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Syowa
last update: Nov 03, 2010 11:04 AM
Also known as Shōwa-kichi (Syowa means "era of enlightened peace")
History: During the IGY 1957-58, Japan established this research Station. It was not in use from February 1962 till 1965 (due to logistic and supply problems), but since then, the site has been expanded. It is in use year round.
All Japanese scientific stations in Antarctica belong to Japanese National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR).
Location: East Ongul Island, Queen Maud Land, East Antarctica – (69°00'S, 39°35'E)
Science programmes carried out:
Scientific programs at the Syowa Station include: upper atmosphere physics, meteorology, seismology, gravimetry, geodesy and cartography, oceanography, glaciology, geology, geography, marine and terrestrial biology, and medical research. A program for monitoring changes in global and regional environments and ecosystems was started at the base in 1997. The programs include studies of biological changes (for example atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, sea level, population of penguins etc.)
Area and buildings:
Japan’s biggest Station, the mother station of Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE. The total floor area of the buildings has increased from 184m2 (3 buildings) in 1957 to 5,930.5m2 (48 buildings) and other outdoor facilities in 2001.
Interesting Trivia:
The Syowa period is the name for an epoch in the Japanese history. She describes the reign of the Emperor Hirohito, who was the third emperor of the modern period, who reigned from 25 December 1926 until 7 January 1989.
Source:
Japanese National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR)
