The Life Of An Antarctic Scientist
By Advisor. Filed in Florida |
Antarctica is both treacherous and beautiful in it’s vastness. During a typical winter morning the temp will raise to negative 25.Unfortunately, you also have to factor in the gale-forced winds that blow across this two-mile thick glacier which could easily freeze any exposed skin.The South Pole is arguably the most severe environment short of outer space.
Many countries have scientific research facilities located on the barren ice and the United States is no different. Important research is conducted every single day.The South Pole used to be only accessible to scientists, researchers and the support crews for the scientists.But this has evolved with the charter flights of wealthy tourists and thrill-seekers starting to arrive on the cold horizon.antarctic cruise
Allowed, there is not much to see but snow and ice.Often there isn’t a live creature to be seen for thousands of miles.It seems that the draw is to be able to state that you’ve stood at The Pole.
The scientists and other workers who inhabit The Pole, likely look askance when considering the station as a tourist attraction, as the site is strewn with cranes and bulldozers that continue to develop the station.This doesn’t seem to deter the tourists, though, as they continue to flock, without invitation, interrupting the research season at The Pole.It can’t really be helped, as no one can prevent them from doing so.
There is no nation that claims ownership of any part of Antarctica. However, this landmass which is bigger than Mexico and the U.S. put together is protected by treaties signed by 43 nations.The U.S. staffs three huge stations throughout the year, even during the Pole’s winter, which lasts for eight months without a ray of sunlight.There is an unwritten pact that demands that the crew provide assistance to all who journey to a latitude of 90 degrees south, whether they’re there by invitation or not.best antarctic cruise
Visitors are not solicited since frequently they’re not knowledgeable about the area and are not aware they are at 10,000 feet.Visitors usually will arrive cold, dehydrated and experiencing altitude sickness.
The dome’s sleeping accommodations opened in 1975 with the capacity for thirty-three men.This has grown to two hundred men and women who presently occupy each available bed.Winter-overs jokingly call the bunkhouses that are premade and propped up around the place Summer Camp.
There’s no limit to the supply of fresh water at Summer Camp.Limited luxuries, like showers, flushing the toilet, even laundry come from melting ice using pricey $12 a gallon fuel.If you want to use the communal restroom you have to make a slippery and teeth-rattling journey over the ice and through the cold. The temperature doesn’t change much even when the sun is blazing at 3 a.m.
The first women to arrive in Antarctica were escorted by the military.Now, you’ll see that one-third of the summer work force is women who are treated as equals to men.There’s a toll that has to be paid to the Pole.
According to studies it take workers in extremely cold conditions three times longer to complete even a easy task.The theorize this happens because the human brain has issues trying to produce the right types of chemicals to get even the simplest task done in such extreme cold.In winter, this phenomenon gets worse.
The middle of February marks the last time you’ll see an aircraft for the winter.For six long months, the 28-man crew will stay behind for the winter.It won’t be until October that the sun will once again make an appearance and the planes will return.
