Antarctica: An Encyclopedia from Abbott Ice Shelf to Zooplankton - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1552975908 ISBN 13: 9781552975909

Publisher: Firefly Books, 2002

Synopsis

Arranged alphabetically and extensively cross-referenced, this fact-packed, definitive guide to Antarctica includes over 1,000 entries and 250 photographs covering climate, geology, natural history, exploration, science, tourism and conservation.

An indispensable reference for the curious, the armchair traveler, the budding scientist and the environmentalist, Antarctica will fascinate and inform about the world's last true wilderness with answers to questions such as:

How was Antarctica formed?
The effects of Antarctica's weather on the world's climate
The life of an iceberg
Life on land beneath the ice
The importance of the scientific work in Antarctica.

To some people, Antarctica is an uninhabited and uninhabitable vastness of ice and snow. Cold though it may be, the continent is a hotbed of scientific research and a growing tourist destination. For all its remoteness, Antarctica is more accessible than ever before. More than 250 flights land at the South Pole each summer and cruise ships bring 12,000 tourists.

Designated since 1959 as a natural reserve devoted to peace and research, Antarctica is host to scientists working on everything from the origin of black holes to climate change to understanding the movements of icebergs the size of Delaware.

Antarctica: An Encyclopedia from Abbot Ice Shelf to Zooplankton covers the natural wonders, wildlife, explorers, adventurers and discoveries that have been made at the bottom of the world.

About this title

About the Author:

Produced by the award-winning documentary company Natural History New Zealand, this book captures the landscape, wildlife and atmosphere of Antarctica as well as the fascinating detail of its history and science. The work of highly qualified researchers was reviewed by a panel of international experts to ensure accuracy, while the mix of historic and modern photographs illustrate every facet of the frozen continent.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:

Foreword

Antarctica is a region of great fascination for millions of people around the world; for its ice, its wild seas, its geographic and historic significance, for its mystery as an unknown place to so many people, and as an environment in which there is so much potential for research. The Antarctic continent, the surrounding ocean and subantarctic islands are the last great global wilderness, and their preservation as a place for peace and science is central to the nations of the Antarctic Treaty.

New Zealand, as a Treaty partner, takes its Antarctic responsibilities very seriously and charges the New Zealand Antarctic Institute to carry out its mandate.

The Institute has a vision of "Antarctica: refreshing global ecosystems and the human spirit." This vision is the basis for a commitment to research, environmental stewardship. and encouraging public awareness and education. It is in this latter role that the Institute welcomes this anthology of Antarctica -- a comprehensive and detailed account of the A to Z of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

We have supported Natural History New Zealand for many years in their endeavours to document the wildlife, the beauty and the activities that occur in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. This partnership has enabled people around the world to get a closer glimpse of the frozen continent via screen technology.

With the publication of this book, Natural History New Zealand has produced a new perspective on the Antarctic, with contributions from noted authors and a selection of superb images, many of which have come from the New Zealand Antarctic Institute's library.

We are proud to endorse this publication and warmly congratulate Natural History New Zealand on its latest initiative.

Gillian Wratt
Chief Executive
New Zealand Antarctic Institute

 

About this edition

• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1552975908
• ISBN 13: 9781552975909
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 208
• Editor: Trewby Mary