Welcome to my blog, where I will be sharing my experience of spending two years in the Antarctic as part of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) between 1972 and 1974. During my time in the Antarctic, I was stationed at a geophysical research base called Argentine Islands, located on the Grahamland Peninsula. This base was part of the British Antarctic Survey's network of research stations in Antarctica.
Photograph (1972) of yours truly on the Jalour Islands with the Lemaire Channel (aka 'Kodiak Crack'), Petermann Island and Anvers Island in the background.
Ukraine took over the operation of the base in February 1996, renaming the base Vernadsky: it was sold by the UK for a symbolic one pound, (the cost of disassembling the base with good environmental practices and standards would have been too costly). l, guess this blog is a historic reflection!
As part of the BAS team, our main focus was to conduct geophysical studies, specifically studying the Earth's magnetic field, the ionosphere and routine meteorological observations. We used a variety of instruments and techniques to collect data, including magnetometers, seismographs, ionosondes and radio sondes and the good old-fashioned thermometer. The Argentine Islands base was a unique and remote location, and it was a challenge to live and work in such harsh conditions. The isolation and the extreme weather made it a difficult but also exciting experience. The location provided us with an opportunity to study the earth's magnetic field, the weather and the ionosphere in an undisturbed environment far away from civilisation.
One of the most memorable experiences was the opportunity to travel around the Antarctic Peninsula and the sub-Antarctic islands into the Weddell Sea. I got to see the vast and beautiful landscape first-hand. From the towering glaciers and ice shelves to the incredible wildlife: every day was filled with discoveries and adventures. The beauty of the Antarctic wilderness was breathtaking, and it was an honour to be able to contribute to the scientific understanding of this region. In the coming weeks, I will be sharing more in-depth stories and photos of my time in the Antarctic. I hope that you will join me on this journey through one of the most unique and beautiful places on earth.