Traveling Luck for Antarctica. Antarctica, Antarctica

Antarctica is located in continent mostly south of the Antarctic Circle.

Land in Antarctica is about 98% thick continental ice sheet and 2% barren rock, with average elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 meters; mountain ranges up to nearly 5,000 meters; ice-free coastal areas include parts of southern Victoria Land, Wilkes Land, the Antarctic Peninsula area, and parts of Ross Island on McMurdo Sound; glaciers form ice shelves along about half of the coastline, and floating ice shelves constitute 11% of the area of the continent.

land covers an area of 14000000 square kilometers which is slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US

flag national flag (Flag of Antarctica)

As for the climate; severe low temperatures vary with latitude, elevation, and distance from the ocean; East Antarctica is colder than West Antarctica because of its higher elevation; Antarctic Peninsula has the most moderate climate; higher temperatures occur in January along the coast and average slightly below freezing.

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Map map

Regions of Antarctica

Speculation over the existence of a "southern land" was not confirmed until the early 1820s when British and American commercial operators and British and Russian national expeditions began exploring the Antarctic Peninsula region and other areas south of the Antarctic Circle. Not until 1840 was it established that Antarctica was indeed a continent and not just a group of islands. Several exploration "firsts" were achieved in the early 20th century. Following World War II, there was an upsurge in scientific research on the continent. A number of countries have set up year-round research stations on Antarctica. Seven have made territorial claims, but not all countries recognize these claims. In order to form a legal framework for the activities of nations on the continent, an Antarctic Treaty was negotiated that neither denies nor gives recognition to existing territorial claims; signed in 1959, it entered into force in 1961.

Country Profile for Antarctica

Fishing off the coast and tourism, both based abroad, account for Antarctica's limited economic activity. Antarctic fisheries in 2003-04 (1 July-30 June) reported landing 136,262 metric tons (estimated fishing from the area covered by the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which extends slightly beyond the Antarctic Treaty area). Unregulated fishing, particularly of Patagonian toothfish, is a serious problem. The CCAMLR determines the recommended catch limits for marine species. A total of 23,175 tourists visited in the 2004-05 Antarctic summer, up from the 19,486 visitors the previous year. Nearly all of them were passengers on commercial (nongovernmental) ships and several yachts that make trips during the summer. Most tourist trips last approximately two weeks.

natural resources include iron ore, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum and other minerals, and coal and hydrocarbons have been found in small uncommercial quantities; none presently exploited; krill, finfish, and crab have been taken by commercial fisheries

the coldest, windiest, highest (on average), and driest continent; during summer, more solar radiation reaches the surface at the South Pole than is received at the Equator in an equivalent period; mostly uninhabitable

religion is null.

Natural hazards in Antarctica include katabatic (gravity-driven) winds blow coastward from the high interior; frequent blizzards form near the foot of the plateau; cyclonic storms form over the ocean and move clockwise along the coast; volcanism on Deception Island and isolated areas of West Antarctica; other seismic activity rare and weak; large icebergs may calve from ice shelf.

Travel Advice for Antarctica

British Antarctic Territory

This advice has been reviewed and reissued.  The overall level of the advice has not changed.

SUMMARY

  • British Antarctic Territory is a British Overseas Territory.  There is no formal British diplomatic or consular representation in British Antarctic Territory and it is administered from London.

  • You may require in advance a permit issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office if you are organising a trip to Antarctica, including British Antarctic Territory.  Please see:  British Antarctic Territories.

  • The threat from terrorism is low.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

  • There are no medical or search and rescue facilities in the Territory.  You are required to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  Be aware of the risks posed by the harsh climatic conditions that prevail in Antarctica.  Please see:  Travel Insurance.


SAFETY AND SECURITY

British Antarctic Territory Country Profile.

Local travel
There are no air links to the Territory and there are no road links within the Territory.  Access to Antarctica is by sea only.
In winter (March-October) the Territory is inaccessible.  And during the Austral summer (November-February) there will be times when, because of the prevailing westerly winds and lack of sheltered anchorage, landings may be difficult.


LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

The British Antarctic Territory is a British Overseas Territory.  The Commissioner, British Antarctic Territory, based in London regulates all access to the Territory.  (contact details below).


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Before travelling to the British Antarctic Territory, and the wider continent of Antarctica, you will need a valid permit which your tour organiser may obtain from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.
For further information on permits, please check the following website on: British Antarctic Territories.


HEALTH

There are no medical or search and rescue facilities within the Territory.  You are strongly urged to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  Please see:  Travel Insurance.
You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at www.dh.gov.uk.


GENERAL

If things go wrong when overseas, please see:  What We Can Do To Help.

You can purchase stamps and gifts from the Port Lockroy Post Office/Museum.