Quick profile: Designated to manage multiple activities and protect the South Pole environment

Extends 150 km from the geographic South Pole

Covers an area of 26,344 km 2

Three Zones: Scientific, Operations and Restricted

Four sectors in Scientific Zone: Clean Air, Quiet, Downwind and Dark

Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station accommodates up to 170 personnel in summer

The Antarctic Treaty Parties designated the region around the South Pole as Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA) No. 5 in 2007 in order to maximize the valuable scientific opportunities at the Pole, protect the near-pristine environment, and ensure that all activities can be conducted safely, environmentally responsibly and without disruption to scientific programs. The Management Plan was comprehensively revised in 2017.

This website provides information about the management measures that have been agreed to help coordinate activities and protect the important values of the South Pole.

Download the fully revised 2017 South Pole ASMA Management Plan and maps from the Antarctic Treaty System website (Adobe PDF opens in a new window).

See the South Pole in almost real time on the South Pole Live Webcam (updated every 15 minutes)