Posts Tagged ‘Vegetation’
The Harsh Antarctic Conditions
Dallas, USA and the South Pole have something in common – they both will probably have 100 degree temperatures in July. The only thing is that the South Pole sees temperatures of 100 degrees below zero, not above. If you were to stand outside naked, you’d be frozen in a single moment.
There are 28 people stationed at the South Pole for six months knowing that they will have no sunlight, virtually no contact with the outside world and no way to get away. These people are responsible for maintaining the U.S. polar base and to operate telescopes and other types of scientific equipment at the research station. Their job is beginning to change due to modern communications and advanced technology. To get a closer look on antarctica tours visit this site.
In the past, astronomers located in North America used satellites to operate the telescope at the South Pole observatory. That marked the first time another continent controlled equipment at the South Pole. Astronomers are wishing that someday they will have the ability of observing the universe from the South Pole while being physically located in a warm office somewhere else.
This would be much preferrable to the current requirement of braving the coldest, driest and windiest environment known to the Earth. They also have to be careful of breathing difficulties as the result of the high altitudes at the South Pole. It is the harsh and severely cold climate that makes it only possible for cold-adapted plants and animals to survive on this continent. These include penguins, seals, and various forms of algae and tundra vegetation. Go to this site for further information on antarctica holiday.
“Winter-over” is the moniker given to people who spend their winter working in Antarctica for whatever reason. To make the experience better, they are given excellent food, some exercise equipment, computers, a pool table, and a variety of videos to watch. Not much is known about what happens at the station between February and October while the winter-overs are isolated at the South Pole.
The ever increasing size of the research program at the South Pole has caused there to be insufficient power for all the equipment. There are only three oil-burning generators to power everything, including computers, lights, telescopes, lasers, and other electrical devices. This means that winter-overs have to deal with insufficient power, in addition to cramped quarters and cold buildings.
To help spend the time, several traditions have grown into existence. Induction into the “300 Club” requires a day when the outside temperature has fallen to at least 100 degrees below zero. The sauna is brought up to over 200 degrees. Then, they run from the 200 degree sauna out into the 100 degree below temperature air, and then back inside.
Winter-overs also look forward to airdrops. This occurs in June. It is the drop of pallets of food, mail, and supplies by a U.S. Air National Guard military transport plane. Heavy equipment is used to collect the pallets in order to be broken down and used. This is the closest winter-overs are able to come to any physical contact with the world outside the South Pole.
In their stay in Antarctica, the winter-overs are never able to see a tree or go more than a mile from the pole. For one week out of their stay, the winter-overs can stay at McMurdo Station for a refreshing change of pace. While on this vacation the winter-overs typically camp out in the wonderful 25-degree weather, sun bake on rocky beaches, and wear t-shirts and jeans.
Stunning Antarctica…
There is plenty to see while on an Antarctica jaunt. The place serves up unique sites not found in other regions of the globe. This piece talks in detail about Antarctica and encourages you to get a taste of the place by going on a cruise. The place is known for the unrivaled beauty it offers. Read this site if you want antarctica tours information.
Not many can fathom the many wonderful things waiting for them after they buy tickets to Antarctica. It can be said that the Antarctic is located off the beaten path. You can do all kinds of activities such as camping scuba diving mountain climbing and more.
Antarctic travel will not be complete without a little camping. Some Antarctica travel cruises let passengers rough it out for a night and experience how it is to live in the biting cold. All gear necessary to set up camp is provided for. There will not be any discomfort or danger because your supplies can help you out. After this you will find yourself admiring Antarctica even more.
There are plenty of opportunities for kayaking on Antarctica travel. Observe vegetation and animals roaming around while cruising the waters of the region. There are seals and penguins as well as whales dozing off. You are bound to be fascinated with the gigantic icebergs you will see. A kayak through the extensive hinterlands and waters is an outstanding experience. Go to this site for further information on antarctica holiday.
Antarctic Circle is the place to be for underwater diving. It holds marine life you cannot find elsewhere. The ice is beautiful from underneath with the sun shining. The place holds a variety of aquatic life including Antarctic fish unique to the area. Not everybody is fortunate enough to have this experience. Very few expert divers can claim they have been to the underwater portion of Antarctica.
Those into scaling rocks and climbing mountains are in for a pleasant surprise too. This is one of the most in demand activities during Antarctic tours. The area houses unclaimed territories numbering hundreds. If you want to play it safe consider taking the path renowned Antarctica adventures did.
Learn from lectures and guided walks provided. You get to know more about Antarctica by taking part in these activities. Exceptional Antarctic cruise packages serve up the most landscape and wilderness views possible. You will get to know more about Antarctica history in tours you will be taken on. It does not take long for people to start developing a renewed appreciation for Antarctica.
Antarctica has usually been associated with cold weather and harsh conditions. The place has been labeled unfit for habitation. The facts do not support these claims. Antarctica is a wonderful place to visit. There are so many breath taking sights and activities. Antarctica tours can be the chance of a lifetime to enjoy this exceptional continent so do not pass them up.

