Alfred-Faure

Alfred-Faure is a permanent French scientific station on Île de la Possession, one of the islands of the Subantarctic Crozet Archipelago in the South Indian Ocean. It is located at the eastern end of the island on a plateau 143 m a.s.l. Three huts are distributed in the field as support facilities for scientists. In 2006, all the islands of the archipelago were listed as natural reserve. Access to several sites of Ile de la Possession is consequently submitted to permits.

The research station was first established during the austral summer of 1963-64. It was continuously occupied since that time.

Possession Island is a small volcanic island, 150 km2 in area and culminating at 984 m a.s.l. The cold maritime climate is characterized by strong winds from W or NW, abundant rainfall (more than 2500 mm per year; it rains 300 days per year on average). Mean annual temperature is about 5°C, varying between -5°C and 15°C. Possession Island belongs to the Subantarctic biogeographical Province of the Southern Indian Ocean. Vegetation is dense below 250 m a.s.l. but sparse in altitude. Numerous sea birds breed on the coastal areas, as well as Elephant seals and fur seals. Several invertebrate species are endemic of the archipelago.

There is no permanent population on Possession Island and the number of staff and scientists vary from about 24 in winter, up to 45 in summer.

Access to Ile de la Possession is only by ship. There are no natural ports or airstrips. The Marion Dufresne is the supply vessel operated by TAAF. It visits Kerguelen Islands 4 times per year, in April, August, November and December. The helicopter on board allows unloading equipment and disembarking passengers. The movement within the archipelago is ordinarily walk.