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Argentine Antarctica map since 1950 at today, the Orcadas base are
from
1904.
Argentine Antarctica (Spanish:
Antártida Argentina)
is a sector of Antarctica claimed by Argentina as part of its national
territory. The Argentine Antarctic region, consisting of the Antarctic
Peninsula and a triangular section extending to the South Pole, is delimited
by the 25°
West and 74° West meridians and the 60°
South parallel.[1]
Administratively, Argentine Antarctica is a department of the province of Tierra del Fuego,
Antarctica, and South Atlantic Islands. The provincial
authorities reside in Ushuaia and the Governor annually designates
his or her delegate for the Antarctica region. The "civil power" of
any of the administrators extends no further than that nation's own
bases. The Argentine exploration to the continent started early in
the 20th century. José María Sobral was the first
Argentine to set foot on Antarctica in 1901, where he spent 2
seasons with the Swedish Antarctic
Expedition of Doctor Otto Nordenskiöld. Shortly
afterwards, in 1904, the Orcadas permanent base was already fully
operational. Years later other bases would be created, some
permanent and others seasonal. The first Argentine expedition to
reach the South Pole
was the 1965 Operación 90.
Argentine
bases
Esperanza
and Marambio are
the biggest Argentine bases, holding together 70 buildings, an
average of 110 people during the winter, and over a maximum of 250
during the summer. Orcadas Base, located at the South
Orkney Islands off of the Antarctic mainland (see map, right),
was the world's first base in the Antarctic region, operating
continuously since 1903. The southernmost Argentine permanent base
is Belgrano II, at over 77 degrees
south. The southernmost summer base is Sobral, at 1,450 km
(901 mi) from Belgrano II.
The bases are supplied by the ships: Puerto Deseado,
Suboficial Castillo, and Almirante Irizar, and
by C-130
Hercules and DHC-6 Twin Otter
aircraft.
Watercraft in Hope Bay, Antarctica.
Argentine bases on the Antarctica (permanent bases in red).
The Icebreaker
Almirante Irizar, the principal supply line
for Argentine bases in Antactica since 1978.
Permanent
Seasonal
Camps and
other
(64 in all)
Argentine
claim
Caterpillar tractor from the first Argentine expedition that
reached the South Pole (1965)
Argentina with all the territory claims
According to historical claims, the Argentine presence in the
section began during the first decade of the 20th century; though
some even affirm that it took place by the end of the previous
century. However, navigators from other countries claimed the
discovery of Antarctica for themselves. By the end of the 20th
century the aid lent by Argentina to foreign expeditions, in
particular that of Nordensöld, Gerlache and
Charcot, was properly appreciated. This included the assignment
of Argentine place names to Antarctic geographic features, such as
the Argentine Islands, Uruguay Islands, General Roca, Quintana, and
others.
In 1904 the permanent occupation began with the opening of Orcadas Base on Laurie Island just
off the Antarctic mainland. Argentina was the only nation to have
an Antarctic base for 40 years until the British built a base on the same
islands.
Argentina bases its claims on this sector of Antarctica on the
following grounds:
- The Antarctic peninsula is geologically and geographically part
of the Andes.
- Argentina has maintained a permanent occupation for more than a
century, and controls the oldest base in Antarctica (Orcadas
Station on Laurie Island).
- Argentina conducts many rescue missions in Antarctica.
- Argentina has constructed lighthouses and other navigational
aids in Antarctica.
- Argentina constructed Antarctica's first airport in 1969
- Argentines form more of Antarctica's peninsula's population
than nationals of any other country.
- The first Antarctican was born in Esperanza Base (Hope Base), namely Emilio Palma.
- Argentina has sent more people to Antarctica than all the other
countries together.
Argentina's claim to the Antarctic Peninsula overlaps with
the Antarctic claims of Chile,
53°W
to 90°W, and the UK claims, 20°W to
80°W,
and is not recognized by most other countries. See List of Antarctic territorial claims.
Currently, there are no attempts by Argentina or any other
country to actually enforce territorial claims in Antarctica.
Demographics
In 1978, the first Antarctic baby was born in the Fortín
Sargento Cabral at the Esperanza Base under the name Emilio Palma. In 1991
there were 142 "permanent residents" including 19 minors.
"Residents" are families that live in Antarctica or scientists that
have lived for more than two years. They were 121 men and 21 women
that lived mostly in the colony of Esperanza and other bases. As of
1998-1999, Argentine Antarctica had a winter population of 165.
See also
References
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links
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