British Halley VI: tour of the fantastic polar station

Modern Halley VI (Halley VI) is already the sixth modification of the station, which was opened in February 2013. The British Polar Research Center on the Branta Glacier (Weddell Sea, West Antarctica) has been operating since 1956, that is, for more than 60 years, and bears the name of the famous English scholar Edmond Halley. The main activity of the Halley station is the observation of the Earth's atmosphere. Ice cover studies are conducted here, meteorological observations and weather forecasting are carried out, and upper layers of the atmosphere are also studied. It was the specialists of this British station who were the first to detect depletion of the ozone layer (the so-called ozone hole) in 1985.

Over a long period of its existence, the station on Brant's Glacier changed its appearance several times. The first four modifications were ordinary wooden structures, which were regularly covered with snow several meters in height. Because of these troubles the station had to leave and build new ones. Only in 1989, British designers came up with the idea to build modules on high stilts, which can be adjusted in height and thus lift above the meter snow. This was the station Halli-5, which still had to be partially postponed, as in time it was close to the edge of the glacier.

The Halli-6 station consists of 8 modules, each of which has its own purpose. In contrast to its predecessor, it can be moved by a special design. Here are the footage of the construction of this "space" polar station.

The station is designed for the stay of 32 people, but they hibernate here not more than 15 people. There is everything for a comfortable life, work and rest. Let's take a closer look at what's inside.

Residential Block

Working unit

Recreation Area and Gym

and

Foodblock