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INTRODUCTION TO THE ANTARCTIC
Although the average water accumulation (arriving in the form of snow or ice) is only five or six inches (two inches or less over much of the interior), the icecap has reached a thickness of over 4000 metres in some areas and covers about 14 million square kilometres. Ninety-eight percent of Antarctica's continental area is covered with ice. This accounts for 90 percent of the world's ice and 68 percent of the earth's fresh water. If all this ice melted the earth's ocean level would rise 50 to 60 metres. Beneath the icecap lies a rocky landmass of about seven million square kilometres. It is estimated that much of the landmass of western Antarctica is depressed into the earth's crust to a depth of 1,000 metres lower than its original level. However, large mountains soar as high as 5,140 metres (16,859 feet). There is little flora in Antarctica but what exists is significant. Brilliantly coloured lichens and mosses establish themselves in ice-free areas and the frigid sea provides haven for many varieties of microscopic life (phytoplankton). Fauna exists in overwhelming abundance, especially during the brief austral summer. Hundreds of thousands of penguins gather to breed and feed. Whales, seals and albatross share the vast spaces. Krill, the most abundant animal in the world, occupies a central place in the Antarctic ecosystem and provides the basic food source for many Antarctic predators. Man can be counted among the potential, voracious consumers. Human activity has been recent and limited but there is an exciting and sometimes unsettling history of exploration and exploitation. The remains of decades old whaling stations and exploration outposts stand as silent reminders of past activity. Abandoned and active research stations are testament to the political and scientific presence in Antarctica of several nations. The Antarctic Treaty came into force in 1961 and remains one of the most effective international agreements ever signed. As of October 1999, 44 members adhere to the Treaty and an annual meeting is held to discuss a range of issues. The history of exploration is a fascinating one. Speculation existed from the beginning of the first millennium of the existence of a southern continent. The first recorded expedition to search for it began with Bouvet's expedition in 1738. Successive voyages by explorers, including the amazing navigator James Cook, proved the existence of a southern land but ice and sea conditions and adverse weather prevented any sightings. In 1821, Bellinghausen was the first to record sighting the continent although there is evidence that whalers and sealers had been keeping it secret for some years! Feats of great bravery, lies and intrigue, tragic failures and incredible successes are found in the stories of the early and present day explorers.
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