Geographical South moved

The land mass of Antarctica is about 2 miles below the ice sheet we currently live on. Therefore, when the wind blows one way and the earth moves the opposite direction, the sheet slowly slides over the land mass resulting in the change of geographical South Pole. It moves annually about 30 feet.

BK (in blue), the summer site manager and NSF director, Jerry measure and drill holes to post the sign and flags.

BK drilling more holes

Moving the South Pole sign - Roger Bennett, network engineer, and Jim Walsh, communications technician.

Jesse Duffin, satellite tech, moving the US flag. He's the oldest veteran on station serving 21 years in the Navy and 2 tours in Vietnam.

Geographic Pole now closer to the ceremonial pole.

New brass marker for 2007. Each year there is a competition between the winter=overs on the design. This is the winner's design... Clayton Cornia, RPSC Electrician 2006

2007 Pole Marker Artist’s Description:

This season will mark the 50th Anniversary of the United States conducting scientific research at the South Pole and the International Geophysical Year (IGY). I wanted to submit a design reflecting these momentous facts and also recognize the special people who have made the research possible. The words 50 years of science and IGY surround an etched continent signifying the peaceful and cooperative purpose of this station along with other research outposts within the Antarctic Treaty area. The research done on this continent has helped humanity achieve a better understanding of our planet and universe. Thousands of people have come from all over the globe to help support this effort over the last 50 years. Many of them give up a year or more of their lives to support the research done in this remote and inhospitable location. I wanted to recognize all of these individuals and their contributions and give a special thanks to the 64 people who have chosen to be here this winter. The dimples on each side of the design, 16 on each side, represent the 64 winter-overs contributing to the 50th winter of science and support at the Pole, 2006. These dimples will catch the light as the sun rotates around the sky and will hopefully create some nice reflections in the brass. The South Pole is the only place where every direction is north and is represented by the points around the circle. The continent design is etched into the center circle so snow will accumulate there and provide a contrast for pictures. I am honored that my fellow winter-overs have chosen my design to represent the Geographic South Pole marker for the year 2007, and I look forward to seeing the design take shape.