The Transantarctic mountains. Rocks, ice, meteorites and water / Трансантарктические горы. Горные породы, лёд, метеориты и вода

In spite of its remote location and its cold and stormy weather, Antarctica has attracted seal hunters, whalers, and scientists all of whom have contributed to the exploration of this continent. The names of these explorers are preserved by many of the topographic and geologic features of Antarctica, as well as by the names of its coastal areas and surrounding oceans. Those who now wish to visit Antarctica can do so in steel-hulled ships or in large transport planes that land on the sea ice or even on the polar plateau. The research stations that are maintained in Antarctica by several nations offer most of the comforts of home. Even scientists who work in the mountains and on the polar plateau are transported into the field by helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft; and they use snowmobiles rather than dogsleds to travel across the polar plateau. In spite of these labor-saving accommodations and devices, the weather in Antarctica has not changed since the epic journeys of Robert Scott, Ernest Shackleteon, and Roald Amundsen. The sign at Williams Field adjacent to Ross Island welcomes travelers with the Maori phrase: “Haere Mai” (Welcome). It could also read: “Enter at your own risk.” Antarctica can be a cruel place. Those of us who now work in Antarctica should be aware of the heroic struggle and tragic fate of some of those who preceded us. <...>