Antarctica - 南极洲

AntarcticaLocated at the southernmost tip of the earth, it is the coldest and driest continent on the earth. Antarctica isAtlantic、Indian OceanandThe Pacific OceanSurrounded by. Antarctica is covered by a thick layer of ice, with an average elevation of 2,350 meters, making it the highest continent in the world. With a total area of ​​14 million square kilometers, it is the fifth largest continent in the world. The climate in Antarctica is extremely cold, and it may be below -50°C in the interior, and the hottest summer temperature averages 2°C. Antarctica is also the place with the most wind in the world.

Due to bad weather conditions, Antarctica has no permanent residents, but many governments around the world have research stations there, some of which are staffed throughout the year, and some are only staffed in summer. Although some countries claim sovereignty over all parts of the continent, the region is neutral and no country has sovereignty. Antarctica is unique in many ways. The most famous is its unique fauna: such as emperor penguins, chinstrap penguins, seals, whales, especially blue whales, which are the largest creatures in the world.

area

See also:Southern Ocean Islands

Other destinations

The main destination for visiting Antarctica will be the research base (for those working on the frozen continent),Antarctic PeninsulaorRoss SeaRegion (for those visiting by boat). Other destinations can only be reached by those with great turbine power and (most importantly) funding.

• Antarctica: Unlike various places in the north, Antarctica is located on a static ground, so it supports permanent research stations and ritual poles.
• Inaccessible Antarctica: The southernmost place in Antarctica (in other words, this is the most difficult place in the world to reach), is the site of an abandoned Soviet railway station. Although covered by snow, there is still a golden Lenin bust. Like appearing from the snow (Moscow). If you can find a way in the building, there is a book of golden guest notes.
• Mount Erebus: the southernmost active volcano in the world,Ross IslandNext to it, it's very scary!
• Antarctic Peninsula: If there is a "touristy" place in Antarctica, it must be Palmer Station (U.S), the museum at the Port of Lockroy, the island of Cuverville, and the only two cruise ships on the continent: Paradise Bay and Port Neko.
• South Shetland Islands：Antarctic PeninsulaAnother group of main attractions for the cruise tour includes: Penguins and hot springs on Deception Island, Hannah Point, Half Moon Island, Aiqiu Islands, Artigas Base (Uruguay) And the friendliness of Arctowski StationPolandResearchers
• McMurdo Station（U.S) And Scott Base (new Zealand) On the mainland near Ross Island.
• Mawson’s Hut: The small camp of Sir Douglas Mawson’s ill-fated Antarctic expedition. He was the only survivor.Commonwealth BayofDenison Point。
• Macquarie Island

learn

Although several countries have made demands on different parts of Antarctica, it is governed by the 1958 "Antarctic Treaty", which established the Antarctic continent as an international research zone for peace and cooperation. Since the "Antarctic Treaty" prohibits most signatories from making any new claims to the territory, and as long as the treaty is established, there will be almost no impact on the claims of the Antarctic territory that have already been made, so there are overlapping claims and a considerable range of countries. The only other important dry land with this characteristic isSudanandEgyptbetweenBir Tawil. There are no cities in this area, only more than 20 research stations, with a total population ranging from 1,000 to 4,000, depending on the time of year (November to March summer is more than June to September winter). These are for scientific purposes only and do not provide any official tourism support. The laws of the country in which each research station operates apply there.

Private trips to Antarctica usually take one of three forms: commercial sea voyages (by far the most popular), special landing expeditions, or sightseeing by plane.

Approximately 80 companies belong toInternational Antarctic Tour Operators Association(IAATO), which is a membership organization responsible for managing non-research travel in the region. According to the organization's data, 41,996 tourists traveled to Antarctica in 2017-18, an increase of 16% from last year.

history

AntarcticaIt is the last continent discovered by mankind. Although explorers had reported earlier traces of the "Unknown Land in the South", the earliest confirmed location was the land south of 60° latitude.Russia、UKorU.SThe crew in January 1820 (there is no reliable information to determine which was first discovered). The first person known to set foot on the Antarctic continent was the American master sealer John Davis in 1821.

The turbulent waters and coasts were explored throughout the 19th century. In 1897, aBelgiumThe expedition spent the winter over Antarctica. This was the beginning of the "Heroic Antarctic Expedition Era", which eventually led toNorwayExplorer Roald Amundsen and his crew set foot on Antarctica 14 years later. Polar Science Research Station Amundsen-Scott South Pole StationUKNamed after the explorer Robert Scott, he arrived in the polar regions about a month later, but never returned to the coast.

In history, ten countries have made sovereign declarations on parts of Antarctica, some of which overlapped. In June 1961, the "Antarctic Treaty" was signed and implemented, stipulating that all areas south of 60 degrees south latitude containing ice shelves (a total area of ​​approximately 52 million square kilometers) were only for the purpose of maintaining peace and freezing all The state’s sovereignty statement, in other words, Antarctica does not belong to any one country, but to the entire human race. In 1983, China formally joined the "Antarctic Treaty." The treaty made the continent a scientific reserve,Does not recognize, dispute, and does not establish territorial sovereignty requirementsAnd banned thereConduct any military activities. Today, most of the thousands of "residents" are indeed short-lived researchers, which is not surprising given its remote and desolate environment. Although about 40,000 tourists visit each year, most tourists can only go there by cruise shipAntarctic PeninsulaAnd neighboring islands. A small number of people were born in Antarctica, but so far, this has not led to anything close to the "native-born" population, and there is no serious requirement for "Antarctic independence".

Flora and fauna

Antarctica is the only continent without a large number of land plants and no native land mammals, reptiles or amphibians (no polar bears: because they are only in the Arctic). However, its coastline is home to many species of migratory birds and penguins (regardless of the season, several of which live in Antarctica), and the surrounding Southern Ocean is home to many fish and marine mammals, including whales.

landscape

Don't be fooled by its superficial phenomena—all ice and snow—: Antarctica is really just a desert. The moisture in this area is all bound together by cold sea water and huge sheets, shelves and ice blocks, covering almost the entire continent and surrounding waters. There is almost no snow and even little rain here.

Climate

For tourists, Antarctica can only be entered during the southern summer of "November to March". During this period, sea ice melts enough to allow entry, and coastal temperatures can rise to high temperatures of 14°C (57°F). Others The local average temperature can reach above zero, but it is still windy and dry at this time. There are twenty-four hours during the day, and it cannot be accessed from the sea in winter. The temperature can drop to -40°C, and there is only darkness within 24 hours.

The above temperature applies to islands and coastal areas that tourists usually visit. The climate deep in the continent, such asSouth PoleIt is even more severe. The annual average temperature is minus 25 degrees, the high temperature in summer is about -15°C, and the low temperature in winter drops to -80°C. There has been an extreme temperature of minus 91.8 degrees. existAntarctic CircleInside, part of the summer can be seenPolar day。

Film and television books

For most people, reading about Antarctica is the only affordable way to experience the African continent. Books include non-fiction from wild works of fiction to extraordinary early missions of adventurers who want to conquer the last land frontier of the earth.

books

• "Shackleton Leadership Art"(English: Shackleton's Way: Leadership Lessons from the Great Antarctic Explorer), the author isMargot Morrell and Stephanie Capparell, This book describes and analyzes Sir Shackleton’s leadership and philosophy in dealing with various crises during his expedition.

• "700 Days of Polar Survival: A Record of Shackleton's Antarctic Expedition"(English: The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition), the author isCaroline Alexander, This book tells the legendary epic story of Shackleton and his entourage expedition to Antarctica.

• "To Antarctica", The author is Cai Jinghui, and the story unfolds due to the "Last Minute Ferry Ticket".

Movie

• "Antarctic Adventure"(English: Eight Below), released in 2006, tells the story of 8 sled dogs trapped in Antarctica due to the weather, helping each other and living alone in Antarctica waiting for rescue.

• "Emperor Penguin Diary"(La marche de l'empereur), released in 2005, shows the life of penguins more realistically.

Documentary

• "Frozen Planet"(English: Frozen Planet), released in 2011, this epic documentary was produced by the BBC. It took nearly five years to capture the polar beauty that is difficult for ordinary people to see from several perspectives such as sea, land and air. It shows the natural beauty and animal forms of the Antarctic and Arctic.

arrival

Although Antarctica has no government orTransit control, But any land or sea tourists south of 60°S need to get permission from the Antarctic Treaty member states. The application should be submitted six months in advance.

Aviation

Since there is no paved runway, aircraft and pilots need to be able to land on ice, snow or gravel runways: seeGeneral Aviation。

Most flights to Antarctica are fromChristchurch，Cape TownorPunta ArenasSet off. There are 28 airport landing facilities in Antarctica, and all 37 Antarctic stations have helipads. Landing is usually restricted to daylight ("summer" from October to March).

There was a winter landing at Williams Stadium, but the low temperature meant that the aircraft could not stay on the ice for more than an hour or so, because their skis might freeze on the ice. Travel is usually carried out by military aircraft as part of the cargo. In this case, passengers should expect to carry their own luggage and may also need assistance with freight charges.

Commercial flights to Antarctica are rare, but can be used. Aerovías DAP and Adventure Network International provide commercial flights to King George Island and Frei Station in ANI Union Glacier Camp respectively. If taking a Aerovías DAP flight as part of an XXI trip in Antarctica, the travel company will transfer all checked luggage to your accommodation.

The main landing areas include:

• -62.193794-58.9806051 Lieutenant Rudolph Marsh Martin Airport（IATA：TNM）。IntroductionServes Frei Base, Bellingshausen Station, Great Wall Station, General Artigas Station, King Sejong Station, Jubany Base, Commandante Ferraz Base, Henryk Arctowski Base and Machu Picchu Base. Its uniqueness is that it is the only place in the entire Antarctic continent that has an IATA code.  
• -77.8675167.0566672 Williams Field。IntroductionProvide services for McMurdo Station and Scott Station.  
• -77.956389166.7666673 Phoenix Airport（Phoenix Airfield）。IntroductionIt replaces Pegasus Airport, which serves McMurdo Station and Scott Base.  
• -77.853889166.4686114 Annual Sea Ice Runway（Annual Sea-Ice Runway）。IntroductionServes McMurdo Station and Scott Base.  
• -79.777778-83.3208335 Union Glacier Blue-Ice Runway。IntroductionDepend onAntarctic Logistics and Expeditions LLCOperations.  

Commercial overflights to Antarctica are limited, and a few operators provideSydney、Melbourne、HobartandPunta ArenasFlights to Antarctica. These flights usually visit Antarctica and fly over the ice for several hours. Most passengers in seat shifts rotate their positions midway through the plane, providing each person with a window or a window seat in half the time. Prices range from $5,200 for first class to $1,400 for economy class with partial obstacle views, or $900 for non-rotating center seats, depending on the number of people in the portal.

Cruise ship

By cruise shipIt is the most common way to visit Antarctica. During the summer in Antarctica, several companies offer short trips to strengthen ships on Antarctica’s ice. Since the icebreaker is round at the bottom, ice-enhanced (not as hard as icebreaker) ships are preferred: this configuration can amplify the already huge wave action in the Drake Passage. These ships usually provide daily trips during the weekAfricaContinent (usuallyAntarctic Peninsula)orAntarctic Island(E.gDeception islandandAitcho Island) Several short trips. The views are amazing, the penguins are friendly (well, some of them are), and the experience is unparalleled!

When traveling by boat, please note that smaller ships (usually carrying 50 people and 100 passengers) can reach places that larger ships cannot reach, bringing you closer to the nature and wildlife of Antarctica. Larger ships (carrying up to 1,200 people) are less prone to rough seas, but landing options are more limited. Many boats include naturalistic hikes, zodiac tours and sea kayaking, which are perfect for active leisure travelers.

You need to prepare warm clothes: including boots, headgear, gloves, waterproof pants, parka and thermal underwear. Most of these items can beUshuaiaBuy or rent, but sometimes it's not always easy to get the right size during peak seasons. So bring whatever you can from your own stock.

Cruise operators usually only allow 100 people on land to comply with the IAATO agreement. Therefore, if you take a boat with more than 200 people, you can only stay on the boat for a few hours a day at most. Generally speaking, smaller ships will try to ensure that there are two different locations around Antarctica every day, although this of course depends on the weather, and for any particular visit, you can expect a 60% success rate for landing personnel.

Many shipping companies now offer flight/cruise options, including fromChileofSan DiegoorPunta ArenasarriveKing George IslandOne-way or round-trip flight. These are usually better than passing through two-way crossingsDrake ChannelThe cruise is more expensive, but it is 1 day shorter than the total travel time.

Companies that provide cruises to Antarctica include:

• Abercrombie & Kent. A full member of IAATO, with 20 years of operating experience in Antarctica, providing a wealth of education programs.
• Antarctic Shipping. As a full member of IAATO, Antarctic Shipping Company operates the 78-passenger "M/V Antarctic Dream". This expedition ship is a reinforced hull specially built for Antarctic expeditions. It has been completely refurbished to increase the comfort of small cruise ships. . The size of the boat allows multiple landings in Antarctica and opportunities for camping and kayaking.
• Antarctic Unbound. Ocean Nova and Antarctic Unbound, the official members of IAATO, provide 11-day and 22-day itineraries. These trips get on and off the mainland and provide opportunities for trekking, walking, and kayaking.
• Antarctica Bound Cruises. A small company provides cruise ships on most ships that cruise the Antarctic Peninsula.
• Antarpply Expeditions. IAATO member, Antarpply Expeditions is the main operator of small ship expedition cruises to Antarctica and the islands below Antarctica. Antarpply is headquartered inUshuaia, Is good at taking small groups and individual passengers to the most spectacular, remote and primitive areas in the world on "USHUAIA".
• Aurora Expeditions. Aurora Expeditions is a pioneer in ship adventure, dedicated to small, low-impact groups keen to experience Antarctica. They can carry up to 54 passengers, fromAustralia、new ZealandandSouth AmericaOn departure, various activities are also provided, including sea kayaking, camping, photography, climbing and diving.
• Bark Europa. A square sailing boat that provides 22 days of travel to Antarctica and other Antarctic destinations, such asSouth GeorgiaandTristan da Cunha。
• Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris. Provide an in-depth itinerary, emphasizing the maximum landing time and the zodiac signs to cruise with a large number of Antarctic veterans. They provide various itineraries in different years, includingAntarctic Peninsula、South GeorgiaandFalkland Islands, Only extendSouth GeorgiaandFalkland IslandsAnd extendedAntarctic PeninsulaAnd the mainland. They chartered the entire ship most suitable for expeditions, and it was always less than 100 people, so everyone could land immediately to provide more time to land.
• Compagnie du Ponant. Provide luxury cruises andFrenchandGermanMultiple itineraries of the tour.
• Expedition Cruise Specialists. Provided fromSouth Americaandnew ZealandA series of small Antarctica expedition cruises.
• G Adventures. To travel on their ship is the "M/S Expedition". The maximum number of passengers is 120, and there are lectures by staff and naturalists on board.
• Geographic Expeditions. GeoEx’s popular Antarctica adventure is an expedition to Ross Sea and McMurdo Sound.
• Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Members of the IAATO, their small expedition ships have the highest ice rating for cruise ships, and each ship provides 4-5 cruises to Antarctica from December to March each year, includingAntarctic Peninsula、South Shetland Islands、Falkland Islands、South GeorgiaandWeddell Sea。
• Heritage Expeditions。new ZealandAward-winning adventure travel company. They focus on small-group expeditions in the natural history of the world, and they areAntarctic Islands、Ross SeaandEast AntarcticaThe expertise and experience are unparalleled. They operate their own ice-enhanced polar research ship "The Enderby Spirit" and go there several times a yearRoss SeaandCommonwealth Bay(The famous historical house of Sir Douglas Mawson).
• Intrepid Travel. Their ship is a sturdy icebreaker that can move freely even in polar regions. This boat is small (up to 100 people) and gives you the opportunity to go to many places that other people cannot reach. To get you closer, they have 10 sturdy inflatable motor boats (Chinese zodiac) that can enter small or shallow water areas and land.
• Lindblad Expeditions. Lindblad was the first to travel to Antarctica in 1966 and provided multiple trips to the Antarctic Peninsula, as well asFalkland IslandsandSouth GeorgiaThe new "National Geographic Explorer" tour for 148 guests included.
• National Geographic Expeditions. This trip also includes a visitSouth GeorgiaandFalkland Islands. This website provides all the information needed for travel.
• Oceanwide Expeditions. Oceanwide Expeditions has been selecting "the world's leading polar expedition operator" in the London world tourism market for many years, and has been organizing expedition cruises for nearly 20 years. Business scope includesAntarctica、South Georgia、SpitsbergenandGreenland. The fleet consists of several comfortable ice ships, including Plancius, Ortelius, Rembrandt van Rijn and Noorderlicht. Due to its long tradition of pioneering in the polar regions, members of the expedition have a deep understanding of Antarctica and the Arctic.
• Orion Expedition Cruises. The company is a specially designed vessel designed to enter remote areas with five-star luxury. Orion Expedition Cruises will beAustraliaandnew ZealandSet out to Antarctica for multiple summer cruises.
• Polar Cruises. This is a small company that provides access toAntarctic PeninsulaandRoss Sea(Occasionally back to the big) most of the boat trips. Know very well about Antarctica cruises and travel to this unique area.
• Quark Expeditions. Since 1991, the leader of Polar adventure has operated multiple ships and itineraries every season to various regions of the Antarctic Peninsula.
• Rockjumper Birding tours. existSouth AfricaOperations, for thoseBird watchingthose who are interested.

Most cruise ships go fromArgentinaUshuaia、ChilePunta Arenas、new ZealandBluffandAustraliaHobartDepart from four ports.

Sailing

About a dozen chartered sailboats, many of which are members of IAATO, fromSouth AmericaarriveAntarctic PeninsulaProvide three to six weeks of sailing. Most offerExpedition styleGuests are invited to provide assistance, but usually do not require previous sailing experience. Yachts attract individuals by means of "lower bunks" and support private expeditions such as scientific research, mountain climbing, kayaking and film production. Compared with the more popular cruise ships, small yachts can work more and are significantly less comfortable, but generally allow more freedom and flexibility. For the right person, this may be a more valuable experience.

• Ocean adventure. Expedition support yachtAustralisBuilt for high latitude areas. Specializing in private or commercial expeditions, involving filmmaking, scientific research, expeditions, wildlife lovers or just an intimate experience in Antarctica.
• Expedition. Sailing yachtSEALIt is a specially designed expedition sailboat that provides private expeditions, supports research, filming or climbing projects, and also provides double-decker trips for individuals.
• The spirit of Sydney。AustraliaDarrel and Cath own and operateThe spirit of Sydney, This is an expedition support yacht composed of film crews, climbers, skiers, sea kayakers, dry divers, scientists, sailors of all levels and whale watchers. They usually bring kayaks and provide private charters and individual group trips.

South Pole Station

One way to enter Antarctica is difficult, but you can join the research team through various research stations. Please note that this is not a tourist trip, it is only for people who want to see the beauty of Antarctica and want to help research and protect it.

Travel

Pony horses, dog sleds, snowboards, tractors, snow cats (and similar tracked vehicles), and aircraft including helicopters and ski planes are all used to bypass Antarctica. Cruise ships use zodiac boats to transport tourists from ship to shore. Bring your own fuel and food, or arrange supplies in advance. You cannot buy fuel or food on the African continent.Cruise shipGet ready for landing transportation, food, etc. Some also provide cold weather clothes.

Language

Basically you should use the language of which country you and the expedition team of which country you are with, and use it between different expeditions.Englishcommunicate. Since there are no aboriginal people in Antarctica and only a few people were born here, there is no official or aboriginal language in this area.

stay

There are 24 hours of sunshine in Antarctica in summer in the southern hemisphere and 24 hours of night in winter. Visitors should ensure that they take measures to maintain a normal sleep time, because continuous sunlight can disrupt the biological clock. There are no hotels or inns on the mainland, and research bases generally do not accommodate guests. Although land expeditions will use tents as refuges, most tourists will sleep on ships.

jobs

Can be employed in scientific investigation and research bases in Antarctica. Positions are usually competitive and may only be open to highly qualified candidates.

Before departure from Antarctica, induction and training are required. Most positions are summer positions, which last until the northern winter/southern hemisphere summer, and the base is fully staffed. Some positions are suitable for people who want to "winter" in the cold, cold Antarctic winter.

The following agencies are responsible for staffing in Antarctica:

• Antarctic Support Contract。IntroductionResponsible for staffing all American Antarctic bases. Applicants can apply through the website or one of the Antarctic job fairs held across the country. 

• British Antarctic Survey。IntroductionThe staff of the British Antarctic Expedition is stationed in Antarctica and surrounding areas, includingFalkland IslandsandSouth Georgia。  

Safety

See:Cold weather

Antarctica is an extreme environment, and accidents are inevitable. Every year, many people are injured or even killed when "visiting Antarctica". Although this should not prevent people from visiting, it should encourage tourists to exercise caution when choosing travel and make realistic assessments of their abilities.

Since most visitors to Antarctica will arrive by boat, the greatest danger is caused by sea storms. The weather in the Southern Ocean is the most extreme nature. The possibility of hurricane winds and waves is as high as 60-70 feet. In modern safety and ship design, the possibility of sinking is low, but the possibility of being thrown by waves is high. When taking a boat in bad weather, please make sure that there is at least one safety handrail and avoid opening the door during a storm, because the sudden transfer of waves can easily make the heavy door hit back to the body part. Stay in your cabin in bad weather and wait for the storm to subside. Likewise, be very cautious when returning to the ship via the zodiac and following the crew’s instructions: if you slip and fall, the landing platform in bad weather can be fatal.

Although most tourists are properly equipped, the weather on the African continent is equally extreme. For expeditions, search and rescue options are limited, so the expedition team must plan for all contingencies. Antarctica does not have a formal government or legal system, but the laws of the country of origin or departure and the laws of the claimant government may apply. The rules concerning the protection of the environment and historical sites will be strictly enforced, and the fines may be unusually high.

In Antarctica, a hospital is usually "a few days" away. Most ships and research stations have doctors, but facilities are limited. If evacuation is required (if possible), the cost may reach tens of thousands of dollars. Many Antarctic cruise operators require passengers to obtain evacuation insurance. Before embarking on an Antarctic journey, those with existing conditions should strongly consider the risk of venturing into land where medical help may not be available.

Medical treatment

The environment in Antarctica is extremely harsh.Cold weatherIt is a major health hazard. Tourists should be prepared for any visit. Waterproof and windproof gloves, jackets, pants and boots are absolutely necessary. Other necessities that are often overlooked include sunscreen and sunglasses. In summer, visitors will be exposed to the sun's rays from above and the reflections of snow, ice and water.

In fact, the amount of ozone in Antarctica and some nearby islands is not as high as in other parts of the world, which means that there is no such strong blocking of the sun's rays. In addition, it is highly recommended that those arriving by boat take some seasickness medicine during the journey, because even the most suitable for sailing can feel uneasy in a severe storm. Please consult your doctor to determine which medicine is suitable for you.

etiquette

The environment in Antarctica is very fragile. If possible, pollution should be avoided. The expedition should expect to remove "all" waste from the continent when it leaves. Waste treatment and sewage treatment facilities on the African continent are severely restricted and limited to permanent facilities. Visitors are particularly concerned about the danger of introducing foreign organisms into the fragile Antarctic environment. Many travel agencies will require visitors to wash their boots after each landing to avoid transporting seeds or other items from one place to another. In addition, visitors should check all clothing before boarding to avoid bringing any plant or animal material to Antarctica: Invasive species have destroyed many areas on the planet, so it is particularly important to protect Antarctica from this danger.

International Antarctic Tour Operators Association(IAATO) is a voluntary organization of travel agency that aims to promote safe and environmentally friendly tourism in Antarctica. It publishes standards for member tour operators on responsible practices for private visitors on the African continent.

Communication

The top-level domain name of Antarctica is.aq, It is assigned to an organization working in Antarctica or a signatory government of the "Antarctic Treaty". Usually, its servers are hosted elsewhere. Some Antarctic regions may have satellite connections, but connectivity is limited at best and expensive.

post officeVery little, but you can get from ChileVilla Las EstrellasOr a postcard (with a truly unique postmark) sent back from the Port of Lockroy base in the United Kingdom, both inAntarctic PeninsulaIsland.