New Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz is reinaugurated

The research center will have 17 laboratories. At the site, researchers will conduct studies in various areas of knowledge

The launching of a weather balloon marked the symbolic beginning of scientific activities at the new Comandante Ferraz Antarctic StationAntarctic Station, re-inaugurated this Wednesday (01/15). The balloon will collect atmospheric data from the Antarctic region.

The Brazilian base was created in 1984, but in 2012 it was hit by a major fire and 70% of its facilities were destroyed. Over the past few years, the Federal Government has invested about US$100 million in rebuilding the station, which received 17 laboratories and advanced equipment. At the new base, researchers will conduct studies in the areas of biology, oceanography, glaciology, meteorology and paleontology.

The new building, located on King George Island, in Admiralty Bay, was built next to the current base, which has a temporary structure. The station has an area of 4.5 thousand square meters and will be able to house 64 people, according to the Navy. The new research center will have 17 laboratories. Researchers will conduct studies in the areas of biology, oceanography, glaciology, meteorology and anthropology.

Brazil is part of a select group of 29 countries that have scientific stations in Antarctica. This presence is very important because, according to the Antarctic Treaty, only those who carry out research in the region will be able to define the future of the frozen continent.

With information from Voz do Brasil