Antarctic research station that can walk on ice - Magzium

shravya | On 03, Feb 2013

The ice in the Antarctic region moves at a rate of quarter mile each year towards the ocean and at the same time ice and snow also keep accumulating on the surface. This poses a huge problem to research stations at south pole as any permanent building has a maximum life span of just 10 years. To overcome this problem Hugh Broughton Architects have designed Halley VI research station with extendable legs.

Halley VI research station established by British Antarctic Survey, the home for 50 scientists, is all set to open on February 5. The station comprises of laboratories, communal living area and sleeping quarters.

The eight modules of Haley VI are interconnected such that all the legs can move in unison. These legs consist of retractable hydraulic pumps which help the structure overcome the raising ground each year. This is by far the most sophisticated design of Antarctic research station which looks as if it has just stepped out of a sci-fi movie.

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