Korea to Build New Antarctic Base
South Korea will be the sixth country to build an inland scientific research base in Antarctica. An exploration team arrived at the site for the planned base at the end of 2023. If all goes according to plan, the research base will be operational by 2032.The inland base, which will be located further into Antarctica than previous stations, will be used to conduct research on climate change. Additionally, scientists at the base will work on developing new technologies specialized for polar regions.To reach the site of the new base, the exploration team had to travel 46 days from South Korea’s other Antarctic research center, the Jang Bogo Station.* Built in 2014, the Jang Bogo Station is located in Terra Nova Bay, Victoria Land. It is Korea’s second permanent research center in Antarctica, and it is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.Scientists at the Jang Bogo Station have spent the past decade studying glaciers, meteorites, and the ozone layer. They have made several interesting scientific discoveries.For example, they were the first to clearly explain the process by which Antarctic ice shelves collapse. They also established new criteria for measuring ice shelf stability. Additionally, scientists at the center have conducted research on the rising sea level and unique ecosystem of Antarctica.Korea established its first Antarctic research center, the King Sejong Station, in 1988. At the center, which is located on King George Island, scientists focus on tracking the general changes of the natural environment. With the planned addition of the new inland research center in 2032, Korean scientists will continue exploringthe icy continent to make groundbreaking discoveries.
Questions:1. What is South Korea planning to build in Antarctica, and when is it expected to be operational?
2. Why is the new Antarctic research base being built further into Antarctica than previous stations?
3. How long did it take for the exploration team to reach the site of the new base from South Korea's other Antarctic research center?
4. What are some of the research topics that scientists at the Jang Bogo Station have focused on over the past decade?
5. Why do you think it's important for countries to conduct scientific research in Antarctica? What kind of discoveries do you think scientists might make at the new inland research center in Antarctica?
