Why
Scientists Love Antarctica
Remote, isolated, and frozen all year, Antarctica
is arguably the most untouched region on the planet. That makes
it one of the world's most important places 
to do scientific research. Humans didn't even catch a glimpse of
Antarctica until 225 years ago. And only in the last 70 years have
people begun to explore this vast polar desert in earnest. Today,
scientists come to the South Pole from around the world to study
climate, astrophysics,
marine biology, geology,
ecology, and more.
Captain James Cook was not impressed
by Antarctica in 1775. He had been looking for a fabled continent
rich in resources that he could claim for the British Empire.
|
Cook's Discovery
|
|
Finding harsh conditions
weather and impenetrable ice in 1775, Cook stated that the
world would not 'be profited' by the discovery of Antarctica.
|
Instead, he found
foul weather and endless ice. Cook, who qualified his failure to reach
the continent of Antarctica by stating that the world would not 'be
profited' by the discovery, would have been surprised to see just
how important Antarctica has become for science.
But how could he have known about the
importance of the Antarctic ice sheet to world climate and sea level,
the special features of the high atmosphere that produce the southern
lights, the remarkable food chains in the Southern Ocean, or the key
role played by Antarctica in the origin of all the southern continents?
Particularly in the last 65 years,
|
Research findings are freely
available to everyone.
Many of the projects are internationally
coordinated and supported.
|
Antarctica has
come to play a central role in many scientific disciplines.
Of course, Antarctic science is expensive
science. Scientists who work there follow three main tenets: only
undertake the kind of science in Antarctica that cannot be done elsewhere
in the world; only undertake the highest quality science; and if possible
make sure it contributes to solving a global problem.
Despite the isolation and severe conditions
of Antarctica, some of the research done there is vitally significant
to the more populated areas of the world. The study of the increase
in ultraviolet radiation, research on the world sea level and satellite
communications are just a few examples. 
To
undertake any scientific research in Antarctica depends not only on
the quality and commitment of the scientists themselves but also on
the nature of the equipment and the facilities used. In many fields,
state-of-the-art science can now be carried out in Antarctica. Research
aquariums at Jubany, McMurdo, Palmer, Rothera and Terra Nova Bay stations
provide a wealth of resources for marine biologists
and the installation of automatic weather stations on the polar plateau
has been crucial for meteorologists
and climatologists.
|
