Prince Æthelstan Research Station

Prince Æthelstan Research Station
In service with:	South Sea Islands  Moorland
Purpose:	Environmental Research
Laid down:	1692 AN
Location:	Micras Southern Ice Cap

The Prince Æthelstan Research Station is a polar research station located on the southern ice cap of Micras. Named after a mythical hero from the legends of Nova England, the research station was established to improve the accuracy of regional weather forecasting, as well as to monitor the potential impacts of icebergs on shipping. Established in 1692AN by the Government of the South Sea Islands, the research station has no permanent population and houses a crew of around 20 on a two month rotation during the southern hemisphere summer. During winter the station is largely mothballed, with remote access maintained between the station's systems and personnel on the South Sea Islands. Following SSI's change in status to a protectorate of Moorland, the station came under joint purview. Research is now shared and/or jointly conducted with the Apian Point Research Station near Bee Haven. The change has allowed scientists to remain in Bee Haven to continue research during the winter months when the Prince Æthelstan is mothballed.

Location

The research station is located south west of Trinity Island, approximately one kilometre from the coast of the southern continent. Due to the build up of sea ice during the winter months, the station can be up twelve kilometres from open water during severe weather.

Supplies

During periods of occupation, the station is supported and supplied by the Royal Survey Ship Madison. The Logistic Support Vessel includes a reinforced hull, allowing it to undertake ice breaking duties and maintain the supply routes to and from the research station. Additionally, the Madison is also tasked with transporting personnel between the South Sea Islands and the ice cap, as well as carrying out emergency evacuations when necessary.

Research

The primary research undertaken at the station involved monitoring changing patterns of weather and climate. This search has two dimensions.

Monitoring and forecasting weather

The prevailing weather systems in the South Sea Islands come from the southern polar regions, and as such the Prince Æthelstan Research Station has an important role to play in forecasting weather within the territory of the Commonwealth. Year-round monitoring provides advance notice of severe weather events, allowing shipping, aviation and other public services to plan appropriately.

Studying historic climate data

Ice cores collected in the vicinity of the research station are studied to determine how the climate of Micras has changed over time. Historical volcanic eruptions, acid rain, changing temperatures and other phenomena can be monitored using this method. The data collected is shared with academic institutions in the Commonwealth and abroad.