The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has two Marine Scientists (Marc De Vos and Carla Ramjukadh) onboard the S.A. Agulhas II, during the Endurance 22 Expedition. They are responsible for weather forecasts and meteorological data requirements from the various groups onboard the vessel.
“The SA Agulhas II vessel is able to accurately measure atmospheric parameters throughout the Endurance22 expedition. These measurements are supplemented with visual observations (such as weather, clouds, and sea-ice) done manually by the onboard meteorologist, giving a more complete picture of current weather conditions.” (www.endurance 22.org)
Read more about the responsibilities of SAWS onboard this cruise – Click here.
Also, check out the video below – Interview with Marc De Vos and Carla Ramjukadh. These live interviews give an insight into what is currently happening onboard the vessel. Schools all over the world are able to register and take part in live interaction with the various science and other groups onboard. Read more here.
The SAWS team will also contribute to the ARGO research programme, which involves collecting and sharing data from inside the ocean by deploying technologically advanced buoys.
For more information on the role of SAWS (and the various instruments that are used during this cruise) and how schools in South Africa are impacted and involved in scientific cruises, check out the video below: Interview with Dr. Tamaryn Morris, a physical oceanographer and Senior Manager for Marine (South African Weather Service), and Thomas Mtontsi, the Science Engagement Officer at the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON).
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 16 February 2022
On the 23rd March 2021, we celebrate World Meteorological Day around the globe. This day has great significance and value, as it highlights the critical balance and interaction between mankind and the earth’s atmosphere. The 23rd March also commemorates the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950 and each year a new theme or slogan is released. This year the theme for 2021 is “The ocean, our climate and weather.” This theme highlights the interconnected relationship between the atmosphere, ocean and climate. The ocean covers approximately 70% of the globe and thus plays a vital role in the climate change and supports life on earth. Therefore it is essential that continuous research is conducted to monitor the relationship between the ocean and atmosphere and subsequent changes experienced. This year’s theme celebrates the WMO’s focus on connecting the ocean, climate and weather within the Earth System.
The South African Antarctic Programme (SANAP) and South African Weather Services (SAWS) plays an integral role in monitoring the southern climate. Overwintering meteorologists, assistants and technicians are stationed at all three South African research bases namely, Marion Island, Gough Island and SANAE Base. These teams are tasked with the following duties which are performed throughout the year:
Execute and co-ordinate surface meteorological and atmospheric research projects as sanctioned by the Marine Section of SAWS.
Co-ordinate shift management of the meteorological team.
Perform daily meteorological observations and release of weather balloons.
Maintenance and appropriate calibration/validation of all observational equipment.
Conduct quality control of data, report writing and asset control.
The current overwintering meteorologists in the field are:
Marion Island Base:
(l-r) Nkoane Mathabata (Senir Meteorologist) – Siya Ngcobo and Collen Maphaha (assitant meteorologists)
It is also important to note that weather observations are collected by SAWS ship based personnel during expeditions aboard the SA Agulhas II. The real-time data collected is used for a myriad of operations on board and aids in decision making for safe ship operations and passage. This data is also archived by SAWS and used in weather models which improves forecasting abilities and provides insight to the dynamic relationship between atmosphere and ocean.
Fun Fact:
Panoramic photo of Vostok Station. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vostok_Station)
At a Russian Base named Vostok Station, the coldest air temperature in history was recorded in July 1983. The air temperature recorded was – 89ºC.
See webinar to attend on World Meteorology Day 2021
Cover Image: South Thule Island, photographed by Tahlia Henry
Today on International Women’s Day we are celebrating all those women involved within the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP). International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March of each year. 2021 Theme: “IWD 2021 campaign theme: #ChooseToChallenge; A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we are all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively we can help create an inclusive world. From challenge comes change, so let’s all choose to challenge.”
Within SANAP, women take on many roles. Throughout SANAP we find women in leadership positions which we celebrate; the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Minister Babara Creecy, the Director at Knowledge Advancement and Support (KAS) of the National Research Foundation Tracy Klarenbeek, Deputy Directors Kusi Ngxabani and Chuma Phamoli. (Above l-r: Min Creecy, Tracy Klarenbeek, ChumaPhamoli, Kusi Ngxabani)
International Antarctic Day is celebrated on the 1st December. On this day in 1959 the Antarctic Treaty was signed and South Africa was one of the original 12 treaty countries. Since 1959 South Africa has been part of this treaty and we have a presence on the continent with our overwintering teams at our station. 10% of our planet is set aside to “forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes in the interest of mankind”.
In celebration we share this incredible footage taken by Eduan Teich of Ultimate Heli during the 2019/2020 takeover at SANAE IV. This silent footage will enhance the feeling of setting foot on this remote continent.
During September, the Department of Environment Forestry and Fisheries(DEFF) approved an International wildlife documentary series to be filmed on Marion Island. The film crew (Plimsoll Productions) together with scientists from South Africa left for Marion Island.
The Marion Overwintering team organised a Boot Throw Competition and a farewell for the Plimsoll Productions film crew John and Joe.
Everyone will be looking forward to this documentary as it will show film makers and scientists collaborate to ensure the continuation of important research projects on Marion Island. There are significant, globally valued long-term science and conservation projects on Marion Island that were interrupted by the COVID19 pandemic and both parties viewed this as an opportunity for collaboration. Read the media release on the SANAP website
Department of Environment Forestry and Fisheries Media Release: International wildlife documentary series to be filmed on Marion Island – 16 September 2020
Following a rigorous approval process that involved key stakeholders, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) has approved a proposal by the United Kingdom (UK) based film and production company, Plimsoll Productions, to film a wildlife documentary series on Marion Island.
The approval will see film makers and scientists collaborate to ensure the continuation of important research projects on Marion Island. There are significant, globally valued long-term science and conservation projects on Marion Island that were interrupted by the COVID19 pandemic and both parties viewed this as an opportunity for collaboration.
The agreement with Plimsoll Production includes the charter of a private vessel at their own cost, with an offer to transport 7 members of the M77 over-wintering team to the island, in September 2020. This would allow for the mitigation of the impact of Covid-19 on science activities by enabling filmmakers and scientists to combine efforts to enable the continuation of field science programmes on Marion Island, as well as filming incredible natural behaviour. Some of these scientific datasets on Marion Island are nearing 40 years of uninterrupted observations.
In consultation with the Department of Science and Innovation, there was a thorough analysis of the proposed activities and a permit with very strict conditions has been issued. To monitor compliance with the permit conditions, a departmental official will accompany the film crew to ensure that they observe the necessary regulations and protocols. The proposal also went through an extremely rigorous interrogation by the Prince Edward Island Advisory Committee (PEIAC). The PEIAC was established in compliance with the Prince Edward Island Management Plan to ensure that the pristine nature of the Prince Edward Island is maintained and all activities are controlled and in compliance with the Management Plan.
In keeping with the COVID-19 prescripts and regulations, the entire team will adhere to a strict working COVID protocol. For the trip to Marion Island, the charter vessel will be de-contaminated prior to departure. A full inspection will be conducted on the vessel by DEFF to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The entire filming team, scientists and vessel crew will all be quarantined and COVID-19 tested in the lead up to departure. All participants on the expedition will undergo full medical examinations prescribed for visitors to the Antarctic or Sub-Antarctic.
The expedition will depart from Cape Town to Marion Island in mid-September.
This year the theme for 
The South African Antarctic Programme (SANAP) and 
(l-r) Zinhle Shongwe (Senior Meteorologist), Dylan Seaton (Assistant Meteoroglist) and Asavela Somaxaka (Meteorological Technician).
Gerard (Boy) Oppel (Senior Meteorologist)
It is also important to note that 
See 
Today on International Women’s Day we are celebrating all those women involved within the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP). 
Within SANAP, women take on many roles. Throughout SANAP we find women in leadership positions which we celebrate; the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Minister Babara Creecy, the Director at Knowledge Advancement and Support (KAS) of the National Research Foundation Tracy Klarenbeek, Deputy Directors 
In the science environment there are many Principal Investigators and the chair for the 
The Marion Overwintering team organised a Boot Throw Competition and a farewell for the Plimsoll Productions film crew John and Joe.
Everyone will be looking forward to this documentary as it will show film makers and scientists collaborate to ensure the continuation of important research projects on Marion Island. There are significant, globally valued long-term science and conservation projects on Marion Island that were interrupted by the COVID19 pandemic and both parties viewed this as an opportunity for collaboration. Read the media release on the 
Department of Environment Forestry and Fisheries Media Release: International wildlife documentary series to be filmed on Marion Island – 16 September 2020
Following a rigorous approval process that involved key stakeholders, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) has approved a proposal by the United Kingdom (UK) based film and production company, Plimsoll Productions, to film a wildlife documentary series on Marion Island.
