Antarctica
has not always been the “frozen continent”. Twice the size
of Australia, the Antarctic land mass originally forms part of the Gondwana
super continent, and was finally separated from the South American continent
about twenty million years ago by the formation. Today, the continent
lies buried beneath the world’s largest mass of ice. Over 4,000
m thick in places, containing 91% of the world’s fresh water reserves,
the ice extends far out over the surface of the ocean, forming huge
walls of ice and thousands of icebergs, some as large as small country.
In winter, the sun does not rise in Antarctica and the surrounding ocean
freezes over entirely, while during the 24 hours summer sunlight, the
coastal areas along the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands,
where most scientific bases and installations are located – come
alive with wildlife. In the interior, Chile’s Patriot Hills station,
served by a blue-ice airfield, is the southernmost inhabitation in the
world.
Flora and Fauna The marine environment
of the Antarctic Ocean is unbelievably productive. Tiny crustaceans
known as krill form basis for a fascinating ecosystem featuring Weddell
and Elephant seals, seven species of penguins, blue whales, orcas, and
a wide variety of seabirds.
Navigation
Most visitors to Antarctica board stout, often luxurious cruising vessels.
These vessels visit a variety of Islands and costal scientific bases,
meeting with scientists and coming face to face with wildlife entirely
unaccustomed to humans. Trips depart from Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams.
