Mysterious Antarctica Awaits the Intrepid
The white, vast wilderness of Antarctica is beyond compare. Few will ever delve into its icy grandeur – with shelves and mountain ranges which evoke humanity’s relative insignificance in comparison with the far reaches of our natural world. Traveling to Antarctica is an experience of a lifetime. Most 2012 Antarctica Cruises pass through the Falkland Islands while en route to the Southern Ocean, through stretches of low-pressure systems which circle unimpeded, gaining speed, in a clockwise direction.
The wildlife in Antarctica does not fear humans because Antarctica is the only continent on earth humans have not inhabited. The only people in Antarctica are there temporarily, such as scientists and other researchers. As a consequence, when eco-tourists visit Antarctica, they have the privilege of observing seals and penguins without interfering with activities such as tending to young, hunting, and reproductive behavior. People are not perceived as predators, so they pay them no mind. By contrast, our ability to be inconspicuous allows us to access nature like no other place on earth.
Antarctica’s governance is by international treaty, signed by 46 nations, each of which has agreed on the paramount importance of keeping Antarctica free, peaceful, demilitarized, undeveloped and open to all for scientific exploration. The treaty’s signatories recognize Antarctica’s unique place on the planet: it is too precious to be claimed by a single country. This frozen landmass reflects progress and international cooperation like nowhere else in the world.
The deterioration of Antarctica’s natural environment is a serious and urgent problem. Despite its distance from human activity, pollution far away has had major impacts. Pesticide residue has been found in penguin tissue and seabird guano. Antarctica’s beaches are increasingly dotted by plastic and other rubbish that washes ashore. Gasoline combustion engines in South America and Australia can blow lead particles in as little as a month over to Antarctica. And of course, global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer are expected to be catastrophic for Antarctica if certain trends are not reversed.
While certain effects of pollution have been observed, Antarctica is perhaps the last unspoiled landmass on earth. A journey here is a journey to the end of the earth. Those who take Antarctica tours are enchanted by Antarctica’s tranquil, stark and intimidating landscape, leaving them with a lasting impression of the enormity of nature.
Andrea Mansfield is a fearless travel writer. Her multiple journeys on Antarctica tours have inspired her to enthusiastically champion 2012 Antarctica Cruises.
