PLATEAU STATION, ANTARCTICA-CONCEPT, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND INITIAL OCCUPANCY.

Plateau Station was established during the austral summer of 1965 to function for a period of 2 years as a scientific station and stopping point for the Queen Maud Land traverse. This Station, which is located at 79 deg. 15 min. S and 40 deg. 30 min. E, has the rarefied atmosphere of an effective elevation of 14,500 feet because of the combination of low temperatures and true elevation of 11,890 feet. This technical review of the Plateau Station covers its concept, design, construction, and operation between January and November 1966. It is based on published documents and interviews with the personnel closely involved with the Station. It was concluded that the premanufactured van concept permits rapid field deployment and occupancy of remote polar stations with a minimum of field construction. The single-building concept for the major activities at such a station is convenient and comfortable but requires careful planning to provide adequate space for all activities. Use of waste heat was effective and economical, and should be suitable for application at many polar stations. Thorough testing and evaluation prior to use is essential for new, untried materials and equipment necessary to the mission of remote polar stations. Continued documentation, including interviews with scientific and operational personnel, is needed to develop complete knowledge in the operational and support requirements for this type of station. Author