The Daily Life Of Antarctic Inhabitants

During December in Antarctica, a bright summer morning may see the temperature rise to 25 degrees below zero.Add in gale-force winds that blow in all directions covering a two-mile thick glacier, and the wind chill that results can freeze your eyelids shut.The South Pole has to be the roughest place to be other than outer space.

Probably the world’s most forsaken, yet most important outpost to manage is the United States permanent station here.Until recently, only approved researchers could set food in Antarctica.But all this change when wealthy tourists and adventurers began to charter flights to the frosty region.antarctic cruises

Sure, all they can see is mountains, valleys and oceans of white.You can look a thousand miles in any direction and you won’t find even a penguin.On the other hand, it can be quite a feat to stand on the South Pole of the planet.

Since the South Pole has been seen as an important base for scientific discovery, those who work there likely scoff at the notion of selling out Antarctica, which could get in their way.No matter what they do, people still stop by.It can’t really be helped, as no one can prevent them from doing so.

Antarctica is not claimed by any country; forty-three countries have agreed by treaty to protect this frozen landmass that is equivalent to the size of the U.S. and Mexico combined and study it.All throughout the year, regardless of the months of constant winter the continent experiences, the American station stays staffed.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

The stations discourage guests, as they are often uninformed about the region and have no idea that the elevation is 10,000 feet.Typically, when someone does visit that is not educated they will be cold, dehydrated, and have 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 every available bed.”Summer Camp” is the name that has been given to the bunkhouses assembled of plywood, plastic, and canvas, that cover the glacier.

Similar to many camps, there is no limit to the amount of water used at Summer Camp.Showers and toilets that flush can be rarities, since it takes $12 a gallon to get the fuel to melt the ice with.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.

The very first woman who came to Antarctica needed military escorts.Now, women make up 1/3 of the summer support staff population and they are treated just like everyone else.The Pole doesn’t give them any quarter either.

Research shows that workers who work in that type of bitter cold environment will take up to 3 times as long to get their work done.This is caused by the brain producing more hormones for physical activity (to warm the body) and decreasing the production of those required for problem solving.The conditions are even worse in the winter.

It is in mid February that the South Pole is virtually deserted as the last aircraft leave the area.That last airplane leaves a group of 28 workers who will live at The Pole for the six months that follow.It will not be until October that the sun will once again make an appearance and the planes will return.

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