Antarctica is an amazing and incredibly unique continent.

It is both an austere and inhospitable land and home to some of the most extraordinary biodiversity on the planet. It is a desert with vaulting mountains, immense glaciers, active volcanoes and awe-inspiring vistas. Antarctica was not always in its present southerly location. At one time it was part of present day Australia. Remains of dinosaurs and tropical forests have been discovered. Indeed, the whole concept of continental drift is made more fascinating by a study of this land of extremes. Although the average water accumulation (arriving in the form of snow or ice) is only 5 or 6 inches (2 inches or less over much of the interior), the icecap has reached a thickness of over 4000 metres in some areas and covers about 14 million square kilometres. Ninety-eight percent of Antarctica's continental area is covered with ice. This accounts for ninety percent of the world's ice and sixty-eight percent of the earth's fresh water. If all this ice melted the earth's ocean level would rise 50 to 60 metres! Beneath the icecap lies a rocky landmass of about 7 million square kilometres. It is estimated that much of the landmass of western Antarctica is depressed into the earth's crust to a depth of 1 000 metres lower than its original level. However, large mountains soar as high as 5 140 metres (16 859 feet). There is little flora in Antarctica but what exists is significant. Brilliantly coloured lichens and mosses establish themselves in ice-free areas and the frigid sea provides haven for many varieties of microscopic life (phytoplankton). Fauna exists in overwhelming abundance, especially during the brief austral summer. Hundreds of thousands of penguins gather to breed and feed. Whales, seals and albatross share the vast spaces. Krill, the most abundant animal in the world, occupies a central place in the Antarctic ecosystem and provides the basic food source for many Antarctic predators. Man can be counted among the potential, voracious consumers! Human activity has been recent and limited but there is an exciting and sometimes unsettling history of exploration and exploitation. The remains of decades old whaling stations and exploration outposts stand as silent reminders of past activity. Abandoned and active research stations are testament to the political and scientific presence in Antarctica of several nations. The Antarctic Treaty came into force in 1961 and remains one of the most effective international agreements ever signed. As of October 1999, forty-eight (48) members adhere to the Treaty and an annual meeting is held to discuss a range of issues. The history of exploration is a fascinating one. Speculation existed from the beginning of the first millennium of the existence of a southern continent. The first recorded expedition to search for it began with Bouvet's expedition in 1738. Successive voyages by explorers, including the amazing navigator James Cook, proved the existence of a southern land but ice and sea conditions and adverse weather prevented any sightings. In 1821, Bellinghausen was the first to record sighting the continent although there is evidence that whalers and sealers had been keeping it secret for some years! Feats of great bravery, lies and intrigue, tragic failures and incredible successes are found in the stories of the early and present day explorers. Much remains to be discovered, and protected, as you join the ranks of Antarctic explorers. Enjoy your first glimpses of Antarctica as you participate in the following activities.