The Land Beneath the Ice

Autor*innen

• David J. Drewry

Parameter

• Natur

Mehr zum Buch

In the early nineteenth century, humans first explored the remote Antarctic continent, quickly recognizing the need to understand its vast ice cover. This book recounts a pivotal era in Antarctic geophysical exploration, detailing how scientists began to "see" beneath the ice sheet and measure its characteristics. From the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s, the Radio Echo Sounding Programme, led by the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge, revolutionized the mapping of the Antarctic ice sheet's thickness through innovative technology and techniques. Conducted during the Cold War, this ambitious research coincided with the early awareness of global climate change. Researchers observed significant shifts in the environment, emphasizing the importance of Antarctica and Greenland's ice masses in predicting future climate scenarios. The narrative covers the scientific background, objectives, and the myriad challenges faced—ranging from harsh weather to mechanical failures and human errors—while operating in such a remote area. It also underscores the remarkable international collaboration in Antarctica during this tumultuous period, highlighting the significance of the 1961 Antarctic Treaty and the necessity of global cooperation to address pressing environmental issues.

• Sprache: Englisch
• Erscheinungsdatum: 2023
• Einband: Hardcover