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Nine to Noon in Antarctica

Arrival Heights Laboratory

Among the scientific research that takes place in Antarctica are the atmospheric experiments being run by NIWA - the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research.

Their equipment for measuring ozone levels and other gases that aid in the destruction of ozone are housed in a purpose built laboratory five kilometres from Scott Base.

The Arrival Heights Lab also houses equipment for low frequency radar and aurora studies for universities and other research groups.

The lab is removed from the base to reduce electromagnetic interference from Scott and McMurdo bases.

The equipment is maintained by technical staff from Scott base. Science technician Shane Buckham showed Kathryn Ryan around the lab and described the various pieces of equipment.

Nine to Noon in Antarctica - Arrival Heights Laboratory: The Arrival Heights Laboratory houses equipment for atmospheric experiments, low frequency radar and aurora studies for universities and other research groups. Science technician Shane Buckham showed Kathryn Ryan around the lab and described the various pieces of equipment. (9′28″); Download: Ogg Vorbis MP3 | Embed

Gallery: Arrival Heights Laboratory

Arrival Heights.

Information

Nine to Noon in Antarctica

In early December 2011 Nine to Noon's presenter Kathryn Ryan and producer, Caitlin Cherry were invited by Antarctica New Zealand to visit Scott Base on Ross island in Antarctica.

The purpose of the visit was to interview scientists doing key research into climate change, as well as to mark the polar centenary. Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen led the first Antarctic expedition to reach the South Pole between 1910 and 1912 - closely followed by Robert Falcon Scott.