Archive for February 17th, 2010

Doing Science In The Antarctic

February 17th, 2010

The highest temperatures you’ll experience in an Antarctic winter won’t be any higher than negative 25 degrees.This is compounded by the fact that the miles of glacier are home to gale force winds that can make your eyelids frozen in a second.Antarctica is one of the most harshest places to live on our Earth.

One of the most isolated and important scientific outposts is a permanent U.S. station located in this climate.The Pole at one time was barred to anyone except certified researchers and workers.But this has evolved with the charter flights of wealthy tourists and thrill-seekers starting to arrive on the cold horizon.cruises to antartica

All there is to see is white, really.There are no penguins closer than a thousand miles in any direction.It seems that the draw is to be able to say that you have stood at The Pole.


Since the South Pole has been seen as an important base for scientific discovery, those who work there likely scoff at the notion of selling out Antarctica, which could get in their way.But is doesn’t stop visitors, as the do come frequently during research season.Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to stop them.

Antarctica belongs to no one and everyone. 43 nation agreement states that scientific research can be done as well as other exploration expeditions but that does not include exploitation of the land.There is not a day that goes by that the three large U.S. stations are not staffed. This include the eight months of winter where the Pole is completely pitch-dark.The unwritten law of the Ice mandates that its crew help anybody who can get to 90 degrees south latitude, whether invited or not.great antarctic cruise

Many travelers to this area arrive ignorant of what The Pole has in store for them, and the fact that they are at an altitude of 10,000 feet, and this type of travel is discouraged.Visitors usually will arrive cold, dehydrated and experiencing altitude sickness.

In 1975, the sleeping facilities of the dome were opened to accommodate thirty-three men.Since then, this has grown ten fold to accommodate up to 200 men and women.”Summer Camp” is the name that has been given to the bunkhouses assembled of plywood, plastic, and canvas, that cover the glacier.

Fresh water is supplied in abundance at Summer Camp, so no one goes without.Limited luxuries, like showers, flushing the toilet, even laundry come from melting ice using expensive $12 a gallon fuel.It’s a long walk to the communal bathroom which can be slippery and bone chilling cold even though the sun is blazing at 3a.m.

The very first woman who came to Antarctica needed military escorts.Today, at least a third of the summer staff are female, and they are treated as colleagues.The Pole is balanced equally.

Research indicates that workers in extreme cold need three times more time to finish a simple task.This is because the brain’s chemistry reduces the hormones you need for problem solving and increases those needed for physical activity.In winter, this phenomenon gets worse.

It is in mid February that the South Pole is virtually deserted as the last aircraft leave the area.Those few, 28 men and women, will stay on the frozen land through the next six months of harsh winter.They have to deal with endless night until salvation comes in October.

Technorati Tags: , ,

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Lot Of Customization Options Available While Selecting Colorado Ski Vacation Packages

February 17th, 2010

Whether it’s your dream to ski or you will simply desire to pay a visit to Colorado, benefiting from Colorado ski vacation packages is a wonderful strategy for saving time and money when planning your vacation. Here are some hints regarding why you need to think about using vacation packages and how to buy them.

Colorado ski vacation packages are becoming so popular since they enable you to arrange your flight tickets, reserve your hotel room, get a rental car, and so much more, all in one simple purchase. This, as you can imagine, facilitates enormously in saving you lots of bucks, especially comparing the total cost of the ski package to the amount you would need to invest were you to purchase these necessities individually. Moreover, using Colorado ski vacation packages is as well beneficial in that you would be able to know in advance information about how much remains in your resources when you’ve taken care of the essential purchases.

One more reason to test Colorado ski vacation packages is that they help you have an insider’s look at the various places of interest, local events, and sights to visit when you’re in Colorado. This not only allows you to create a fun itinerary to enjoy from the start, but some deals additionally provide you with coverage for tips, drinks, meals, and more, consequently saving you even more cash.



It is crucial that you get hold of your Colorado ski vacation packages at the earliest possible. Depending on the time of year, these packages can sell out quickly indeed; the earlier you buy one, the greater your possibilities will be of having to get pleasure from an unforgettable holiday with minimal fuss. On the other hand, in case you are unable to buy fast, there are also some last minute bargains you can benefit from at the same time. Remember that, though, that most are last minute resorts; it may not be wise to gamble your vacation aside on deals that sell out so speedily.

In choosing Colorado ski vacation packages, you are working on your part to ensure your vacation goes smoothly. You will for no reason have to settle for not having tickets, a hotel room, or a good rental car. Moreover, you will not ought to waste time endlessly looking for the ideal necessities for you?in most cases, these vacation packages provide you with almost everything required for a wonderful getaway. Find out more right now about how precisely these vacation packages can benefit you!

Serena B. Pulman
To know a lot more regarding Colorado ski vacation packages, check out vacation packages web site.

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!