During the six-month "day", the angle of elevation of the Sun above the horizon varies continuously. The sun rises on the September equinox, reaches its maximum angle above the horizon on the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, around December 20, and sets on the March equinox.

During the six-month "night", it gets extremely cold at the South Pole, with air temperatures sometimes dropping below −73 °C (−99 °F). This is also the time of the year when blizzards, sometimes with gale-force winds, strike the Amundsen–Scott Station. The continuous period of darkness and dry atmosphere make the station an excellent place from which to make astronomical observations, although the moon is up for two weeks of every 27.3 days.

The number of scientific researchers and members of the support staff housed at the Amundsen–Scott Station has always varied seasonally, with a peak population of about 200 in the summer operational season from October to February. In recent years the winter-time population has been around 50 people.

As a result, the cost to complete the building rose to $154.7 million, or more than three times the original estimated cost. Similarly, although the headquarters building is now essentially complete, it took almost 5 years longer to complete than originally anticipated. The Combined Security Transition Command–Afghanistan (CSTC-A) transferred the building to the MOD on December 28, 2015. As of January 7, 2016 the building was not fully occupied.

On April 30, 2015, AFCEC transferred the MOD headquarters building to CSTC-A. The transfer document listed three deficiencies, including the need to install a firerated glass entry door. An AFCEC official told us that all three deficiencies have since been corrected. During our six inspection visits to the MOD headquarters building, we examined the roof drainage system, seismic separation joints, exterior walls and stairwells, plumbing fixtures and mechanical equipment, auditorium seats and platform stage, electrical and water systems, windows, doors, and ceiling panels, as well as fire suppression pumps, fire alarms, and communications lines. We found other deficiencies not identified by AFCEC that could affect the building’s structural integrity during an earthquake or prolonged periods of rain. These include issues with building separation joints needed for seismic activity, lateral bracing of equipment needed for seismic activity, inadequate roof drains to remove storm water, and stairway handrails that were installed below the required height.

READ FULL DOCUMENTS RELEASED BY: Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction ⇒