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Juan Carlos I
last update: Nov 03, 2010 11:29 AM
Also known as Base Antártica Española Juan Carlos Primero
History: Opened in January 1988. The base is only occupied during the austral summer (1st December to 28th February).
Location: Located on the south-eastern coast of South Bay, Hurd Peninsula, Livingston Island (South Shetland Islands) – (62º39'46''S, 60º23'20''W)
Notes: Only about 20 miles away from the other Spanish Station, Gabriel de Castilla, located on Deception Island. The Station is maintained by the Scientific Ministry of Science and Technology.
Science programmes carried out:
Conduct scientific research projects coordinated by National Research Program in Antarctica (PNIA). The base has a meteorological station.
Environmental monitoring
Geodesy/mapping
Geomagnetic observations
Glaciology - continental
Ionospheric/auroral observations
Limnology
Meteorological observations
Offshore marine biology
Onshore geology/geophysics
Seismology
Stratospheric ozone monitoring
Terrestrial biology
Area and buildings:
The base has undergone modifications and expansions since its inception in 1988. It now consists of four clearly defined areas and other well defined uses, which are kept separate but are interdependent by nature. It also has a heliport located opposite the living area.
Habitability Area; Maximum accommodation capacity of the base is 19 people. There is accommodation in a container and igloos of fiber in the service area, and another place in the area of laboratories. Apart from the above mentioned accommodation, kitchen and pantry and the dining room, lounge, health services and local communications.
Scientific Area; It consists of 4 containers (ISO 20 ') of national origin with a covered patio, which acts as a warehouse, a rectangular form of about 80 m2. The containers are distributed forming a library and work room and the laboratories of meteorology, geology and biology. The latter is known as Antoni Ballester Laboratory to honor the founder and promoter of the base and the Spanish presence in Antarctica.
Service Area; It consists of a set of 6 containers (ISO 20 ') independent distributed in two parallel rows and separated to avoid the risk of fire spreading, with an availability of about 90 m2. Each container has a specific use:
- Mountain: material storage and accommodation for two people.
- Workshop: warehouse and workshop.
- Wind: battery local alternative energy system and electrical equipment store.
- Engines: premises where the two main generators located at the base.
- Woods: paneled store.
- Johnson: freezer food.
Mountain Area; At about 30 minutes walk from the base, there are two mountain huts (cylindrical aluminum structures of 10m2 and 20m2). They facilitate scientific groups, offering shelter near the glacier and storage of material. During the winter, vehicles (snowmobiles and sleds) are kept in these shelters.
Interesting Trivia:
The Station was named after the King of Spain.
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