Exploring Antarctica › Science Features (ABC Science)
In Depth › Science Features Exploring Antarctica Much has changed in the hundred years since Australian explorer Sir Douglas Mawson first located the South Magnetic Pole, yet Antarctica still holds challenges for modern scientists. Sir Douglas Mawson took a plane to Antarctica in 1911 as a media stunt to promote his expedition, says Dr Ian Godfrey, field leader and chief conservator of the Mawson's Huts Expedition team. "Mawson's expedition was the first and the most serious scientific expedition undertaken during the heroic era and it basically laid the foundation later for Australia's claim to the Antarctic territory itself," says Godfrey. "Million-year old ice, the scientists predict, will provide us with the best clues to climate change and also the development of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet," says Australian expeditioner, Eric Philips.
Discover Related
China's Antarctic research achieves several firsts in latest expedition
Visiting Antarctica or the Arctic? Here's how to minimise your impact
China's 41st Antarctic expedition team deploys cutting-edge drill to gather data
Inquiry recommends increase in inspections of foreign Antarctic bases
Antarctica's first sighting: A Russian expedition's historic 1820 discovery
Cooperation in the cold symbolizes shared future
Mushy ice and lost kit: The scientists studying Antarctica as it melts
Swirls and scoops: Antarctica's upside down ice-scape we had no idea existed
Antarctica: How the coldest place on Earth became one of the world’s hottest vacation spots
Scientists in Chile question if Antarctica has hit a point of no return
Record low sea-ice levels around Antarctica ‘likely due to climate change’
Researchers Discover 2 Million-Year-Old Ice In East Antarctica
Nation's 40th Antarctic expedition completed
British research ship crosses paths with world’s largest iceberg
On the cusp of climate talks, UN chief Guterres visits crucial Antarctica
Ex-Royal Marine begins solo ski record attempt across Antarctica