Rothera Research Station

Map showing Rothera research station, Alexander Island and Palmer Land. Note George VI Ice Shelf.

Our November 2012 field season to Alexander Island (Ablation Point Massif and Fossil Bluff) operated out of Rothera, a research station of the British Antarctic Survey. We flew to Rothera from Punta Arenas airport in a Dash-7 aircraft, and were quickly inducted.

You can explore Rothera Research Station through the Google Map below.

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Fieldwork training

Our first task was to complete the mandatory training for deep fieldwork. This involved spending a night camping out at Vals as well as walking Reptile Ridge with our field assistant, Ian Hey. This meant that we could practise using crampons and ice axes, get to know each other, and Ian could assess our fitness and abilities.

Wildlife at Rothera

When we arrived at Rothera it was still ice-bound with no wildlife. However, when we returned in mid-December, the sea ice had blown away and the seals and penguins had returned. You can see them in this video showcasing some of the wildlife around Rothera:

Working at Rothera

Many people conduct science and research from Rothera research station. There is a long-term environmental monitoring and research project, investigating marine ecology around Rothera Point. In December, the divers were out in full force.

Recreation at Rothera

Rest and recreation on your days off at Rothera includes skiing, walking, or persuading a field assistant to take you down a crevasse.

1 thought on “Rothera Research Station”

  1. Sam Oliver Rothera

    Hello my name is Sam Oliver Rothera,I was researching the origins of my family and name when I came across the Rothera research station. Now as a nature lover always have admired not only nature but science also although I would be lying if I said I had studied science ever, but all the same this is one of the most inspiring things you my distant relatives(founders of the Rothera research station)have done. So I Sam was born in Alnwick north east of England (near the Scotish border)am the son of Peter Rothera who was born in Vichy(France) and his father was Brian Rothera who sadly past away in America in 2016.
    Anyhow I was wondering what would be the chances of visiting the research station and maybe having some kind of tour of the place not forgetting the Rothera mountain or dormant volcano be it. I would pay for all my travel exspences and accommodation too and would don’t forget be polite and make myself scarce.
    P.S.i have seen that you may not receive my Email address so here it is embeded in the post :samrotheraone23@outlook.com thankyou
    Yours sincerely Sam Oliver Rothera

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