The innovative Halley VI Research Station will allow scientists to study environmental issues such as the ozone layer and the polar ice shelves.

The 20-million-pound (29.5 million euro, 35.5 million-dollar) facility, which replaces the current Halley V Research Station, will have several modules elevated on ski-based legs which can be towed across the ice, making them easy to rearrange or relocate as the ice shifts.

A series of modules designed for changing research will surround a central module used for recreation and relaxation.

"The new station is essential to continue the long-running research on global change at the site," said David Sainsbury, Britain's science and innovation minister.

"Antarctic discoveries, such as the ozone (layer) hole and the disintegration of ice shelves, are of vital importance if we are to protect our fragile planet Earth."

The facility, which will be located 10,000 miles (16,100 kilometres) from Britain on the Brunt Ice Shelf, will be run by the British Antarctic Survey, a world leader in environmental research in the region.

All rights reserved. © 2005 Agence France-Presse. Sections of the information displayed on this page (dispatches, photographs, logos) are protected by intellectual property rights owned by Agence France-Presse. As a consequence, you may not copy, reproduce, modify, transmit, publish, display or in any way commercially exploit any of the content of this section without the prior written consent of Agence France-Presse.

Related Links
British Antarctic Survey
TerraDaily
Search TerraDaily
Subscribe To TerraDaily Express