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Antarctica: Treasure Trove of Research (December 27, 2002, Two)

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Program Summary

As Ira puts it, Antarctica isn’t just for penguins. Each year, more than 800 scientists from all over the world journey to this world of ice to conduct all types of research. What do they find? Active volcanoes, fish that don’t freeze, fern fossils, stardust, ancient bacteria, and much more.

Antarctica is called “The Window to the Galaxy” because it has revealed so much information about planets other than our own. Current research on frozen lakes and the bacteria found in them may give us clues about the possibility of life on Mars. It’s also a perfect place for astronomical research due to the air’s clarity and the ability to view a patch of sky 24 hours a day. Scientists are answering questions about the formation of the universe by studying Antarctic meteorites and cosmic microwave background radiation.

Climate changes, global warming, continental drift and plate tectonics—all of these continue to be examined for clues to earth’s past and future. The variety of projects is endless, but there’s one thing that all scientists have in common in Antarctica—they’re cold! The ways in which humans have learned to cope with the intolerable weather are as fascinating as the research they carry out. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

Guests

William L. Holzapfel, assistant professor of physics at the University of California at Berkeley

Richard B. Alley, professor of geosciences at Penn State University

Peter Doran, assistant professor of earth and environmental sciences at the University of Illinois in Chicago

Scott Borg, director of the National Science Foundation’s Antarctic Geology and Geophysics Program in Washington, D.C.

Related Links and Resources

National Science Foundation's Office of Polar Programs
Center for Astrophysical Research in Antarctica
Antarctic Projects Home Page
Center for Astrophysical Research in Antarctica’s Virtual Tour
South Pole Observatory
Antarctica's Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's NOAA at the Ends of the Earth Photo Library
"Science Friday," April 16, 1999, Hour 2: Surviving in Antarctica
"Science Friday," January 30, 1998, Hour 2: Antarctica

For Discussion:

• How do you think the scientists of different nationalities get along in Antarctica?
• What kind of research would you like to do there?
• It’s so cold in Antarctica that, even in summer, it’s –22 degrees Fahrenheit, and people can’t be outside for more than two hours. What do you think it’s like to have to live indoors so much? What would you do with your time?
• What are some ways that humans have adapted to living in Antarctica? How have they adapted their scientific equipment and other machinery to the harsh climate?
• The continent may look the same from one end to the other, but its geography is actually quite different. What are the features of the various geographic areas?

Activities

There is no dearth of resources about Antarctica. The sites below are just a few suggestions.

Take a cold, hard look. Center for Astrophysical Research in Antarctica’s (CARA’s) Cold Facts about Antarctica is full of information about the ice continent. Once students have some knowledge under their belts, they can take tours of Antarctica at Virtual Tour: Antarctica and Virtual Tour: McMurdo. NOAA at the Ends of the Earth has magnificent photographs.

Do it yourself. Students may not be able to go to Antarctica, but they can do Experiments and Activities created by CARA educators to be conducted anywhere on Earth. Follow the educators’ travels and experiences in Antarctica at The South Pole Adventure Web Page.

Do you see what I see? National Geographic’s Camera-Fitted Seals Spy Antarctic Sea Life describes a seal’s eye view of their icy world.

Life is tough. Whether it’s 1912 or 2002, life in Antarctica is difficult. Students can compare and contrast survival at the South Pole by visiting Antarctica's Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station and reading the diaries of explorer Robert Scott, written during his ill-fated expedition in 1912. Photographs of Scott’s hut at the South Pole can be viewed at CARA's McMurdo Virtual Tour. Ernest Shackleton led another famous Antarctic expedition; his ship, Endurance, was stuck in ice for 10 months before being crushed by the pressure. His determination to save the marooned crew took him on an 800-mile open boat journey to find help and rescue his men.

Use the search box below to perform a Google search within any of the specifc sites or general domains mentioned in this Activities section.

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