DOCSLIB.ORG

Chapter 1: Introduction

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Chapter 1: Introduction ANTARCTICA SIXTY YEARS AGO 101 CHAPTER 1 Introduction Introduction ship-borne tourists annually are visitors. One hopes their 'Obligate Pinnipedophagi' were we (that is, necessarily ships are adequately insured! seal-eaters). That is a stimulating phrase and very true, and However, 60 years ago we did have a tiny Fox Moth suitable to introduce some of the facts and curiosities of aircraft and a small motor launch. We did have personal our Antarctic exploration 60 years ago. It was a dozen competence, confidence, and zeal for discovery. Radio years after return from Graham Land that I worked in communication then was minimal, and certainly we had Oman with the Ichthyophagi, as Herodotus called the fish- little disturbing awareness of the tergiversations and the eaters, and as such they still then remained. The intention horrors of the world beyond. Aloneness and total self- sustenance were the real and natural order, and none in this book is to give interest and pleasure in the reading, expected more. and perspective, too. And we did, I aver, produce more new knowledge, in So much has changed in Antarctica in the decades that proportion to money spent, than any other Antarctic ven- have gone, that a reminder from an octogenarian partici- ture before or since. Quite wrongly the BGLE 1934-1937 pant should have its interest today. So my chief objective is an expedition forgotten by the public buthighly regarded is to stress change. Obligate Pinnipedophagi were we, by those who truly know. Yet John Rymill, our leader, and eaters of seals for man and dog food: we had little else. RY Penola named after his Australian home, should be Amundsen (1912) was totally dog-dependent but used a widely remembered for vigour and success on the ice, and great deal of imported dog food. We were dog-dependent, Bob Ryder (later VC) for great skill in seamanship with so with far more dogs. And we were the only British Antarc- unhandy and small a ship. tic expedition between the wars. We, 16 of us, and our As to our essential or obligate total dependence upon working dogs, more than 80 in total, ate seals: we had no seals for man and dog food, I stress here that being alternative, except for our sledging rations. We were seal- biologist to the expedition, it came to pass that I did most eaters for financial reasons — lack of money. We were of the seal-killing. I soon became adept, and my research poor indeed in the midst of the world economic slump. prospered for I was able personally to measure and collect Seal-meat, baking-powder bread, porridge, and margarine those specimens — skulls, gonads, parasites — dear to the were our staple diet. heart of an eager young zoologist. It was primitive All now is so different. Today no longer under sail, research, I must admit, but so unlikely ever to be repeated Antarctica no longer empty on arrival, no longer wintering in magnitude. a tiny vessel, no longer poverty of resources: then totally Frequent, swift, and substantial changes of plan were dependent upon seals for man and dog food, indeed now no forced upon us throughout the expedition. These arose longer any dogs, and seal-killing is supposedly forbidden. first from the background inadequacy of Penola's engines, Today no longer the absence of personal payment, nor the and then the inevitable paucity of foreknowledge of sea- virtual absence of alcoholic refreshment. So I describe the ice conditions month by month. Astonishing variations in curiosities of us, the educated exploratory poor, 60 years conditions of wind and temperature were compelling too. ago at sea and in the harsh Antarctic environment. Most of all, our new topographical knowledge, some Change advances ever onwards. Research ships now gained from the air, forced upon us changes of plan to are vast, aeroplanes fly direct to Antarctica from New assure maximum mapping of what we were currently Zealand and the tip of South America. Living accommo- discovering. It must be remembered throughout that the dation and laboratories are extensive and remarkably high mountainous nature of Graham Land compelled our equipped, even now for decades at the South Pole itself. explorations to be ship-borne in the narrow coastal chan- Over-snow vehicles can be well-equipped homes and nels in summer and autumn, and by sledge on the perilous laboratories in themselves. National research stations are inshore sea ice in winter and spring. Amid these circum- numerous, and international cooperation happily is great. stances, we were fortunate indeed to return without loss. The 30-year International Antarctic Treaty of 1961 still Our mid-winter escape, over breaking sea ice to Terra extends, and effort in conservation for Antarctica as a Firma Island, was an almost miraculous good fortune world heritage continent is widespread. The politically under most able leadership. But whatever the tumult and dubious status of Antarctica lies seemingly dormant, and, the danger, from climatic and ocean turbulence, we ever happily, economically workable oil and minerals are not had the realisation that these were the forces of nature. We yet proven. The human wintering population exceeds were content in our loneliness; we never had to contend 1000, the summer population of scientists and technicians with the fear of malignant men, so soon to arise in war numbers several thousands. As well, now near 10,000 worldwide. 102 BERTRAM Fig. 1. Penola with all sails set: a demonstration in perfect calm. To repeat the original story by John Rymill in 'the effort to increase real knowledge, geographical and other- expedition book,' Southern lights (1938), is obviously wise — and that with success. In our day, Antarctica still inappropriate. Instead I will here rely upon an interesting was empty, although I do not forget the initial work of and full, though short, descriptive article written soon after Admiral Byrd with his huge USA exertions on the other return by three of us scientists, Launcelot Fleming, Brian side of the continent during the latter part of our time in the Roberts, and myself. It represented our best succinct south. endeavour. It is the only such statement to complement the I write here in happy memory of good companions, of specialized papers in the Geographical Journal and else- events and circumstances, hopefully to give interest and a where. So here reprinted, is our 'Three Antarctic years,' as true perspective. And I touch upon some themes not published in the Canadian Geographical Journal (Vol 22; commonly available in official accounts. 1941). These present reflections upon our past have been For convenience of understanding, I have inserted in written over a number of years, not consecutively. Appendix III summaries of the lives and careers of the Here is truth, no exaggeration, no performance of self- participants on the expedition. And here follows a brief imposed courageous feats, but a description of long-term summary of the expedition's work and circumstances. ANTARCTICA SIXTY YEARS AGO 103 Sixty years ago Graham Land was the overall name for the south and to the Weddell Sea. then-known northern stretch of the modern Antarctic Pe- It is believed that more new knowledge (in survey, ninsula. geology, biology, etc) was gained per pound spent than in any other Antarctic expedition before or since. Summary There was little acclaim on return because of no excite- BGLE's primary aim was the basic mapping of the south- ment of public interest by death or disaster and no connec- ern part of the so-called Falkland Islands sector of Antarc- tion with the South Pole, and then the close approach of tica, southward of South America. World War II. All received the Polar Medal. There was Because of shortage of funds, in the period of world real poverty of resources throughout and minimal radio economic slump, the expedition was limited to 16 men in communication with the world, and none on the local the small three-masted wooden topsail schooner Penola. scale. Colour photography was not yet available. This was the last of the old-style expeditions under sail. All The meagre government contribution to the expedition members of the party worked as seamen in the long was provided as encouragement at a time when it was passage south to Cape Horn and onwards south again. This politically expedient to demonstrate British interest in the was the transition, from the heroic period as it has been long-claimed Falkland Islands sector of Antarctica. The called, to modern times. Or was it the tail end of the heroic Royal Geographical Society was generous from its modest period? resources. The£1000 granted in 1934, after allowance for The expedition worked three summers and two winters inflation, was, it is believed, the largest grant ever given to continuously in Antarctica. It was the most dog-oriented a single expedition. expedition ever, with almost a hundred working dogs, so The Deception Island whaling station, the farthest exceeding in number Amundsen's successful teams that south, was already closed, but whaling remained in full reached the South Pole. It is now, recently, illegal to keep force at South Georgia, and open-ocean pelagic whaling dogs in Antarctica. was beginning. There was the first successful use in Antarctica of a Our evolution in sledging techniques was the basis of light aircraft flying alternatively off skis or floats. By the following war-time Operation Tabarin, the Falkland travel, largely on the sea ice, the peninsularity of the for- Islands Dependencies Survey, the Fuchs trans-Antarctic merly believed Antarctic Archipelago was demonstrated. success, and the on-running British Antarctic Survey. Of prime importance was the discovery of King George VI The British Graham Land Expedition 1934-1937, how- Sound.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1955-1958
    THE COMMONWEALTH TRANS-ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION 1955-1958 HOW THE CROSSING OF ANTARCTICA MOVED NEW ZEALAND TO RECOGNISE ITS ANTARCTIC HERITAGE AND TAKE AN EQUAL PLACE AMONG ANTARCTIC NATIONS A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree PhD - Doctor of Philosophy (Antarctic Studies – History) University of Canterbury Gateway Antarctica Stephen Walter Hicks 2015 Statement of Authority & Originality I certify that the work in this thesis has not been previously submitted for a degree nor has it been submitted as part of requirements for a degree except as fully acknowledged within the text. I also certify that the thesis has been written by me. Any help that I have received in my research and the preparation of the thesis itself has been acknowledged. In addition, I certify that all information sources and literature used are indicated in the thesis. Elements of material covered in Chapter 4 and 5 have been published in: Electronic version: Stephen Hicks, Bryan Storey, Philippa Mein-Smith, ‘Against All Odds: the birth of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition, 1955-1958’, Polar Record, Volume00,(0), pp.1-12, (2011), Cambridge University Press, 2011. Print version: Stephen Hicks, Bryan Storey, Philippa Mein-Smith, ‘Against All Odds: the birth of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition, 1955-1958’, Polar Record, Volume 49, Issue 1, pp. 50-61, Cambridge University Press, 2013 Signature of Candidate ________________________________ Table of Contents Foreword ..................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Antarctic Primer
    Antarctic Primer By Nigel Sitwell, Tom Ritchie & Gary Miller By Nigel Sitwell, Tom Ritchie & Gary Miller Designed by: Olivia Young, Aurora Expeditions October 2018 Cover image © I.Tortosa Morgan Suite 12, Level 2 35 Buckingham Street Surry Hills, Sydney NSW 2010, Australia To anyone who goes to the Antarctic, there is a tremendous appeal, an unparalleled combination of grandeur, beauty, vastness, loneliness, and malevolence —all of which sound terribly melodramatic — but which truly convey the actual feeling of Antarctica. Where else in the world are all of these descriptions really true? —Captain T.L.M. Sunter, ‘The Antarctic Century Newsletter ANTARCTIC PRIMER 2018 | 3 CONTENTS I. CONSERVING ANTARCTICA Guidance for Visitors to the Antarctic Antarctica’s Historic Heritage South Georgia Biosecurity II. THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Antarctica The Southern Ocean The Continent Climate Atmospheric Phenomena The Ozone Hole Climate Change Sea Ice The Antarctic Ice Cap Icebergs A Short Glossary of Ice Terms III. THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT Life in Antarctica Adapting to the Cold The Kingdom of Krill IV. THE WILDLIFE Antarctic Squids Antarctic Fishes Antarctic Birds Antarctic Seals Antarctic Whales 4 AURORA EXPEDITIONS | Pioneering expedition travel to the heart of nature. CONTENTS V. EXPLORERS AND SCIENTISTS The Exploration of Antarctica The Antarctic Treaty VI. PLACES YOU MAY VISIT South Shetland Islands Antarctic Peninsula Weddell Sea South Orkney Islands South Georgia The Falkland Islands South Sandwich Islands The Historic Ross Sea Sector Commonwealth Bay VII. FURTHER READING VIII. WILDLIFE CHECKLISTS ANTARCTIC PRIMER 2018 | 5 Adélie penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula I. CONSERVING ANTARCTICA Antarctica is the largest wilderness area on earth, a place that must be preserved in its present, virtually pristine state.
    [Show full text]
  • Antarctica: Music, Sounds and Cultural Connections
    Antarctica Music, sounds and cultural connections Antarctica Music, sounds and cultural connections Edited by Bernadette Hince, Rupert Summerson and Arnan Wiesel Published by ANU Press The Australian National University Acton ACT 2601, Australia Email: [email protected] This title is also available online at http://press.anu.edu.au National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Title: Antarctica - music, sounds and cultural connections / edited by Bernadette Hince, Rupert Summerson, Arnan Wiesel. ISBN: 9781925022285 (paperback) 9781925022292 (ebook) Subjects: Australasian Antarctic Expedition (1911-1914)--Centennial celebrations, etc. Music festivals--Australian Capital Territory--Canberra. Antarctica--Discovery and exploration--Australian--Congresses. Antarctica--Songs and music--Congresses. Other Creators/Contributors: Hince, B. (Bernadette), editor. Summerson, Rupert, editor. Wiesel, Arnan, editor. Australian National University School of Music. Antarctica - music, sounds and cultural connections (2011 : Australian National University). Dewey Number: 780.789471 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. Cover design and layout by ANU Press Cover photo: Moonrise over Fram Bank, Antarctica. Photographer: Steve Nicol © Printed by Griffin Press This edition © 2015 ANU Press Contents Preface: Music and Antarctica . ix Arnan Wiesel Introduction: Listening to Antarctica . 1 Tom Griffiths Mawson’s musings and Morse code: Antarctic silence at the end of the ‘Heroic Era’, and how it was lost . 15 Mark Pharaoh Thulia: a Tale of the Antarctic (1843): The earliest Antarctic poem and its musical setting . 23 Elizabeth Truswell Nankyoku no kyoku: The cultural life of the Shirase Antarctic Expedition 1910–12 .
    [Show full text]
  • Public Information Leaflet HISTORY.Indd
    British Antarctic Survey History The United Kingdom has a long and distinguished record of scientific exploration in Antarctica. Before the creation of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), there were many surveying and scientific expeditions that laid the foundations for modern polar science. These ranged from Captain Cook’s naval voyages of the 18th century, to the famous expeditions led by Scott and Shackleton, to a secret wartime operation to secure British interests in Antarctica. Today, BAS is a world leader in polar science, maintaining the UK’s long history of Antarctic discovery and scientific endeavour. The early years Britain’s interests in Antarctica started with the first circumnavigation of the Antarctic continent by Captain James Cook during his voyage of 1772-75. Cook sailed his two ships, HMS Resolution and HMS Adventure, into the pack ice reaching as far as 71°10' south and crossing the Antarctic Circle for the first time. He discovered South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands although he did not set eyes on the Antarctic continent itself. His reports of fur seals led many sealers from Britain and the United States to head to the Antarctic to begin a long and unsustainable exploitation of the Southern Ocean. Image: Unloading cargo for the construction of ‘Base A’ on Goudier Island, Antarctic Peninsula (1944). During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, interest in Antarctica was largely focused on the exploitation of its surrounding waters by sealers and whalers. The discovery of the South Shetland Islands is attributed to Captain William Smith who was blown off course when sailing around Cape Horn in 1819.
    [Show full text]
  • Carle Sabbatical Report, September 2009
    Identification and Comparison of Gray Literature in Two Polar Libraries: Australian Antarctic Division and Scott Polar Research Institute Item Type Report Authors Carle, Daria O. Publisher University of Alaska Anchorage Download date 28/09/2021 10:37:01 Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/11122/4725 Carle Sabbatical Report, September 2009 FINAL REPORT SABBATICAL LEAVE AY 2008 – 2009 Date: September 15, 2009 Title: Identification and Comparison of Gray Literature in Two Polar Libraries: Australian Antarctic Division and Scott Polar Research Institute Submitted by: Daria O. Carle Associate Professor / Science Librarian University of Alaska Anchorage Summary: Gray literature collections were investigated and compared at the libraries of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) and the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) in order to improve accessibility. These collections are important to Arctic and Antarctic researchers, but are problematic because they are not well documented, often have limited access, and are arranged by subject using a classification system specific to polar libraries. Tangible results of the project include estimates of the number of gray literature items in the polar subject categories for the two libraries, along with a template of a user’s finding aid to these collections. In addition, 172 sources from four Antarctic expeditions in the early part of the 20th century were selected as a representative sample; 64 from AAD and 108 from SPRI. While small, the sample was a focused topic with enough variety of materials to provide good examples for accessibility issues. Inquiries are continually received at AAD and SPRI for information related to these four expeditions, so improved access will be beneficial for both researchers and the two institutions.
    [Show full text]
  • Chivalry at the Poles: British Sledge Flags PROCEEDINGS Barbara Tomlinson Curator, the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, UK
    Chivalry at the Poles: British Sledge Flags PROCEEDINGS Barbara Tomlinson Curator, The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, UK In 1999 Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s sledge flag was sold by the family and purchased at Christies on 17 September by the National Maritime Museum. This is what we may call Scott’s official sledge flag recogniz‑ able in the photographs of the ill‑fated polar party at the South Pole and subsequently recovered from their tent by Atkinson’s search party on 12 November 1912. The flag is in heavyweight silk sateen, machine-stitched with a cross of St. George at the hoist, the rest of the flag divided horizontally, white over blue. The Scott family crest of a stag’s head and the motto “Ready Aye Ready” are embroidered in brown in the centre. Photograph of one of Scott’s Expeditions Various types of flags were used on polar expeditions... ensigns, depot marking flags and the Union flag taken to plant at the Pole should a sledge party arrive there. There is quite a close relationship between sledge flags and boat flags. British expeditions were seeking a route through the Canadian archipelago or attempting to reach Captain R F Scott’s Sledge Flag the North Pole over the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean- a This is not the only surviving sledge flag belonging to complicated mix of ice and water. William Edward Parry’s Scott, another of similar design, carried on his first expe‑ North Pole expedition of 1827 used sledges and boats dition in Discovery was presented to Exeter Cathedral constructed with runners to cross the hummocky pack ice by his mother and now hangs on the south wall of the and the channels of water which opened up in summer.
    [Show full text]
  • Across the Antarctic Circle
    Across the Antarctic Circle 02 – 11 March 2019 | Polar Pioneer About Us Aurora Expeditions embodies the spirit of adventure, travelling to some of the most wild and adventure and discovery. Our highly experienced expedition team of naturalists, historians and remote places on our planet. With over 27 years’ experience, our small group voyages allow for destination specialists are passionate and knowledgeable – they are the secret to a fulfilling a truly intimate experience with nature. and successful voyage. Our expeditions push the boundaries with flexible and innovative itineraries, exciting wildlife Whilst we are dedicated to providing a ‘trip of a lifetime’, we are also deeply committed to experiences and fascinating lectures. You’ll share your adventure with a group of like-minded education and preservation of the environment. Our aim is to travel respectfully, creating souls in a relaxed, casual atmosphere while making the most of every opportunity for lifelong ambassadors for the protection of our destinations. DAY 1 | Saturday 2 March 2019 Puerto Williams Position: 21:30 hours Course: 139° Wind Speed: 18 knots Barometer: 997.3 hPa Latitude: 55°05’ S Speed: 111.8 knots Wind Direction: NNW Air Temp: 8°C Longitude: 66°59’ W Sea Temp: 8°C After months of planning, weeks of anticipation and long-haul flights from around the globe, The sound of seven-short-one-long rings from the ship’s signal system was our cue to don we took a final flight from Punta Arenas to arrive at Puerto Williams, Chile, raring to begin our warm clothes, bulky orange lifejackets and gather at the muster stations to sample the ambi- Antarctic adventure.
    [Show full text]
  • Antarctic Explorer
    Antarctic Explorer 17 – 26 January 2020 | Greg Mortimer About Us Aurora Expeditions embodies the spirit of adventure, travelling to some of the most wild opportunity for adventure and discovery. Our highly experienced expedition team of and remote places on our planet. With over 28 years’ experience, our small group voyages naturalists, historians and destination specialists are passionate and knowledgeable – they allow for a truly intimate experience with nature. are the secret to a fulfilling and successful voyage. Our expeditions push the boundaries with flexible and innovative itineraries, exciting Whilst we are dedicated to providing a ‘trip of a lifetime’, we are also deeply committed to wildlife experiences and fascinating lectures. You’ll share your adventure with a group education and preservation of the environment. Our aim is to travel respectfully, creating of like-minded souls in a relaxed, casual atmosphere while making the most of every lifelong ambassadors for the protection of our destinations. DAY 1 | Friday 17 January 2020 Ushuaia; Southward ho’ across the Drake Passage Position: 18:00 hours Course: In port Wind Speed: 15 knots Barometer: 997 MB & steady Latitude: 54°48’ S Speed: In port Wind Direction: NW Air Temp: 9° C Longitude: 68°17’ W Sea Temp: 7° C The land was gone, all but a little streak, away off on the edge of the water, and Onboard we total 122 passengers with many nationalities represented, including Australia, down under us was just ocean, ocean, ocean – millions of miles of it, heaving Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, and pitching and squirming, and white sprays blowing from the wave-tops, ....
    [Show full text]
  • Across the Antarctic Circle
    Across the Antarctic Circle 19 February – 02 March 2019 | Polar Pioneer About Us Aurora Expeditions embodies the spirit of adventure, travelling to some of the most wild and adventure and discovery. Our highly experienced expedition team of naturalists, historians and remote places on our planet. With over 27 years’ experience, our small group voyages allow for destination specialists are passionate and knowledgeable – they are the secret to a fulfilling a truly intimate experience with nature. and successful voyage. Our expeditions push the boundaries with flexible and innovative itineraries, exciting wildlife Whilst we are dedicated to providing a ‘trip of a lifetime’, we are also deeply committed to experiences and fascinating lectures. You’ll share your adventure with a group of like-minded education and preservation of the environment. Our aim is to travel respectfully, creating souls in a relaxed, casual atmosphere while making the most of every opportunity for lifelong ambassadors for the protection of our destinations. DAY 1 | Tuesday 19 February 2019 Ushuaia, Beagle Channel Position: 22:25 hours Course: 83.7° Wind Speed: 5 knots Barometer: 1009.3 hPa & rising Latitude: 54°55’ S Speed: 10.9 knots Wind Direction: W Air Temp: 9°C Longitude: 67°24’ W Sea Temp: 8°C After months of preparation, weeks of anticipation and long-haul flights from around the The sound of seven-short-one-long rings from the ship’s signal system was our cue to don globe, we finally arrived at Ushuaia, known locally as el fin del mundo (the end of the world), warm clothes, bulky orange lifejackets and gather at the muster stations to sample the ambi- raring to begin our Antarctic adventure.
    [Show full text]
  • Your Cruise Expedition to Charcot & Peter I Islands
    Expedition to Charcot & Peter I Islands From 2/2/2022 From Ushuaia Ship: LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT to 2/16/2022 to Ushuaia Landing on Peter I Island is like landing on the moon! This image illustrates how extremely difficult it is to access this small volcanic island located in the Bellingshausen Sea 450 km (280 miles) from the Antarctic coasts, on which only a rare few people have set foot, like the astronauts on the surface of the moon. Discovered in February 1821, Peter I Island could only be approached for the first time in 1929, as the ice front made approach and disembarkation difficult. Its summit still remains untouched to this day. This unusual itinerary will also provide an opportunity to approach Charcot Island, thus named by Captain Charcot in memory of his father during its discovery in 1910. We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Our navigation will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the Overnight in Santiago + flight Santiago/Ushuaia + coastal ice must be preserved, we will take this factor into account from day to day in our transfers + flight Ushuaia/Santiago itineraries. The sailing schedule and any landings, activities and wildlife encounters are subject to weather and ice conditions. These experiences are unique and vary with each departure. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the IAATO. The information in this document is valid as of 9/30/2021 Expedition to Charcot & Peter I Islands YOUR STOPOVERS : USHUAIA Embarkation 2/2/2022 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Departure 2/2/2022 at 6:00 PM Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole.
    [Show full text]
  • Naming Antarctica
    NASA Satellite map of Antarctica, 2006 - the world’s fifth largest continent Map of Antarctica, Courtesy of NASA, USA showing key UK and US research bases Courtesy of British Antarctic Survey Antarctica Naming Antarctica A belief in the existence of a vast unknown land in the far south of the globe dates The ancient Greeks knew about the Arctic landmass to The naming could be inspired by other members of the back almost 2500 years. The ancient Greeks called it Ant Arktos . The Europeans called the North. They named it Arktos - after the ‘Great Bear’ expedition party, or might simply be based on similarities it Terra Australis . star constellation. They believed it must be balanced with homeland features and locations. Further inspiration by an equally large Southern landmass - opposite the came from expressing the mood, feeling or function of The Antarctic mainland was first reported to have been sighted in around 1820. ‘Bear’ - the Ant Arktos . The newly identified continent a place - giving names like Inexpressible Island, During the 1840s, separate British, French and American expeditions sailed along the was first described as Antarctica in 1890. Desolation Island, Arrival Heights and Observation Hill. continuous coastline and proved it was a continent. Antarctica had no indigenous population and when explorers first reached the continent there were no The landmass of Antarctica totals 14 million square kilometres (nearly 5.5 million sq. miles) place names. Locations and geographical features - about sixty times bigger than Great Britain and almost one and a half times bigger than were given unique and distinctive names as they were the USA.
    [Show full text]
  • Medals and Awards Gold Medal Recipients
    Medals and Awards Gold Medal Recipients The Gold Medals (Founder’s and Patron’s Medals) originated as an annual gift of fifty guineas from King William IV. It was awarded for the first time in 1831, for the encouragement and promotion of geographical science and discovery. In 1839 the Society decided that this sum should be converted into two gold medals of equal value, to be designated the Founder’s Medal and the Patron’s Medal. Today both Medals are approved by Her Majesty The Queen. Gold Medal recipients are listed in full below: 1832 Founder's Medal - Richard Lander For important services in determining the course and termination of the Niger 1833 Founder's Medal - John Biscoe For his discovery of Graham’s Land and Enderby’s Land in the Antarctic 1834 Founder's Medal - Captain Sir John Ross For his discovery of Boothia Felix and King William Land and for his famous sojourn of four winters in the Arctic 1835 Founder's Medal - Sir Alexander Burnes For his remarkable and important journeys through Persia 1836 Founder's Medal - Captain Sir George Back For his recent discoveries in the Arctic, and his memorable journey down the Great Fish River 1837 Founder's Medal - Captain Robert Fitzroy For his survey of the coasts of South America, from the Rio de la Plata to Guayaquil in Peru 1838 Founder's Medal - Colonel Francis Rawdon Chesney For valuable materials in comparative and physical geography in Syria, Mesopotamia and the delta of Susiana 1839 Founder's Medal - Thomas Simpson For tracing the hitherto unexplored coast of North America Patron's Medal - Dr.
    [Show full text]