On 5 September 2024, South Africa’s polar research vessel, the SA Agulhas II, departed from the V&A Waterfront, carrying the Gough 70 Relief team and vital cargo to Gough Island. This mission is essential for climate research and weather monitoring, offering scientists the opportunity to gather critical data that could affect South Africa’s coastline.
Gough Island’s Vital Role in Global Climate Monitoring
Gough Island, a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic, rises over 900 meters above sea level and spans 91 km². It hosts one of the world’s most crucial weather observation stations, operated by the South African Weather Service since 1956. This station is one of only three key weather stations globally, contributing significantly to climate research by monitoring atmospheric and oceanic conditions. The data collected here is instrumental in tracking climate change impacts, fluctuations, and the effects of severe weather events on South Africa’s coastline.
A Critical Mission for Climate Research
Ashley Johnson, acting chief director for research and specialised monitoring services at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), emphasized the significance of this mission. “Critical measurements are made to determine severe weather patterns likely to hit South Africa,” he explained. The research conducted on Gough Island is essential in forecasting extreme weather events and understanding the broader impacts of climate change.
The Gough 70 Relief Team
The Gough 70 team, consisting of around ten specialists, including scientists, diesel mechanics, and medical staff, will spend 13 months on the island. They will maintain the weather station and continue gathering important climate data. Senior methodologist and operation leader Thendo Sikhwari, excited to return to the island after four years, will lead this crucial mission.
Link to Recent Extreme Weather
The importance of Gough Island’s weather station has been highlighted by recent weather events, such as the record-breaking rainfall in the Western Cape in July 2024. The station’s data is crucial for understanding how such extreme weather patterns, driven by climate change, are becoming more frequent.
Advancing Global Climate Research
The SA Agulhas II’s mission to Gough Island reinforces South Africa’s contribution to global climate research. The data collected by the Gough 70 team will provide valuable insights into the planet’s changing climate and help forecast severe weather, ultimately aiding in efforts to protect South Africa’s coastline.
