POLAR REGIONS

Antarctic Exploration

International Co-operation A small expedition in 1949 changed Antarctic exploration. The Norwegian-British-Swedish expedition was a scientific one. Three countries pooled their resources and scientists. They made many scientific and geographical discoveries in Dronning Maud Land. We know most expeditions by their leader. From Cook onward we remember the name of the man in command. This expedition is remembered as the start of international cooperation in Antarctica. Claiming Antarctica When a new area of Antarctica was discovered it was claimed in the name of the expedition’s country. Ross claimed Victoria Land for Britain. The US claimed all the land seen during Operation Highjump. They even dropped markers by aircraft as part of their claim. By the end of World War II, several countries, including Argentina, Chile, Britain, France, and Norway claimed parts of Antarctica. Scientific Exploration Scientists changed all that. In the early 1950s a group of European and American scientists planned the International Geophysical Year, or IGY. They wanted to measure the activity of the Sun all round the world. It was also decided to make exploration of Antarctica part of the IGY.

T oday, seven nations claim parts of Antarctica. They have agreed not to dispute these claims while the Antarctic Treaty is in force.

Crossing Antarctica The first crossing was made by Sir Vivian Fuchs. On an expedition from 1955 to 1958 he used dogs and tractors called Snowcats to cross Antarctica in 99 days. Several other expeditions have now crossed Antarctica. Some have repeated the journeys of Scott and Amundsen. Although modern equipment was used, these expeditions still had dangerous journeys. In 1992 Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Dr. Michael Stroud attempted another crossing. They successfully pulled their own food across Antarctica without the help of motor vehicles, ponies, or dogs.

F uchs at the Pole during the first Antarctic crossing.

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