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Ross
Island, Antarctica
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Castle
Rock, Ross Island
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Hydroponics
in Antarctica is as unique as the continent itself. The extreme
environmental conditions found here make the process of growing food
a formidable challenge. Four months of solid daylight, four months
of total darkness, and unpredictable winds and temperature changes
present a unique growing situation. One cannot simply build a glasshouse,
set up a system, and expect tasty produce to grow! However, in Antarctica,
successful harvests are achieved on a daily basis. |
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three-room hydroponic greenhouse at McMurdo Station on Ross Island,
and to a lesser extent, the smaller South Pole Station greenhouse
can produce a host of fresh fruit and vegetables. In the summer, when
community populations are larger, the greenhouse produce acts as a
supplement to the fresh food flown to the bases from New Zealand.
However, in the winter, when populations drop, the produce generated
in the greenhouses is the sole source of fresh food. This makes the
greenhouse one of the most important facilities on base.On top of
that, each greenhouse is the only source of humidity, artificial sunlight,
and living plants on its station. Some community members frequent
the greenhouse environment to soak up the sun, relax in a hammock,
and take in the vibrant, green scenery! The warm, humid air can be
a welcome change to the cold, dry climate outside. |
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Fresh
Cucumbers
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A
relaxing place to enjoy the sunshine!
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| Bring
on the sun... flowers that is |
Weddell
Seals on Ross Ice Shelf |
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