The SANAE IV Base: The SANAE (South African National Antarctic Expedition) IV Base is a research station situated on a nunatak at Vesleskarvet on the Ahlmann Ridge, 170km from the coast, on a windswept mountain top that pierces the surrounding ice sheet. The construction of this base commenced in 1991. SANAE IV base was built on stilts so that the wind can blow under the base and prevent a build-up of snow. Physical science, earth science, life sciences and oceanographic sciences are researched at this base.