Australian Antarctic Territory

The Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT) is a part of East Antarctica that Australia claims as its own external territory. It is the largest area of Antarctica that any country claims. This land was given to Australia by the United Kingdom in 1933.

Australia helped create the 1959 Antarctic Treaty. This treaty puts all ideas about who owns what in Antarctica on hold. Only a few countries agree with Australia’s claim: New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, and Norway.

The Australian Antarctic Territory is cared for by the Australian Antarctic Division. This group works for the government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Australia has three places where scientists live and work all year: Mawson Station, Davis Station, and Casey Station. There are no people living there permanently. During the summer, about 500 people work there, and in the winter, only about 80 people stay. All of them work for the Australian Antarctic Program.

History

Australia played a big role in early trips to Antarctica in the 1800s. Australians went on important journeys, like the Southern Cross in 1898 and the Discovery in 1901. In 1911, Australia helped fund an expedition led by geologist Douglas Mawson.

In 1933, the United Kingdom gave Australia control of part of Antarctica. Australia made this land official with a special law that same year. Australia set up its first research base, Mawson Station, in 1954. Later, more stations were added. In 1959, Australia helped create the Antarctic Treaty to protect the area for science and peace.

Geography and climate

The Australian Antarctic Territory is south of the 60th parallel south, between the 160th meridian east and 45th meridian east. It does not include France's Adélie Land, which lies between the 136th and 142nd meridian east. This territory covers about 5,900,000 km² (2,300,000 sq mi), which is 42% of Antarctica's land. The highest mountains here are Mount McClintock, which rises 3,490 m (11,450 ft), and Mount Menzies, standing at 3,355 m (11,007 ft).

The climate in this area is very cold and windy. Near the coast, temperatures can range from −40 °C (−40 °F) up to 10 °C (50 °F). Further inland, it gets even colder, with temperatures between −80 °C (−112 °F) and −30 °C (−22 °F). Winds can blow as fast as 320 kilometres per hour.

Administration

The Australian Antarctic Territory is managed by the Australian Antarctic Division, part of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Australia has three main research stations there: Mawson Station, Davis Station, and Casey Station. In 2007, Australia built a permanent runway called the Wilkins Aerodrome, which operates from October to March. There are also smaller bases used during the summer for research and monitoring. Around 500 people work in the territory during the summer, but this number drops to about 80 in the winter.

The territory follows several laws. These laws help protect the environment and follow international agreements, like the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. Australia also sets rules for tourism to keep it eco-friendly and responsible. In 2023–2024, about 120,000 tourists visited Antarctica, with many landing on the Antarctic Peninsula. Australia makes rules for where and how tourists can visit.

Sovereignty

The 1961 Antarctic Treaty stopped any new claims to parts of Antarctica. Only a few countries recognize Australia’s claim to the Australian Antarctic Territory: Norway, New Zealand, France, and the United Kingdom. Australia supports the Antarctic Treaty System and works to protect its interests in Antarctica. Australia also helps stop illegal fishing near its claimed area.