Living and Working in Antarctica
Antarctica-it is the southernmost,coldest,driest and windiest continent.It attracts scientists from all over the world.They come to study its unique geography,geology and biodiversity,in the hope of making new discoveries.The scientists live inside research stations,which are managed by more than 20 countries,including China,the United States, Russia,France and Germany.
Any time spent in Antarctica means that scientists have to endure its extreme weather.Even in summer,temperatures are usually around freezing.In fact,the coldest temperature on Earth was recorded here in Antarctica at nearly-100C!When scientists go outside the stations,they need to wear special clothes for protection from such freezing temperatures, as well as from fierce winds and strong blizzards.As weather conditions in Antarctica can change from calm to white-out in minutes,anyone travelling or working outdoors must have a survival bag.A typical survival bag contains a tent for two people,sleeping bags and other survival equipment,in case they get lost or have to spend the night outdoors.
One of the most difficult things to get used to,however,is the unusually long days and nights.In summer,the sun rises once and sets many months later.Likewise,Antarctica's long winter means months of darkness.While these seemingly endless days and nights cause issues with the scientists'body clocks,winter can be particularly problematic.The darkness makes most outdoor research impossible.It is perhaps no surprise that Antarctica's summer population of around 5,000 people falls to around 1,000 in winter.
Life inside a research station also has its own challenges.Because of the extreme conditions, it is almost impossible to grow fresh produce in Antarctica.Most food is imported,so it can be difficult at times to have a varied diet.Scientists can spend as many as two months without eating any fresh fruit or vegetables.
Research stations do,however,offer a variety of activities and entertainment,ranging from yoga and keep-fit,to live music and lectures.Loneliness can of course be a problem.But with far too much time spent indoors with the same people,it seems that the main issue for those living inside a research station is finding enough personal space!
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