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The
first investigations in Antarctica were those of geography
and elemental meteorology--the mapping of the continent and
determination of its weather patterns and movement of the
ice pack, problems that had to be reckoned with in furthering
exploration. Then came the geologists who sought information
on the rock types and structures in efforts to relate this
landmass to other continents in the Southern Hemisphere. As
more discoveries were made--of fish, mammals, and birds inhabiting
the southern seas and coastal areas--biologists and zoologists
were added to expeditions, and eventually virtually all scientific
disciplines of today have their specialists in the field in
the farthest outposts of Antarctica. For the most part, scientific
research now falls among the following disciplines: geology,
glaciology, oceanography, astronomy, meteorology, atmospheric
sciences, biology, and medical science. Among the more interesting
studies have been those covering the ongoing volcanic and
seismic activity at Mount Erebus, and the locations and characteristics
of meteorite fragments being found in various parts of the
continent.
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 Aeronomy:
The polar regions have been called Earth's
window to outer space. With the discovery of polar stratospheric
ozone depletions, a window previously thought "closed" (the
ultraviolet window) is now known to "open" in certain seasons.
Current research focuses on stratospheric chemistry, aerosols,
and the vital role played by ozone.
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Astrophysics:
Antarctica is an astronomer's dream come
true. The Amudsen-Scott South Pole Station is arguably one
of the best places on earth to study the stars. Observers
there take advantage of the unique characteristics of the
South Pole to study the evolution and structure of the Universe.
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Biology:
Conditions on the frozen Antarctic surface
are so harsh that few life forms survive year-round above
the ice. Of particular interest to biologists, the McMurdo
Dry Valleys represent a region where life approaches its
environmental limits. While below the surface and along
the coast, ocean ecosystems teem with life that is rich,
complex, and abundant.
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Geology:
Much of the story of Antarctica is written
beneath the ice, in the rocks that make up about 9 percent
of Earth's continental crust. Geologic evidence indicates
that at one time the continent had a temperate climate and
was part of an ancient, considerably larger land mass, known
as Gondwanaland .
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Glaciology:
An ice sheet covers all but
2.4 per cent of Antarctica's 14 million square kilometers.
This ice contains 70 percent of all the world's fresh water.
In order to predict the ice sheet's future behavior and
its effect on global climate, glaciologists must have a
thorough understanding of its history, current state, internal
dynamics.
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Meteorology:
The weather systems that constantly circle
Antarctica drive storms across the Southern Ocean and beyond,
while the seasonal formation and melting of sea ice has
an important effect on the world's weather. Antarctic stations
collect daily meteorological observations and broadcast
them to surrounding countries to help in weather forecasting.
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Oceanography:
The Antarctic Convergence divides the cold
southern water masses from the warmer northern waters, creating
the world's largest current flowing at an average speed
of half a knot eastward around the continent. In addition,
sea ice forms outward up to 1500 kilometers from the continent
every winter. Oceanographic studies focus on these two interrelated
phenomena and their effects on both marine ecosystems and
Earth's climate patterns. |
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