Shmidt Subglacial Basin
Plateau Large Antarctic subglacial basin beneath East Antarctic ice
A subglacial basin beneath East Antarctica ice near 106°E. Access is limited to scientific expeditions studying ice dynamics, subglacial geology and climate records.
The Shmidt Subglacial Basin is a geographic depression located beneath the Antarctic ice sheet at roughly 72 degrees south, 106 degrees east. As a subglacial basin it exists under thick ice and is identified and studied through geophysical methods such as ice-penetrating radar and seismic surveys.
Such basins influence ice flow and sub-ice hydrology and are of interest to glaciologists and geophysicists studying Antarctic ice dynamics. The feature is not directly accessible on the surface and is known from scientific mapping efforts.
Geographically the basin lies in East Antarctica beneath inland ice; detailed surface access is not possible and studies of the basin rely on remote sensing and field surveys conducted by Antarctic research programs.
- Mapped beneath the ice: Subglacial basins such as this are mapped by airborne and ground-based geophysical surveys because the feature lies entirely beneath the Antarctic ice sheet.
How to Get to Shmidt Subglacial Basin #
There is no tourist access. The Shmidt Subglacial Basin is reached only by organized scientific programs operating in East Antarctica-typically via long-range aircraft from research stations (e.g., Progress, Davis) or from ice-cap flights staged from coastal logistics hubs. International researchers travel through national Antarctic programs (e.g., Russian, Australian) and require formal project approval and permits under the Antarctic Treaty System.
Tips for Visiting Shmidt Subglacial Basin #
- This is not a place to visit independently-arrivals require an Antarctic research expedition or flight agreement.
- If tracking glaciological data, bring a GPS with altimeter and an Iridium satellite phone-there is no local infrastructure.
- Respect Antarctic Treaty protocols: no disturbance of terrain, strict biosecurity measures on boots and equipment.
Best Time to Visit Shmidt Subglacial Basin #
Access is only possible as part of scientific expeditions or specialized polar voyages; conditions are extreme year-round, with the austral summer offering the most feasible operational window.
Weather & Climate near Shmidt Subglacial Basin #
Shmidt Subglacial Basin's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in May). Temperatures range from -51°C to -19°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is freezing with highs of -19°C and lows of -30°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -24°C and lows of -36°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -34°C and lows of -43°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -41°C and lows of -48°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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May
May is the coldest month with highs of -44°C and lows of -51°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of -42°C and lows of -49°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.
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July
July is freezing with highs of -43°C and lows of -50°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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August
August is freezing with highs of -43°C and lows of -50°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -41°C and lows of -49°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -35°C and lows of -46°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -26°C and lows of -38°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -19°C and lows of -30°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.
