Life As A Scientist In Antarctica

Life As A Scientist In Antarctica

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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. You won't find a more treacherous set of terrain than the South Pole.

Probably the world's most forsaken, yet most important outpost to manage is the United States permanent station here. At once time, no one but officially sanctioned research scientists and their support staff were allowed at the South Pole.

But now, people with too much money to burn are getting small flights that will bring them to this barren landscape to view all of it's glory.

Sure, all they can see is mountains, valleys and oceans of white. You won't see so much as a penguin the whole time you're there.

On the other hand, it can be quite a feat to stand on the South Pole of the planet.

Those who are conducting important research are often amazed at the thought that tourism could start to grow and expand at the South Pole, but that idea cannot be denied, especially when all the signs of "progress" are there. But uninvited visitors will frequently arrive throughout the research season. It can't really be helped, as no one can prevent them from doing so.

Antarctica belongs to no one and everyone. 43 nation agreement states that scientific research can be done as well as other exploration expeditions but that does not include exploitation of the land.

Even during the eight, pitch black, months of winter, the U.S. has three big stations that are staffed year round. 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 are there by invitation 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. Visitors often suffer from altitude sickness, and they are dehydrated and cold.

In 1975, the sleeping accommodations were first opened in the dome, and they could house 33 males. Today two hundred men and women clutter into every possible bed.

Summer Camp, as it is called, consists of manufactured plywood, plastic, and canvas bunkhouses that sprawl across the glacier.

As in many camps, Summer Camp has access to an unlimited supply of fresh water. It costs twelve dollars for each gallon of fuel used to melt enough ice to wash laundry, flush toilets, and take showers, so these activities are considered infrequent luxuries.

If you want to use the communal bathroom 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.

Military escorts were needed when the first woman visited Antarctica. Now, one-third of the summer work force are women. With their number rising they are gladly treated as equals to the men.

There is a toll that has to be paid to the Pole.

When someone works in very cold conditions, it often takes them much longer to do something. If your body is dealing with these temperatures, they'll allot resources and hormone production for staying alive, as opposed to intelligence. Conditions deteriorate throughout the winter months.

The middle of February marks the last time you will see an aircraft for the winter. For the next half year, the station is manned by 28 brave souls.

It will be completely dark until the spring hits in October. Then, the sun will shine and those willing to work in the Antarctic return by plane again.

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