Location
Antartica
Elevation (above sea level)
2,835m
completed Jan 2022
The geographic South Pole is located on the continent of Antarctica. It sits 2,835 metres above sea level, and is located about 1,300 km from the nearest open sea at Bay of Whales.
Through the months of March–September, the South Pole receives no sunlight at all, and is in complete darkness between extended periods of twilight from May to July. The AGS team will schedule their expedition for December, in the summer, when the sun will be continuously above the horizon. The sun will still be low in the sky, however. A lack of warmth from the sun, combined with the high altitude make the South Pole’s climates one of the coldest on Earth.
It has a desert climate, with precipitation very rare. High winds can blow snowfall where it can then accumulate to about 20cm deep every year.
The AGS team will not only be tested by the South Pole’s unaccommodating conditions, but they will face a true test of endurance with long monotonous paths across the barren, icy plateau. The team will require specially adapted, high quality kit to protect them from the cold. Not only will they be faced with physical limitations, which they will have to overcome, but they will be more susceptible to cold related injuries due to their existing injuries. The team intend to walk over 1000km unsupported. What a treat.
