A gorgeous summer morning in December, in Antarctica, it could get as warm as minus 25.Depending on the weather, a hurricane type wind could come sweeping across the glacier and freeze your eyelids shut if you were unfortunate enough to be out when it blows.The South Pole may well be home to the earth’s most ungracious, relentless environment.
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.There was a time when only specified workers and analysts were permitted at the Pole.But this has evolved with the charter flights of wealthy tourists and thrill-seekers starting to arrive on the cold horizon.cruises to antartica
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.It seems that the draw is to be able to say that you have stood at The Pole.
The concept that this scientific outpost is a tourist draw, isn’t something that the scientists and others conducting work here feel comfortable with. The cranes and bulldozers that noisily work to continue to enhance the outpost, don’t exactly make for a relaxing getaway.While researchers are busy working during the season, uninvited guests will often arrive.Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to prevent it.
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.There is not a day that goes by that the three large U.S. stations are not staffed. This include the eight months of winter where the Pole is completely pitch-dark.The unwritten law of the Ice mandates that its crew help anybody who can get to 90 degrees south latitude, whether invited or not.antarctic cruise reviews
Due to the lack of knowledge about this land and the fact that it stands at 10,000 feet above sea level, visitation by untrained people is not promoted.They then often are rescued not only almost hypothermic, but they are also suffering from dehydration and from the high elevation.
In 1975, the sleeping facilities of the dome were opened to accommodate thirty-three men.Since that time, that number has grown to two hundred men and women who pack this space and occupy all available beds.Winter-overs jokingly call the bunkhouses that are premade and propped up around the place Summer Camp.
Fresh water is supplied in abundance at Summer Camp, so no one goes without.Limited luxuries, like showers, flushing the toilet, even laundry come from melting ice using expensive $12 a gallon fuel.Even if undertaken under the 3 a.m. glaring sun, the lengthy, frigid walk to a neighborhood, shared bathroom will be not only slick, but a teeth-chattering experience.
Military escorts were assigned to Antarctica’s first female researchers.Now, women make up 1/3 of the summer support staff population and they are treated just like everyone else.The Pole takes its toll on the work and the work force.
Studies that have been conducted have shown that people working in a severely cold environment, will take three times as much time to finish a routine job.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.
Banking north, the last aircraft leaves in mid February.That last airplane leaves a group of 28 workers who will live at The Pole for the six months that follow.And night will reign until October, when spring, the sun and the airplane will return.