Port-aux-Français


Port-aux-Français is the capital settlement of the Kerguelen Islands, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, in the south Indian Ocean. The port station is located on the Gulf of Morbihan. The station has about 45 inhabitants in winter; the population can rise to more than 120 in summer. It is the nearest landfall to the majority of the mainland United States of America in an antipode world map.

Research station

The station was selected in 1949 by the chief of mission Pierre Sicaud because of its sheltered position which was suitable for a runway that was never built. From 1955 to 1957, and using Australian equipment, a French slaughterhouse company called Sidap constructed a sealing factory. The factory opened following the first marriage on the islands, that of Marc Pechenart and Martine Raulin on 16 December 1957. The factory closed in 1960, and the equipment was sent to Réunion in 2005. The station has about 45 inhabitants in winter; the population can rise to more than 120 in summer.
Port-aux-Français has a shallow seaport and a quay for unloading supply ships, including the Marion Dufresne. The station, in addition to logistics necessary to its operation, consists of scientific laboratories, technical installations, a cinema and a small medical centre.

Tidal gauges

The base of Port-aux-Français is equipped with a recently installed marigraphic station, having 3 measuring devices:
The two marigraphs and the radar send data to a local server, which relays them hourly to the Internet via the Argos satellite system.

Climate

Port-aux-Français has an ocean moderated . Temperatures tend to remain fairly stable throughout the year, rarely reaching over or falling below. The average temperature in February, the warmest month, is with a maximum of during the day and during the night. In winter, August and July are the coldest months, averaging during the day and at night.
Snowfall is possible in all months, though more common in winter. The climate is windier than in most places, with a recorded gust of.
The lowest recorded temperature was on 11 August 2014, which beats the old record of set in June 1953.
The highest temperature was on 30 January 1959.