The station is surrounded by the Ross Ice Shelf, which during the summer yields enough to permit ships to make landfall on the edge of the ice near the station. The site has an auspicious record of scientific usefulness, having been selected by Robert Falcon Scott as his base for the Discovery Expedition in 1902-1904. The hut (located at what is now known as Hut Point) is a historical site and is maintained by New Zealand. The cold, sterile Antarctic environment has preserved the interior of the hut nearly perfectly just as it was left at the turn of the century. Scott selected this site because then as now it was the furthest south point which could be reached by ship. Mount Erebus, at over 11,000 feet, overlooks the station. Mount Erebus is an active volcano and is usually observed belching steam. A shifting lava lake is known to exist inside the peak.
The station is fully equipped, all the comforts of home base. The main airstrip, William Field is located 10 miles from the base, carved from the ice. It is usable for nearly all months of the year. In addition, there are smaller airstrips existing on a seasonal basis on Ross Ice Shelf, usable only in the colder months. Facilities for helicopters are also provided. In the summer months ships call in very close to the station, otherwise cargo is dropped from overhead on parachutes, an event whimsically known as "Airsmash". The station is mainly featured with scientific installations in which all manner of scientific work can be directly studied including biology, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, cosmic rays, magnetospheric and ionospheric phenomena, and glaciology to name but a few. The base is also equipped with aquaria for the study of marine life. The base is fully serviced with telephone, satellite television, power, sewer, fire station, laundry, canteens, clubs, recreation facilities, personal shopping facilities for the science staff, casual accommodation for non scientific visitors, libraries, post office, etc. The station derives its water through a desalinization plant which treats more than 50,000 gallons of water each day. Still, water conservation is necessary and in fact all types of conservation and recycling efforts are vigorously enforced as all garbage and refuse must be packed out or reused.
The base itself was constructed with conservation in mind, and all structures are built directly on the loose dirt or rock to preserve the natural areas as much as possible. The station is proof that human settlements can be successful in Antarctica, if operated with all the care and respect that the surrounding area deserves.
The Antarctic Treaty is the document which provides the framework by which Antarctica is administered. It was signed on December 1, 1959 in Washington DC and entered force on June 23, 1961 after the original signatory states ratified the agreement in their own legislative assemblies. The treaty covers all lands located further south than 60 degrees south latitude.
The original signatory nations are Chile, United States, Great Britain, Argentina, Norway, France, Belgium, Australia, Japan, the USSR, South Africa and New Zealand. Of these, Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway and Great Britain claim sections of Antarctica to be integral parts of their national territory. Some of these claims overlap. The treaty however is merely a framework for administration and policy and does not recognize, dispute or establish any territorial claims, and no new claims may be made while the treaty is in force. Currently there are 42 nations who have either signed or acceded to the terms of the treaty.
The treaty is maintained by a series of consultative meetings with the voting member states. At these meetings, subjects which require resolution are addressed and, where necessary, committees are set up to deal with specific areas requiring constant attention. There are conventions and committees within the treaty framework which deal exclusively with (for example) seals, marine life, mineral resources, environmental protection, and other scientific fields. The treaty declares that Antarctica shall be used only for peaceful purposes and any military activities (except scientific), weapons testing, nuclear testing, or waste disposal is expressly forbidden. As well, all nations are entitled to a free exchange of any scientific information gathered and can visit the bases of other scientific groups.
On the back of this note we see the flag of Antarctica as adapted by the Antarctica Overseas Exchange Office Ltd., shown here flying against the backdrop of the Aurora Australis in the night sky. The flag itself was modelled on these very features. The light blue represents pack ice, the orange stripe signifies the Aurora Australis and the dark blue represents the night sky. The Southern Cross is shown in the upper right corner.
June 23rd is recognized as a Day of Observation (Treaty Day) by the AOEO Ltd. and no business is transacted on that day. Other Days of Observance include December 11th (Pole Day), and March 29th (R.F. Scott Day). the Antarctica Overseas Exchange Office Ltd.wishes to hereby recognize and thank the numerous countries and their citizens who have jointly agreed to be held accountable for the responsible use of Antarctica. There are thousands of individuals as well who have all felt some degree of personal calling for the protection of Antarctica. We thank everyone who cares for their loyalty and service to this international continent of peaceful co-existence.
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