Meteorology at South African National Antarctic Programme stations.
World Meteorological Day takes place every year on 23 March and commemorates the coming into force on 23 March 1950 of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization. It showcases the essential contribution of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to the safety and wellbeing of society and is celebrated with activities around the world. The themes chosen for World Meteorological Day reflect topical weather, climate or water-related issues. 2020 focus on fresh water ”Climate and Water”
Overwintering teams of the South African National Antarctic Programme includes meteorological technicians and assistants on Antarctic and Marion and Gough Island. The South African Weather service has a proud history of research and operations in the sub-Antarctic and on Antarctica. For more than 60 years, the SAWS has sent personnel to monitor critical weather and climate parameters in these inhospitable regions. The data collected at these unique climate “laboratories” of Gough and Marion Islands and SANAE IV on Antarctica are important for the navigation of passing vessels, warning South Africa of impending severe weather systems (in the case of Gough Island), as well as providing an insight into climate change. These people are appointed by the South African Weather Services. Read about SAWS job in this advertisement for Gough Island Senior Meteorology Technician
Tasks of the meteorologists.
- Oversee and coordinate surface meteorological and atmospheric research project assigned by the Marine Section of SAWS.
- Exercise responsible shift management of the two assistant meteorological technicians.
- Perform surface meteorological observations, conduct upper-air balloon releases.
- Maintain and verify all equipment at the remote station.
- Conduct quality control of data, report writing and asset control.
Images form ALSA Archive (Browse archive for more images)
Articles on ALSA and SANAP websites:
- From Koskassies to Metkassies: Derivation of the word metkassie A ‘metkassie’ is a nickname long given to meteorological technicians at South Africa’s southern weather stations, including at Marion Island.
- Marion Island Meteorology: Why is meteorological data collected on Marion Island?
- Meet Meteorological Technicians of the 57th SANAE Overwintering Team, and of the 58th SANAE Overwintering Team at SANAE IV.
