An Overview Of Scientific Antarctica

During December in Antarctica, a bright summer morning may see the temperature rise to 25 degrees below zero. However, the gale-forced winds that blow across this two-mile thick glacier bring a wind chill that could freeze any exposed flesh. By far, the South Pole is the harshest place on the planet, and possible on this side of outer space.

Probably the world's most forsaken, yet most important outpost to manage is the United States permanent station here. At one time only approved researchers and workers were permitted anywhere near the South Pole. However, now it is possible for wealthy tourists and adventurers to book carter flights to this ice-covered land.

All that can really be seen is white. There are no penguins closer than a thousand miles in any direction. However, there are people who long to visit the Pole just to have this rare experience and be able to say that they were that and that they did that.

Many of the scientists and officials who live and work at the South Pole do not like the idea of the outpost being used as an attraction. This is particularly true when they have to deal with diesel bulldozers and cranes working to develop the place. But uninvited visitors will frequently arrive throughout the research season. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to stop them.

Protection and research of Antarctica was the aim of the treaty signed by 43 nations, although none of them, or any other country, has ownership of this frozen continent the size of Mexico and the U.S. put together. There is not a day that goes by that the three large U.S. stations are not staffed. This include the eight months of winter where the Pole is completely pitch-dark. It is understood that anyone that makes it as far as 90 degrees south of latitude needs to be assisted, whether are invited guests or not.

It is important to understand that visits to this land are not promoted due to the fact that most visitors have very little knowledge about the region and fail to realize they are at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The thrill seekers flock to the icy spot nonetheless, and subsequently need assistance to deal with their dehydration, altitude sickness, and extreme cold.

In 1975, the sleeping accommodations were first opened in the dome, and they could house 33 males. Now the two hundred men and women at the Pole crowd into every bed that is available. At Summer Camp, manufactured homes made out of plywood, canvas and plastic adorn and dot down a portion of the glacier.

Fresh water is supplied in abundance at Summer Camp, so no one goes without. Showers and toilets that flush can be rarities, since it takes $12 a gallon to get the fuel to melt the ice with. Researchers and support staff share a bathroom which is located away from their homes. The trek to the bathroom can be an experience in itself.

Antarctica's first female visitors had to be escorted by the military. Today, at least a third of the summer staff are female, and they are treated as colleagues. The South Pole doesn't care if you are a man or a woman, it will treat you equally hard.

Research indicates that it takes three times as long to finish a basic task when people are working in extremely cold conditions. This is caused by the brain producing more hormones for physical activity (to warm the body) and decreasing the production of those required for problem solving. The conditions are even worse in the winter.

All support personnel, except for a few, will take the last airplane sometime in mid February, to winter somewhere warmer and far more hospitable. For six long months, the 28-man crew will stay behind for the winter. It will not be until October that the sun will once again make an appearance and the planes will return.

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