Protection For Antarctica

There are two scientists looking for uranium in the Antarctic. Since it is generally agreed that the issue of resource development will eventually put the Antarctic example of international cooperation to its severest test yet, the project is a controversial one here on the ice. Since 1961, Antarctica has been a continent set aside solely for international scientific research. When a higher level of interest is pursued for resources surrounded by icy weather and an unwelcoming cover of snow, there will surely be some straining in the fabric of international cooperation.

There are no long summers in the Antarctic and while the valleys were snow free the scientists and their West German colleagues embarked on helicopter rides across the continent where they saw the beautiful scenery. Frightful helicopter rides were encountered by the gentlemen. The radioactivity detector they had should not be further than a few hundred feet from the cliffs.

Also available from the continent are valuable resources other than uranium. When it comes to these resources locating them is already challenging enough but many are optimistic about how practical these will be in the future.

Harvesting krill is being studied by one Polish fleet, it is an inexpensive protein source resembling a shrimp and originates from the Weddell Sea. In a mountain was where high grade iron ore was found by Soviets. During 1973, an American research vessel found ethane and methane in the Ross Sea. Trace evidences like these can pretty much locate deposits of natural gas not to mention oil.

45 billion barrels of oil and 115 trillion cubic feet of natural gas could be carried by the continental shelf of Antarctica according to findings from the US Geological Survey. Here is a difference of eight times for oil and six times for natural gas when compared to the yearly US consumption. This year marks the surveying of the Dufec Intrusive to be conducted by geologists under the National Science Foundation's support. Other than the mineral rich areas and the bush veld, this is also a possible source of chromium and platinum in the same way as South Africa.

From America's prompting came about the Antarctic treaty that most nations agreed upon during the celebration in the continent for the International Geophysical Year. Open scientific research, using the continent for peaceful purposes, not making any territorial claims, and preserving its environment and wildlife were all pledged by the agreeing nations. Instituting American bases was the National Science Foundation.

It was during the Oslo treaty nations meeting when the major topic was about the resource exploitation issue. Before making changes, the decision must be unanimous. One lingering issue includes how there is interest in valuable resources in other countries. Advising towards maximizing the research possible from the continent's resources are these scientists. Resource development in the Antarctic proves to be a pressing issue for everyone especially when it comes to the cooperation among nations.

Article Source: TravelFreeGuides.com

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by: Matthew King

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