Antarctic Reader | Ice Axe Expeditions
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QuarkExpeditions.com QUARK EXPEDITIONS® ANTARCTIC READER A B QUARK EXPEDITIONS® ANTARCTIC READER TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 SECTION 3 32 Geology 2 Conserving the Antarctic 19 Explorers and Scientists 34 Climate 2 Guidance for Visitors 19 Terra Australis Exploration 35 The Antarctic Circle 4 Antarctica’s Historic Heritage 20 The Age of Sealers 35 Icebergs, Glaciers and Sea Ice 22 The Heroic Age and 37 The Ozone Hole SECTION 2 Continental Penetration 37 Climatic Change 5 Places You Might Visit 24 Mechanical Age and Whaling 5 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Period SECTION 6 6 South Georgia 26 Permanent Stations 40 The Biological Environment 8 South Sandwich Islands 27 Pax Antarctica: The Treaty 40 Life in Antarctica 9 South Orkney Islands Period 41 Adapting to the Cold 9 Weddell Sea 43 The Dominance of Krill 10 South Shetland Islands SECTION 4 44 The Krill Predators 11 Antarctic Peninsula 28 The Antarctic Treaty (or Other Wildlife) 13 The Historic Ross Sea Sector 28 Origin and Members 44 Antarctic Squids, Fishes, 16 New Zealand’s Subantarctic 29 Scientific Stations Birds, Seals and Whales Islands 17 Macquarie Island SECTION 5 SECTION 7 30 The Physical Environment 60 Wildlife Checklist 30 The Antarctic 31 The Southern Ocean 32 The islands of the Southern Ocean QUARK EXPEDITIONS® ANTARCTIC READER 1 Antarctica is the largest wilderness area on Earth. SECTION CONSERVING THE ANTARCTIC Many governments, most non-governmental organizations and all the leading companies arranging expeditions to Antarctic regions are working together to ensure that Antarctica’s spectacular scenery, unique wildlife and extraordinary wilderness will be protected for future generations to enjoy. Our expeditions to these vulnerable and unique habitats are GUIDANCE FOR VISITORS TO THE ANTARCTIC operated in an environmentally responsible manner. Quark Activities in the Antarctic are governed by the Antarctic Treaty Expeditions, with other members of the International Association of and its associated agreements, referred to collectively of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), operate under a voluntary as the Antarctic Treaty System. The Treaty established Antarctica code of conduct for visitors to Antarctica. The code, developed as a zone of peace and science. by IAATO members, met widespread approval, and was the In , the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties adopted the inspiration for the guidelines under which the Antarctic Treaty Protocol on Environmental Protection, sometimes known parties operate. as the Madrid Protocol, which designates the Antarctic as a These internationally agreed guidelines apply to all visitors to natural reserve. The Protocol sets out environmental principles, Antarctic regions, including scientists and support sta working procedures, and obligations for the comprehensive protection for governmental research programs, as well as participants on of the Antarctic environment, with its dependent and associated organized expeditions, and individual visitors. The essential ecosystems. The protocol came into force in . provisions are included in national laws, so violations may be The Environmental Protocol applies to tourism and non- subject to legal sanctions including nes, or even imprisonment. governmental activities, as well as governmental activities in the The members of the Expedition Team are familiar with these Antarctic Treaty area. It is intended to ensure that these activities guidelines and will brief you about them, and help you to adhere do not have adverse eects on the Antarctic environment, or on to them. But you, too, have a part to play. By encouraging its scientic and aesthetic values. your fellow visitors to demonstrate environmentally-conscious This Guidance for Visitors to the Antarctic is intended to ensure behavior, you will assist us to ensure that future generations will that all visitors are aware of, and therefore able to comply with, be able to continue to experience Antarctica in its pristine beauty. the Treaty and the Protocol. Visitors are, of course, bound by We appreciate your cooperation. their own national laws and regulations applicable to activities in the Antarctic. QUARK EXPEDITIONS ® ANTARCTIC READER | Protect Antarctic Wildlife Taking, or harmful interference to, Antarctic wildlife is prohibited, except in accordance with a permit issued by a national authority. • Do not use aircraft, vessels, small boats, or other means of transport in ways that disturb wildlife, either at sea or on land. • Do not feed, touch, or handle birds or seals, or approach or photograph them, in ways that cause them to alter their behavior. • Special care is needed when animals are breeding or molting. • Do not damage plants, for example by walking, driving, or landing on extensive moss beds or lichen-covered scree slopes. Catching the Antarctic landscape • Do not use guns or explosives. Keep noise, even conversation, to the minimum to avoid frightening wildlife. • Do not bring non-native plants or animals into the Antarctic, such as live poultry, pet dogs and cats, house plants or any seeds. | Respect Protected Areas A variety of areas in the Antarctic have been aorded special protection because of their particular ecological, scientic, historic, or other values. Entry into certain areas may be prohibited except in accordance with a permit issued by an appropriate national authority. Activities in and near designated Historic Sites and Monuments and certain other areas may be subject to special restrictions. • Know the location of areas that have been aorded special protection, any restrictions regarding entry and activities that maybe carried out in and near them. • Observe applicable restrictions. Elephant seal • Do not damage, remove, or destroy Historic Sites or Monuments or any artifacts associated with them and in their surroundings. | Respect Scientific Research Do not interfere with scientic research, facilities, or equipment. • Obtain permission before visiting Antarctic science and support facilities, reconrm arrangements - hours before arrival, and comply with the rules regarding such visits. • Do not interfere with, or remove, scientic equipment or marker posts, and do not disturb experimental study sites, eld camps, or supplies. | Be Safe Be prepared for severe and changeable weather; ensure that your equipment and clothing meet Antarctic standards. Remember that the Antarctic environment is inhospitable, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous. • Know your capabilities, and the dangers posed by the Antarctic environment, Overlooking Neko Harbour and act accordingly. Plan activities with safety in mind at all times. • Keep a safe distance from all wildlife, both on land and at sea. • Take note of, and act on, the advice and instructions from your leaders; do not stray from your group. • Do not walk onto glaciers or large snow elds without the proper equipment and experience; there is a real danger of falling into hidden crevasses. • Do not expect a rescue service. Self-suciency is increased and risks reduced by sound planning, high quality equipment, and trained personnel. • Do not enter emergency refuges (except in emergencies). If you have to use equipment or food from a refuge, inform the nearest research station or national authority once the emergency is over. • Respect any smoking restrictions, particularly around buildings, and take great care to safeguard against the danger of re. This is a serious hazard in the dry environment of Antarctica. Zodiac cruising 3 Petermann Island ANTARCTICA’S HISTORIC HERITAGE The oldest buildings in Antarctica are the two huts of the Borchgrevink expedition which wintered in (the oldest human habitations on the entire continent). The other huts of the Heroic Age date from the period - . They are designated Historic Monuments, and strict rules apply to visiting them. The huts at Cape Adare, Hut Point, Cape Evans, and Cape Royds may only be visited with a designated guide, normally provided by the Antarctic Heritage Trust or the New Zealand Department of Conservation. Conservation and restoration work at the sites is undertaken by the Antarctic Heritage Trust, a private charitable organization. To nd out about, and contribute to the cost of maintaining, these important sites you are welcome to communicate with: The Administrator The United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust Kingcoed Farm, USK P.O. Box - Gwent, NP DS, UK Christchurch Airport, New Zealand Tel: + () ¥ Tel: +¥-()--; Fax: +¥--()- [email protected] [email protected] Visitors to the Cape Denison Historic Site (Mawson’s Huts) KEEP ANTARCTICA PRISTINE must follow ocial Visitor Guidelines. None of the huts may be Antarctica remains relatively pristine, the largest wilderness area entered without local guidance. For further information, contact: on Earth. It has not yet been subjected to large scale human perturbations. Please keep it that way. The Australian Antarctic Division Channel Highway • Do not dispose of litter or garbage on land. Open burning Kingston, Tasmania , Australia is prohibited. Tel: +¥ ()--; Fax: +¥-()-- • Do not disturb or pollute lakes or streams. Any materials [email protected] discarded at sea must be disposed of properly. Abandoned huts, refuges, and supply depots in other parts • Do not paint or engrave names or grati on rocks or buildings. of Antarctica are more recent in origin. Nevertheless, they • Do not collect or take away biological or geological specimens may also be of great historical interest.