Contributions to Antarctic Research II

Contributions to Antarctic Research II

Author: David H. Elliot

Publisher: American Geophysical Union

Published: 1991-01-08

Total Pages: 136

ISBN-13: 9780875908090

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Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Antarctic Research Series, Volume 53. The Cold Deserts of Antarctica and the Polar Deserts of the High Arctic, the latter of which includes the Queen Elizabeth Islands, northern Greenland, Svalbard, Franz Josef Land, Severnaya Zemlya, and a few other localities, have cryogenic soils with desertlike features. Both sectors have soils with a mineral appearance, desert pavement, small to nonexistent organic components, and low ground temperatures. Both are underlain by permafrost and are subject to cryogenic processes. Whereas virtually all of the soils in Antarctica are well drained, in the High Arctic the soil pattern consists of a mosaic of Polar Desert soils, as well as various hydric varieties including shallow bogs. In the Polar Deserts the landforms, especially the surficial deposits, are much younger chronologically than their Cold Desert counterparts. Polar Desert soils generally have a more acid reaction than Cold Desert soils. Moisture regimes are quite different in the two sectors. Cold Desert soils have a dry condition even down to the frost table. Polar Desert soils are moist during early summer thaw, however, and are subjected to occasional summer rainfall and probably receive some moisture from condensation; the zone above the receding frost table is usually quite wet. The humus component in Cold Desert soils is usually nil, but in the Polar Desert soils it is commonly as much as 1% to 2% or higher, especially in medium?]textured soils. Whether there are enough distinct differences between the two soils to recognize two different categories remains somewhat moot. After equating all information, however, one appears to be justified in tentatively recognizing two distinct soils.


The Transantarctic Mountains

The Transantarctic Mountains

Author: Gunter Faure

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2010-09-21

Total Pages: 812

ISBN-13: 9048193907

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This book presents a summary of the geology of the Transantarctic Mountains for Earth scientists who may want to work there or who need an overview of the geologic history of this region. In addition, the properties of the East Antarctic ice sheet and of the meteorites that accumulate on its surface are treated in separate chapters. The presentation ends with the Cenozoic glaciation of the Transantarctic Mountains including the limnology and geochemical evolution of the saline lakes in the ice-free valleys. • The subject matter in this book is presented in chronological order starting about 750 million years ago and continuing to the present time. • The chapters can be read selectively because the introduction to each chapter identifies the context that gives relevance to the subject matter to be discussed. • The text is richly illustrated with 330 original line drawings as well as with 182 color maps and photographs. • The book contains indexes of both subject matter and of authors’ names that allow it to be used as an encyclopedia of the Transantarctic Mountains and of the East Antarctic ice sheet. • Most of the chapters are supplemented by Appendices containing data tables, additional explanations of certain phenomena (e.g., the formation and seasonal destruction of stratospheric ozone), and illustrative calculations (e.g., 38Cl dates of meteorites). • The authors have spent a combined total of fourteen field seasons between 1964 and 1995 doing geological research in the Transantarctic Mountains with logistical support by the US Antarctic Program. • Although Antarctica is remote and inaccessible, tens of thousands of scientists of many nationalities and their assistants have worked there and even larger numbers of investigators will work there in the future.


Engineering and Communications in Antarctica

Engineering and Communications in Antarctica

Author: Neloy Khare

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-09-25

Total Pages: 211

ISBN-13: 9811557322

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India launched its maiden scientific expedition to Antarctica way back in 1981 and ever since annual expeditions are launched to address thematic research in the contemporary areas of Antarctic Science and Engineering. The initial efforts and achievements of India are not only significant but are of historical importance. This book discusses a wide array of topics that have entered the mainstream of geotechnical and geo environmental engineering over the initial two and half decades of India’s presence in the icy continent ‘Antarctica’. At the same time, it highlights the lessons learnt in cryo-engineering technologies. It covers various articles on many aspects of environmental science and collates the overall achievements in the fascinating field of Antarctic engineering and environmental impact assessment. Accordingly, this book covers articles on wind energy by Ramesh et al., and engineering aspects in Antarctica by Rai. Similarly, Pathak has reviewed the engineering details of Dakshin Gangotri and Maitri. On the contrary, Sharma has provided an interesting history about the process of establishment of Dakshin Gangotri station. Similarly, communication aspects have been highlighted by Dhaka. Commercial polymers and their utility in cold region have been discussed by Dabholker et al. Besides, Tiwari and Khare have reviewed the environmental studies carried out during the initial 25 years in Antarctic research base ‘Maitri’. Similarly, Ramchandran and Sathe have studied the natural radioactivity in Antarctica while fire safety in Antarctica has been touched upon by Chatterjee. On the other hand, Veerbhadraiah and Jain have provided a status on environmental management services at Maitri station Additionally Tiwari has provided details on the new Indian Research Base ‘Bharti’ at Larsemann Hills region. It provides a one-stop reference for researchers and those working in industry and government.


Antarctic Pioneer

Antarctic Pioneer

Author: Joanna Kafarowski

Publisher: Dundurn

Published: 2022-05-10

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13: 1459749553

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Jackie Ronne reclaims her rightful place in polar history as the first American woman in Antarctica. Jackie was an ordinary American woman whose life changed after a blind date with rugged Antarctic explorer Finn Ronne. After marrying, they began planning the 1946–1948 Ronne Antarctic Research Expedition. Her participation was not welcomed by the expedition team of red-blooded males eager to prove themselves in the frozen, hostile environment of Antarctica. On March 12, 1947, Jackie Ronne became the first American woman in Antarctica and, months later, one of the first women to overwinter there. The Ronne Antarctic Research Expedition secured its place in Antarctic history, but its scientific contributions have been overshadowed by conflicts and the dangerous accidents that occurred. Jackie dedicated her life to Antarctica: she promoted the achievements of the expedition and was a pioneer in polar tourism and an early supporter of the Antarctic Treaty. In doing so, she helped shape the narrative of twentieth-century Antarctic exploration.