The Most Popular City in Antarctica: Ranking the Antarctic Urban Centers

Choose the city you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Nov 26, 2023 07:25)
Step right into the icy realm of Antarctica and explore its enigmatic cities with StrawPoll's latest and most thrilling ranking - "What is the most popular city in Antarctica?" We invite you to embark on this frosty adventure and cast your vote for your favorite icy metropolis, or even suggest a hidden gem we may have missed. With thousands of vivacious voters and a myriad of frosty cities to choose from, this frost-biting poll promises exhilarating excitement and nail-biting anticipation. Unveil the secrets of the coolest continent and let your voice be heard in this chilling contest of polar popularity. Join the frosty fun and let the icy winds of Antarctica guide you to the most popular city on the iciest edge of the world!

What Is the Most Popular City in Antarctica?

  1. 1
    85
    votes
    McMurdo Station
    Gaelen Marsden · CC BY-SA 3.0
    McMurdo Station - the largest research station in Antarctica, operated by the United States. It is the logistics hub and main research base for the US Antarctic Program.
    Description
    McMurdo Station is the most populous research station in Antarctica. It is a United States Antarctic Program (USAP) facility located on the southern tip of Ross Island, near the McMurdo Sound.
    • Location: Ross Island, Antarctica
    • Population: Up to 1,200 people during the summer season
    • Size: About 225.41 hectares (570 acres)
    • Climate: Extreme cold with temperatures ranging from -30°C to -10°C (-22°F to 14°F)
    • Altitude: About 24 meters (80 feet) above sea level
    McMurdo Station in other rankings
  2. 2
    34
    votes
    Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is a US research station located at the southernmost point on Earth. It is known for its iconic geographic location and unique research opportunities.
    Description
    The Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is a scientific research station located at the geographic South Pole in Antarctica. It serves as a hub for a wide range of scientific research programs and provides logistical support for various expeditions and missions in the region.
    • Elevation: 2,835 meters (9,301 feet)
    • Operating Since: 1956
    • Design Capacity: 150 people
    • Winter Population: 50-60 people
    • Summer Population: up to 200 people
  3. 3
    24
    votes
    Davis Station
    Graham Denyer · CC BY-SA 2.5

    Davis Station

    Australian Antarctic Division
    Davis Station is an Australian research station located on the coast of East Antarctica. It is used for a variety of scientific research projects, including climate change and marine biology.
    Description
    Davis Station is a research facility located in East Antarctica. It is one of the three year-round Australian research stations in Antarctica and is primarily used for scientific research and monitoring of the surrounding environment.
    • Location: Prydz Bay, East Antarctica
    • Latitude: 68° 34' 40" S
    • Longitude: 77° 58' 47" E
    • Established: 1957
    • Operational Months: Year-round with reduced staff and activities during the winter (February to November)
    Davis Station in other rankings
  4. 4
    18
    votes
    Palmer Station is a US research station located on the Antarctic Peninsula. It is known for its research on marine biology and ecology, as well as its stunning location.
    Description
    Palmer Station is a research station located on Anvers Island in the Antarctic Peninsula. It is one of the three United States Antarctic Program stations operational during the summer months, serving as a base for scientific research and environmental monitoring in the region. The station consists of a collection of buildings and facilities designed to support research activities and provide living quarters for personnel.
    • Location: Anvers Island, Antarctic Peninsula
    • Operational Months: Summer
    • Research Focus: Scientific research and environmental monitoring
    • Buildings: Multiple buildings and facilities
    • Living Quarters: Provided for personnel
    Palmer Station in other rankings
  5. 5
    10
    votes
    Scott Base
    David Saul · Public domain
    Scott Base is a New Zealand research station located near McMurdo Station. It is used for a variety of research projects, including glaciology and seismology.
    Description
    Scott Base is a scientific research facility located on Ross Island in Antarctica. It serves as the main base for New Zealand's Antarctic program and is one of the most popular and well-known research stations in the region.
    • Location: Ross Island, Antarctica
    • Latitude: 77°51′S
    • Longitude: 166°45′E
    • Established: January 20, 1957
    • Operated by: Antarctica New Zealand
  6. 6
    17
    votes

    Casey Station

    Australian Antarctic Division
    Casey Station is an Australian research station located on the coast of East Antarctica. It is used for a variety of research projects, including meteorology and geology.
    Description
    Casey Station is a year-round research and logistics facility located in East Antarctica. It is one of the Australian Antarctic Division's three permanent research stations. The station was established in February 1969 and has since served as a base for conducting various scientific studies on climate change, meteorology, glaciology, and biology in the region.
    • Location: Vestfold Hills, East Antarctica
    • Operational Since: February 1969
    • Type: Year-round research and logistics facility
    • Research Focus: Climate change, meteorology, glaciology, biology
    • Capacity: Up to 120 personnel
  7. 7
    1
    votes
    Mawson Station is an Australian research station located on the coast of East Antarctica. It is used for a variety of research projects, including atmospheric physics and glaciology.
    Description
    Mawson Station is a renowned scientific research facility located in East Antarctica. It is one of the four permanent research stations operated by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) and is known for its remote and isolated setting.
    • Location: Mac Robertson Land, East Antarctica
    • Latitude: 67°36′S
    • Longitude: 62°52′E
    • Elevation: 10 meters (33 feet) above sea level
    • Capacity: Temporary accommodation for up to 200 people in summer and about 60 people in winter
  8. 8
    10
    votes
    Rothera Research Station
    User Dconnor9 · CC BY-SA 2.5

    Rothera Research Station

    British Antarctic Survey (BAS)
    Rothera Research Station is a UK research station located on the Antarctic Peninsula. It is known for its research on climate change and the environment, as well as its stunning location.
    Description
    The Rothera Research Station is a British Antarctic research facility located on the Antarctic Peninsula. It serves as a base for scientific and logistical operations in Antarctica. The station is situated on Rothera Point, Adelaide Island, and overlooks Marguerite Bay. It was established in 1975 and has since become a key center for research activities in the region.
    • Location: Adelaide Island, Antarctic Peninsula
    • Year Established: 1975
    • Operated By: British Antarctic Survey (BAS)
    • Research Focus: Climate change, Glaciology, Biology, Geology
    • Access: By air or sea via the Rothera Wharf
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    Zhongshan Station
    Hannes Grobe, Alfred Wegener Institute · CC BY-SA 2.5
    Zhongshan Station is a Chinese research station located on the Larsemann Hills of East Antarctica. It is used for a variety of research projects, including geology and atmospheric science.
    Description
    Zhongshan Station is a research facility situated in Antarctica. It is one of China's three Antarctic research stations and is named after Sun Yat-sen, also known as Zhongshan, who was a revolutionary leader and the founding father of the Republic of China. The station was established on February 26, 1989, and has since played a vital role in conducting scientific research and exploration in the region.
    • Location: Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica
    • Latitude: 69°22′S
    • Longitude: 76°22′E
    • Elevation: 26 meters (85 feet) above sea level
    • Capacity: Around 60 residents
  10. 10
    1
    votes
    Vostok Station is a Russian research station located near the center of East Antarctica. It is known for its research on climate and the environment, as well as its unique location near Lake Vostok.
    Description
    The Vostok Station is a Russian research station located in East Antarctica. It is one of the most isolated and extreme research stations in the world, situated in an inhospitable area known for its severe climate conditions. The station was primarily established to study the unique subglacial lake called Lake Vostok.
    • Location: East Antarctica
    • Latitude: 78.4649° S
    • Longitude: 106.8344° E
    • Elevation: 3,488 meters (11,444 ft)
    • Climate: Extremely cold with average temperatures around -55°C (-67°F)
    Vostok Station in other rankings

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Ranking factors for popular city

  1. Population
    The number of people living in the city or research station. Antarctica does not have any permanent residents, and its population is made up of scientists and support staff who work there temporarily.
  2. Scientific research facilities
    The number, size, and quality of research stations in the city contribute to its popularity, as Antarctica's primary purpose is for scientific research.
  3. National representation
    The number of countries represented in the city or research station can play a role in popularity. More international cooperation can contribute to a more popular city.
  4. Accessibility and logistics
    The ease of access and availability of transportation and supply routes to the city can be an important factor. Cities with functional airports, seaports, or other transportation infrastructure will be more popular.
  5. Connectivity
    Access to communication systems, such as internet and satellite technology, is essential for operations in Antarctica. Cities with better connectivity will be more popular.
  6. Comfort and amenities
    The living conditions, such as accommodation facilities, food services, and recreational options, will impact the popularity of a city in Antarctica.
  7. Duration of operations
    Some research stations and cities in Antarctica are open year-round, while others are only open during the summer months. Cities with longer operational periods may be more popular.
  8. Environmental impact
    As Antarctica is a protected environment and highly susceptible to environmental changes, cities that take measures to minimize their environmental footprint may be more popular.
  9. Safety and medical facilities
    Cities with well-equipped medical facilities and emergency response teams will be more popular, as safety is a significant concern in the harsh Antarctic environment.
  10. Historic significance
    Some cities in Antarctica carry historic significance or are associated with famous exploration missions. This can increase their popularity and attract more visitors.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular city in Antarctica. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or city is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2115 views
  • 206 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each city once every 24 hours. The rank of each city is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular city in antarctica

Antarctica is a continent known for its harsh and icy conditions, but did you know that it is also home to a few research stations and settlements? These stations are inhabited by scientists and researchers who brave the extreme conditions to study the continent's unique ecosystem and climate. As there are no permanent residents in Antarctica, the most popular city in the continent is determined by the number of people residing in the research stations. The largest research station in Antarctica is McMurdo Station, located on the southern tip of Ross Island. It is home to approximately 1,000 people during the summer season and about 200 during the winter months. Other research stations in Antarctica include Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, Palmer Station, and Rothera Research Station. Despite the harsh conditions, these research stations have become popular destinations for scientists and researchers from all over the world.

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