The research stations are the operational platforms essential for conducting long-term research, equipped as they are with continually changing and developing instrumentation facilities. Ensuring the permanence of these bases and the continuity of scientific activity demands complex logistical systems adapted to the remote situations and extremely challenging conditions prevailing in these regions.
In the south: Antarctic
Adelie Land,in the coastal zone
Dumont d’Urville Station and annex station of Cap Prud’homme
Dome C, on the Antarctic plateau
Concordia Station, Franco-Italian
The convoy connects the two stations to ensure the supply of Concordia.
In the South Indian Ocean: the French Subantarctic islands
Amsterdam Island
Martin de Viviès Station
Possession Island,Crozet Islands
Alfred Faure Station
Kerguelen Island
Port au Français Station
The French Subantarctic islands are located at the limit between the Indian and Southern Oceans. The TAAF administration manages these isles and the permanent bases established there, whereas IPEV is responsible for implementing the scientific programmes. The 5 stations are spread between the 37th parallel South (Amsterdam Island) and 75° South (Concordia Station). France is thus the only country to have research stations located on such a long gradient of latitude in the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic.
In the north, Arctic
Svalbard, Spitzbergen Island
Franco-German AWIPEV Station at Ny-Ålesund