Russia's 8 Research Stations in Antarctica

Russia operates 8 year-round and seasonal stations in Antarctica, the most of any nation (tied with US). All managed by the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI).

StationLocationCoordinatesStatus
BellingshausenKing George I., South Shetlands62°12′S, 58°58′WYear-round
LeningradskayaKing George I., South Shetlands62°12′S, 58°58′WSeasonal (reopened 2006)
MirnyQueen Mary Land66°33′S, 93°01′EYear-round (1st Soviet, 1956)
NovolazarevskayaQueen Maud Land70°46′S, 11°50′EYear-round
ProgressPrincess Elizabeth Land69°23′S, 76°23′EYear-round (modern, 2013)
RusskayaMarie Byrd Land74°46′S, 136°50′WSeasonal
VostokEast Antarctic Plateau78°28′S, 106°48′EYear-round (coldest: −89.2°C)
Halley VIBrunt Ice Shelf (UK)75°34′S, 26°34′WUK station, staffed by AARI since 2017

Science Focus

  • Ice core paleoclimate (Vostok: 420,000-year record).
  • Subglacial lakes (Vostok, 90M-yr isolated).
  • Geophysics, magnetosphere, astronomy (Dome A).
  • Biology, oceanography, atmospheric chemistry.

Logistics

Resupply: Akademik Fedorov, Akademik Tryoshnikov (icebreakers) from Cape Town; Il-76 flights from Cape Town to Novolazarevskaya/Progress. Winterovers: 15–40 per station.

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