has very low humidity, and precipitation is only about 20 cm of snow (8 cm water equivalent) per year. Drifting

1008-688: The Antarctic Treaty , which was signed in 1959. Since then, Treaty nations have agreed to several addenda, including the 1991 Environmental Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty which establishes rules and procedures specifically designed to protect the Antarctic environment. The Protocol was ratified and went into effect in 1998. The U.S. Antarctic Program operates three year-round research stations and two research vessels. Additional temporary field camps are constructed and operated during

1071-822: The Fosdick Mountains , and west of the Phillips Mountains . Driscoll Island lies in the mouth of the bay, to the west of Brennan Point. The Balchen Glacier drains into the head of the bay. The Weikman Nunataks, Griffith Nunataks and O'Connor Nunataks are south of the head of this glacier. The Ragle Glacier and Ochs Glacier drain into the bay from either side of Mount Ferranto in the Fosdick Mountains. 76°12′S 146°55′W  /  76.200°S 146.917°W  / -76.200; -146.917 . A narrow, ice-covered island 16 nautical miles (30 km; 18 mi) long, lying in Block Bay. The feature

1134-533: The International Geophysical Year (IGY, 1957–58). The IGY was an intensive, multi-national, multi-disciplinary, global research effort designed to study a wide range of geophysical processes. Much of that effort took place in Antarctica and was crucial in establishing Antarctica as a continent for peace and science. The international coordination that resulted from the IGY ultimately lead to

1197-547: The South Shetland Islands and westward along the Antarctic Peninsula . Expeditions sponsored by several nations approached the Antarctic continent early in the 19th century. Among the leaders was Charles Wilkes , a U.S. Navy lieutenant who commanded an expedition in 1839–40 that was the first to prove the existence of the continent. His expedition mapped about 2,400 km (1,500 mi) of

1260-488: The United States Antarctic Service (USAS), 1939–41. Named by US-ACAN for Edward R. Weikman Jr., CMH2, United States Navy, Construction Mechanic at Byrd Station, 1967. 76°28′S 143°45′W  /  76.467°S 143.750°W  / -76.467; -143.750 . A group of rock exposures on the south side of Balchen Glacier between O'Connor Nunataks and Mount Perkins. Discovered by

1323-671: The Antarctic Peninsula region, is named after Nathaniel B. Palmer, the American sailor who pioneered the exploration of the Peninsula in 1820. The station is located on Anvers Island at 64°46' S, 64°03’ W and consists of two major buildings and several small ones. There is no airfield. Located just north of the Antarctic Circle, the climate is milder than that of the other U.S. Antarctic stations. Temperatures in

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1386-582: The Antarctic Peninsula region. Every season the Program establishes several dozen field camps to house researchers and support staff around the continent. These range in size from just two or three people in small pitched tents, to large camps of up to 60 people in temporary shelters, to permanent, hard-walled structures that teams return to year after year. The Astrophysics and Geospace Sciences Program sponsors research areas that either use Antarctica as an observing platform or contribute to an understanding of

1449-561: The Antarctic coastline in the Indian and Australian quadrants. In 1928–1930 and 1933–1935, Admiral Richard E. Byrd led two privately sponsored expeditions, one that included the first flight over the South Pole in 1929, sparking U.S. interest in Antarctica. The U.S. Antarctic Service Expedition (1939–1940), under the leadership of the U.S. Navy, maintained bases at Marguerite Bay and Bay of Whales . Operation Highjump in 1946–1947

1512-446: The Antarctic continent and surrounding Southern Ocean. The Artists and Writers Program supports participants whose work requires them to be in the Antarctic to complete their project, in particular projects that increase understanding and appreciation of the Antarctic and of human activities on the southernmost continent. PolarTREC (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating) is an NSF-funded program that brings teachers from

1575-526: The ByrdAE (1928–30). Named by US-ACAN for David Paige, artist with the ByrdAE (1933–35). 76°22′S 144°30′W  /  76.367°S 144.500°W  / -76.367; -144.500 . A mountain 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) east of Mount Paige. Discovered and mapped from air photos by the ByrdAE (1928–30). Named by US-ACAN for Al Carbone, cook with the ByrdAE (1933–35). 76°17′S 144°01′W  /  76.283°S 144.017°W  / -76.283; -144.017 . A nunatak in

1638-762: The ByrdAE in December 1929, and named for Harold Island June, airplane pilot with the expedition. 76°13′S 144°47′W  /  76.217°S 144.783°W  / -76.217; -144.783 . An isolated rock outcrop in the north part of the Phillips Mountains, 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) east-northeast of Mount June. Mapped by USGS from surveys and United States Navy air photos (1959–65). Named by US-ACAN for Roger G. Groux, shipfitter, United States Navy, Byrd Station winter party, 1967. 76°20′S 144°42′W  /  76.333°S 144.700°W  / -76.333; -144.700 . A mountain 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) west of Mount Carbone. Discovered and mapped from air photos taken by

1701-479: The Phillips Mountains and Fosdick Mountains. Discovered on December 5, 1929, by the ByrdAE and named by Byrd for Bernt Balchen, chief pilot of the expedition. 76°30′S 143°59′W  /  76.500°S 143.983°W  / -76.500; -143.983 . Two nunataks on the divide separating the upper reaches of Balchen Glacier and Crevasse Valley Glacier . The nunataks lie 2 nautical miles (3.7 km; 2.3 mi) east of Mount Perkins . First mapped by

1764-688: The Phillips Mountains, 4 nautical miles (7.4 km; 4.6 mi) northwest of Mount June. Mapped by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) from surveys and United States Navy air photos (1959–65). Named by the United States Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN) for Rafael Favela, Jr., equipment operator, United States Navy, Byrd Station winter party, 1967. 76°06′S 145°03′W  /  76.100°S 145.050°W  / -76.100; -145.050 . An ice-covered bluff with

1827-542: The Terra Bus” and the large Kress are used to transport large numbers of people to and from the airfields over the ice roads of McMurdo Station. Passenger vans with wide tires are also used to transport people around McMurdo Station and Amundsen-Scott South Pole station as well. McMurdo Station also has a small fleet of pickup trucks. Each station uses diesel fuel to generate electricity. At McMurdo Station, wind turbines installed by Antarctic New Zealand in 2010 supply about

1890-399: The U.S. Antarctic Program. The report states that policies in the 1982 memorandum continue to be appropriate at the current funding level and that present U.S. policy and practice with respect to the U.S. Antarctic Program are well justified. The first Americans to work in the Antarctic were sealers and whalers who discovered many sub-Antarctic islands. They were first to explore parts of

1953-621: The USAS (1939–41), led by Admiral Byrd, and was mapped by the USGS from surveys and United States Navy air photos (1959–65). Named for Doctor B. Harrison Ragle, Admiral Byrd's personal physician in the late 1930s, who made financial contributions toward purchase of first aid equipment and medical supplies for US AS (1939–41) and was a consultant on medical matters for that expedition. 76°30′S 145°35′W  /  76.500°S 145.583°W  / -76.500; -145.583 . A glacier flowing to

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2016-416: The USAS in aerial flights over this area in 1940, and named for Clyde W. Griffith, machinist and tractor operator of this expedition. 76°26′S 143°25′W  /  76.433°S 143.417°W  / -76.433; -143.417 . A group of rock exposures rising above the ice near the head of Balchen Glacier, 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) northeast of Griffith Nunataks. Discovered by

2079-471: The USAS in aerial flights over this area in 1940. Named for Raymond O'Connor, a member of the West Base of the USAS (1939–41). 76°28′S 145°32′W  /  76.467°S 145.533°W  / -76.467; -145.533 . A small glacier that drains the west end of the Fosdick Mountains, between Mount Ferranto and Mount Avers , and flows northwest to Block Bay. The glacier was photographed by

2142-525: The USAS, 1939–41. Named by US-ACAN for Guy Hutcheson, radio engineer with the ByrdAE 1933-35. 76°18′S 143°15′W  /  76.300°S 143.250°W  / -76.300; -143.250 . A nunatak lying 2 nautical miles (3.7 km; 2.3 mi) east of Hutcheson Nunataks at the head of Balchen Glacier, in Marie Byrd Land. Mapped from surveys by the USGS and United States Navy air photos (1959–65). Named by US-ACAN for C.A. Abele, Jr.,

2205-598: The United States to the polar regions to spend three to six weeks participating in hands-on field research experiences. Managed by the Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS), the goal is to invigorate polar science education and understanding by bringing educators and polar researchers together. Antarctica is the most remote region of the world, with no native inhabitants or infrastructure and nearly no vegetation. Working in such

2268-409: The austral summer. McMurdo Station (77°51' S, 166°40' E), the largest U.S. station in Antarctica, is situated on barren volcanic hills at the southern tip of Ross Island, about 3,827 km (2,378 mi) south of Christchurch, New Zealand and 1,350 km (840 mi) north of the South Pole. The station sits on the eastern shore of McMurdo Sound, the southernmost body of seasonally open water in

2331-546: The east part of the Phillips Mountains, 8 nautical miles (15 km; 9.2 mi) east-northeast of Mount Carbone. Mapped by the United States Antarctic Service (USAS; 1939–41) and by USGS from surveys and United States Navy air photos (1959–65). Named by US-ACAN for Warren W. Reddick, Jr., construction electrician, United States Navy, at Byrd Station in 1967. 76°15′S 143°47′W  /  76.250°S 143.783°W  / -76.250; -143.783 . A nunatak 4 nautical miles (7.4 km; 4.6 mi) northeast of

2394-675: The east side of the entrance to Block Bay. Discovered on the ByrdAE (1928–30) flight along this coast on December 5, 1929. Named for Michael J. Brennan, who was advisory on the ByrdAE (1928–30) in the selection of personnel. Brennan was skipper of the Chantier on the trip to the Arctic when R. Admiral R.E. Byrd flew over the North Pole. 76°23′S 145°10′W  /  76.383°S 145.167°W  / -76.383; -145.167 . A crevassed glacier flowing west to Block Bay between

2457-426: The east end of the Phillips Mountains. Discovered and mapped by the USAS (1939–41). Named by US-ACAN for John Herrmann, photographer with the ByrdAE (1933–35). 76°17′S 143°27′W  /  76.283°S 143.450°W  / -76.283; -143.450 . A small group of nunataks along the north side of Balchen Glacier, about midway between the Phillips Mountains and Abele Nunatak. Discovered and mapped by

2520-542: The great peninsula jutting out of the Antarctic mainland toward South America. Among them was Nathaniel Palmer , who was among the first to see Antarctica, while on board the Hero in 1820, though historians have not settled the question of who discovered Antarctica. James Eights , a geologist from Albany, New York, became the first U.S. scientist to work in Antarctica. In 1830, aboard the Annawan , Eights made investigations in

2583-580: The head of Block Bay between Mount Iphigene and Mount Avers . Discovered by the ByrdAE in 1929, and named for Adolph S. Ochs , publisher of the New York Times, a patron of the expedition. United States Antarctic Service The United States Antarctic Program (or USAP ; formerly known as the United States Antarctic Research Program or USARP and the United States Antarctic Service or USAS )

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2646-447: The history and dynamics of the Antarctic ice sheet and its surrounding ice shelves. Studies of the processes controlling the mass balance and dynamics of the ice sheet are also important. The Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences Program aims to advance understanding of the physics and chemistry of both oceanic and lower atmospheric processes, and environments at high southern latitudes, and their links at local, regional and global scales across

2709-562: The inner part of Block Bay from northward, located 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi) west of Mount June, Phillips Mountains. Mapped by USAS (1939–41) and by USGS from surveys and United States Navy air photos (1959–65). Named by US-ACAN for James G. Adams, builder, United States Navy, of the Byrd Station party, 1967. Balchen Glacier Block Bay ( 76°15′S 146°22′W  /  76.250°S 146.367°W  / -76.250; -146.367  ( Block Bay ) )

2772-700: The islands near the station. McMurdo Station is resupplied by ship at the end of every summer season. The U.S. Coast Guard heavy icebreaker Polar Star cuts a channel for a cargo ship to pass through and reach the ice pier at the station. A fuel tanker usually follows the cargo vessel to deliver fuel. The Program has a fleet of vehicles to meet a range of needs at each station. A variety of large and small loaders are used to move cargo and other heavy equipment around. Tracked vehicles, including PistenBullys and Hagglunds transport people and equipment over snow and ice covered regions. Smaller snowmobiles are also used for transport across snow and ice-covered areas as well. “Ivan

2835-456: The living resources in the oceans surrounding Antarctica. An April 1996 report, U.S. Antarctic Program , by the President's National Science and Technology Council , directed the establishment of the present Panel and reaffirmed that essential elements of U.S. national and scientific interests are well served by continued involvement in scientific activity in the Antarctic as carried out by

2898-519: The mountain range. The Phillips Mountains were discovered by the Byrd Antarctic Expedition (ByrdAE; 1928–30) and named by Richard E. Byrd for Albanus Phillips, Sr., a manufacturer in Cambridge, Maryland , United States, and patron of the Byrd expeditions. 76°12′S 145°21′W  /  76.200°S 145.350°W  / -76.200; -145.350 . A group of rocks at the northwest end of

2961-507: The necessary logistical support for the science. The U.S. is a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty and the conduct of science is the principal expression of U.S. interest in the Antarctic. In October 1970 President Richard Nixon stated U.S. policy for Antarctica to be: To maintain the Antarctic Treaty and ensure that this continent will continue to be used only for peaceful purposes and shall not become an area or object of international discord; to foster cooperative scientific research for

3024-648: The peak of the Antarctic summer, the ice runways aren't able to support the weight of wheeled aircraft and only planes that can take off and land on skis can operate. For transportation across vast distances around the continent, the Program uses a combination of ski-equipped LC-130s and ski-equipped Basler BT-3 and Twin Otter planes through a contract with through Kenn Borek Air, Ltd.. Ski-equipped planes can land on groomed and maintained ski runways like those at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station and other field camps, or in relatively smooth ungroomed snow. The program maintains

3087-478: The principal expression of national policy and interest." In 1970 and again in 1976 National Security Decision Memoranda (71 and 318) reaffirmed the "importance of maintaining an active and influential U.S. presence in the Antarctic that is 'responsive to U.S. scientific, economic, and political objectives. ' " In February 1982 President Ronald Reagan in White House Memorandum 6646 reaffirmed

3150-412: The prior policy and noted that the presence in Antarctica shall include "the conduct of scientific activities in major disciplines" and "year-round occupation of the South Pole and two coastal stations." On 9 June 1994 Presidential Decision Directive NSC 26 ("United States Policy on the Arctic and Antarctic Regions") stated that U.S. policy toward Antarctica has four fundamental objectives: (1) protecting

3213-401: The relatively unspoiled environment of Antarctica and its associated ecosystems, (2) preserving and pursuing unique opportunities for scientific research to understand Antarctica and global physical and environmental systems, (3) maintaining Antarctica as an area of international cooperation reserved exclusively for peaceful purposes, and (4) assuring the conservation and sustainable management of

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3276-464: The role played by the Antarctic upper atmosphere in global environmental processes. The Organisms and Ecosystems Program supports research at all levels of biological organization, from molecular, cellular and organismal to communities and ecosystems. The Earth Sciences Program provides insights into Antarctica's geologic history and lead to increased understanding of processes shaping it today. The Glaciology Program supports research concerned with

3339-404: The solution of worldwide and regional problems, including environmental monitoring and prediction and assessment of resources; and to protect the Antarctic environment and develop appropriate measures to ensure the equitable and wise use of living and non-living resources… Science has provided a successful basis for international accord, and the Antarctic is the only continent where science serves as

3402-477: The southwest foot of Mount June. Mapped by USGS from surveys and United States Navy air photos (1959–65). Named by US-ACAN for John H. Lewis, geologist with the USARP Fosdick Mountains party, 1967-68. 76°16′S 145°07′W  /  76.267°S 145.117°W  / -76.267; -145.117 . A mountain 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) west of Mount Paige. Discovered by

3465-537: The station. The program maintains two research vessels, RVIB Nathaniel B. Palmer and ASRV Laurence M. Gould . The ships are used to both transport people and supplies between Palmer Station on the Antarctic Peninsula, and the port at Punta Arenas, Chile, and to embark on longer science-focused voyages to understand the Southern Ocean or visit other remote areas of the continent. Smaller boats at Palmer Station, including inflatable rafts and larger rigid-hulled inflatable boats, are used to transport scientists around

3528-428: The station. Both of Scott's (1901–1904 and 1910–1913) and Ernest Shackleton's (1907–1909 and 1914–1916) expeditions used the area as a base to deploy sledging parties for both scientific exploration and attempts to reach the South Pole. The huts these expeditions built still stand today at Hut Point, Cape Evans, and Cape Royds. The original station was constructed in 1955–1956. With many additions and modernizations over

3591-674: The success of the International Geophysical Year (IGY). Today, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has a Presidential Mandate to manage the United States Antarctic Program, through which it operates three year-round research stations and two research vessels, coordinates all U.S. science on the southernmost continent , and works with other federal agencies, the U.S. military, and civilian contractors, to provide

3654-589: The summer population averages 150. Most Antarctic Program personnel and cargo reach the South Pole from McMurdo Station via LC-130 ski-equipped aircraft, whereas most fuel is transported via surface traverse from McMurdo Station. The short austral summer, when most activity occurs, is from late October through mid-February. The station is isolated for the rest of the year. Research at the South Pole includes astronomy, astrophysics, aeronomy , auroral and geospace studies, meteorology, geomagnetism, seismology, earth-tide measurements, and glaciology. Palmer Station , on

3717-423: The summer range from just below freezing to above 4 °C (40 °F). Winter temperatures range from 0 °C (32 °F) to -10 °C (14 °F). Palmer Station is often windy and wet, with both snow and rain. The water equivalent in snow and rain averages 81 cm (32 in) per year. Wildlife is abundant near the station, which makes it superbly located for ecosystem research. The station population

3780-488: The world. Mount Erebus , a 3,794-meter (12,448 ft) high active volcano, towers over Ross Island. On the west side of the Sound, the Royal Society Range and Mount Discovery , an extinct volcano, provide spectacular vistas. The mean annual temperature is −18 °C (0 °F). Temperatures may reach as high as 8 °C (46 °F) in summer and −50 °C (−58 °F) in winter. The average wind speed

3843-511: The years, today's station is the primary logistics facility for airborne and overland resupply of inland stations and field science projects. The station is also the waste management center for much of the USAP. McMurdo has two airfields. Phoenix Airfield, located about 18 km (11 mi) from McMurdo on the McMurdo Ice Shelf, accommodates wheeled aircraft. Williams Field Skiway, located about 15 km (9.3 mi) from McMurdo

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3906-531: Was partially delineated from air photos taken by the ByrdAE (1928–30) on the flight of December 5, 1929. The island was completely mapped by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), 1959–65. Named by the United States Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN) after Lawrence J. Driscoll, BM1, United States Navy, Boatswain's Mate aboard USS Glacier along this coast, 1961–62. 76°05′S 146°31′W  /  76.083°S 146.517°W  / -76.083; -146.517 . An ice-covered point forming

3969-591: Was the largest single expedition ever to explore Antarctica, involving 13 naval vessels, numerous airplanes and more than 4,700 men. The next year, the Navy's Operation Windmill used helicopters to complete some of the work begun during Highjump. In 1956–57 the U.S. Navy, during Operation Deep Freeze I, and in conjunction with research teams funded by the National Science Foundation, established seven research stations in Antarctica to prepare for

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