• Aeronomy - This research focuses on stratospheric chemistry, aerosols and their depletion of the ozone layer. The study of the ozone layer is vital to the survival of all of earth’s eco-systems.
• Astrophysics - Astronomers love the Amudsen-Scott South Pole Station because the atmosphere above it is the thinnest in the world, allowing for extraordinary telescopic and infrared images.
• Biology - The McMurdo Dry Valleys are a region where life exists on the edge of its limits. On the coasts and below the ocean surface, ocean ecosystems teem with life that is rich and abundant, yet complex.
• Geology - Fossil evidence and the existence of coal strata indicates that the continent had a temperate climate and was part of and ancient and considerably larger land mass known as Gondwanaland. This is a fascinating study into the planet’s ancient tectonic plate movements.
• Glaciology - What better place to study glaciers than on a continent that has an ice sheet covering all but 2.4% of its 14 million square kilometers!
• Meteorology - Antarctic stations help in weather forecasting in the southern hemisphere and beyond by collecting daily meteorological observations and broadcasting them to surrounding countries.
• Oceanography - The Antarctic Convergence divides the frigid southern water from the warmer northern waters, creating the world’s largest current. This current flows eastward at an average speed of half a knot. Sea ice forms outward up to 1500 kilometers from the continent every winter. Oceanographic studies focus on these two interrelated phenomena. A complete knowledge of Earth’s climate patterns and marine ecosystems depend on this research.
• Climatology - Climatologists are exploring past climates by examining core samples from deep within the ice sheets. They also monitor and research the current climate, attempting to better understand how Antarctica affects the global climate system.

Presently, there are 16 major active research stations on the continent managed and operated by 8 different countries. They are located around the entire continent with one station even being at the exact south pole. Here are the stations: