Antarctic Science

Front Cover
CUP Archive, Apr 23, 1987 - Nature - 280 pages
This beautifully illustrated book reviews the development of science in Antarctica from its early beginnings, in the age of Captain Cook, to the present complexity of the 1980s when research teams from many nations work side by side. Three major areas, biological science, the earth sciences and atmospheric science are examined individually, highlighting the principal achievements of the past 25 years, and providing an up-to-date account of our present understanding of this frozen continent. Concern over the future of the Antarctic Treaty and the probable main directions of future research, provide an indication of the importance of Antarctica to all scientific disciplines. This unique natural laboratory for science is now being investigated by eighteen countries. International interest in Antarctica grows apace and, whatever its future use by mankind, its sensible management will require a good, scientific basis.
 

Contents

Geography politics and science DWH Walton 1 Exploration in search of new lands
1
The early twentieth century
2
Antarctic science comes of
3
Science and Antarctic politics
4
Life in a cold environment I Everson 5 Biogeography and ecological niches
5
Ecological adaptations
6
Physiological adaptations
7
Antarctic food webs
8
Keystone to Gondwana Part IV The Antarctic atmosphere JR Dudeney 140 151 161
174
Climate of extremes
193
The Antarctic climate today
209
Space research from Antarctica
222
Milestones in a unique environment 193 209 222
239
Cooperation or confrontation? RM Laws 18 Science the Treaty and the future
250
The Antarctic Treaty
266
Major symposia and conferences with which SCAR is associated
270

Exploitation of Antarctic fisheries
9
57
40
Sea ice and icebergs
140
Glacial and climatic history
151
Ice dynamics and the ocean
161
Further information on Antarctic science 271 Acknowledgements
271
Select bibliography
272
Index
274
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