It comes as no surprise that Antarctica is a haven for
glaciologists and snow experts. The frozen continent also draws
astronomers and astrophysicists who like the clear skies and
nights that last six months. Geologists and climatologists are
intrigued by the well-preserved remnants of the past. And
oceanographers gather information about the water that flows
beneath the floating ice shelves and sea-ice.
What does come as a surprise to some is the amount of biological
research that takes place at the NSF-funded research stations.
Human researchers adapt to temperatures of 32 o F to
-100 o F by importing warm coats, portable housing and
food. Bacteria, plants and animals, however, adapt biologically.
What is also surprising is the number of researchers who leave
their warm homes to go there, not just willingly, but eagerly.
They say the science explored on the Ice, as the researchers
refer to it, is like no other. While in Antarctica, scientists
live for their research -- and the research is far from routine.
Antarctica is a place where scientists dive below the ice sheet
to follow penguins and seals. They set up tents on ice floes that
can break apart with little notice. They deal with problems of
recording data when their pens freeze at -4 o F. They
adjust telescopes when the O-rings shatter in the cold. And they
gain the muscles needed to drill tens of feet into the ice for
samples.
Antarctica is not a place for the faint of heart.
It is impossible to mention all of the projects going on in the
three NSF-funded year-round research centers.
"Antarctic Research: It's Cool!" -- the Frontiers cover story from which this is excerpted -- provides a glimpse of
a few of the hundreds of studies taking place at the coldest
place on Earth.
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