Antarctica - Dispatches

Almost since the beginning, humanity's interest in Antarctica has been rooted in scientific curiosity. Initially, that curiosity was simply geographical, though many of the early explorers also took weather readings and collected biological samples when possible. Captain James Cook made every effort to collect scientific specimens and record data, though his primary goal was to locate the southern continent. Even some of the early sealers, whose overriding objective was profit, made an effort to carefully chart newly discovered land and collect scientific samples. James Weddell, for example, brought back the first samples of a new species, the weddell seal. Three of the early, major national expeditions, those of Charles Wilkes (United States), Jules-Sebastien- Cesar Dumont d'Urville (France), and James Clark Ross (Britain), were aimed at taking careful geomagnetic readings and locating the south magnetic pole. (For a more complete accounting of human exploration in Antarctica, see the History section on this site.)

The turn of the century brought an intense wave of exploration to Antarctica. Explorers like Scott, Borchgrevink, Drygalski, Shackleton, Charcot, Gerlache, Mawson, Bruce, Nordensjköld, and others took established scientists with them or made observations and collections on their own. The scope of research steadily expanded to include not only geography, biology, and meteorology, but oceanography, glaciology, geology, and other disciplines. Just as important, semi-permanent stations were established from which long term research could be conducted, in contrast to the earlier ship-borne, and therefore limited, studies. From these semi- permanent, land-based stations, explorers and scientists could make substantial forays into the interior of the continent. Geographical discovery, however, was generally still the main objective.

As the mechanized age got underway, largely through the efforts of Richard Byrd, pure science began to replace the geography-driven exploration of earlier expeditions. This trend took a giant leap forward with the advent of the International Geophysical Year (IGY). Permanent stations were established by several countries with the express goal of conducting geophysical science. At the same time, advancing technology began to expand the scope and execution of scientific studies. Long term astronomical, astrophysical, geological, and biological programs were begun. A secure station and good logistical support allowed researchers to begin asking questions that simple observation could not answer. They began to move away from the strictly observational to the experimental.

This trend has continued and intensified, especially as researchers have begun to recognize Antarctica's importance to global climate and oceanic productivity. Nowhere is this trend more clearly represented than at McMurdo Station. For over thirty years, science facilities there consisted of two "temporary" and cobbled-together buildings, the Eklund Biological Center and the Thiel Earth Sciences Laboratory. In 1992, however, the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) dedicated a new, 43,000 square foot laboratory that is superior in space and instrumentation to most American university facilities. In addition, construction has begun on a new station facility at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, and in recent years two state-of-the-art research vessels have entered service in the U.S. Antarctic Program. If the U.S. effort is any indication, science is the primary human activity in the Antarctic, and it is likely to remain that way for the foreseeable future.

This situation is reflected in the political environment. With the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959, a precedent was established. Territorial claims were placed in abeyance and the primacy of science was clearly noted. Each additional Annex or Protocol to the Treaty has reiterated and strengthened that stance. Though the continent has in the past been subjected to intense biological exploitation, Antarctica is now universally recognized, both in the popular imagination and by international law, as a continent dedicated to the pursuit of science.

The scientific research currently conducted under the auspices of the USAP is eclectic, wide-ranging, and cutting-edge. It covers the entire spectrum of scientific inquiry, from astrophysics to exobiology. Antarctic researchers are responsible for many major discoveries, such as the chemical basis for ozone destruction and the mechanism of antifreeze action in Antarctic fishes. Antarctic scientists have discovered wood and moss samples in glacial till (calling into question the age of the Antarctic ice cap), bioactive and potentially anti-tumor chemicals in sponges, and a mysterious fresh water lake (Lake Vostok) hidden under two miles of ice. High- tech astrophysical research at the South Pole seeks to answer basic questions about the nature of our universe.

In terms of sheer numbers, the United States fields more science groups and more personnel than any other single country. During the most recent austral summer season (August 2000- February 2001), approximately 130 science groups comprised of about 610 researchers will deploy to Antarctica. These scientists come from universities and research institutions all over the country. Often, they work in collaboration with researchers from other countries, such as New Zealand, Australia, Russia, Argentina, Chile, Italy, France, and England. The USAP also has a long tradition of hosting visiting scientists from other Antarctic treaty nations.