Relevance Of Antarctic Research

It is in the Antarctic where two scientists hope to get uranium. Present in this kind of project is the controversy that can affect the cooperation among nations. In 1961, international scientific research was what the continent of Antarctica was set aside for. It is inevitable for some straining to happen in the model of international cooperation when interest is continuously pursued for resources that are protected by icy weather not to mention sinister snow situations.

Summer is brief in the Antarctic and this was when the scientists accompanied by their West German colleagues engaged in helicopter rides that went over the snow free and magnificent valley scenery of the continent. For the gentlemen, the helicopter rides were rather daunting. The radioactivity detector which they carry must be kept within a few hundred feet of the sheer cliffs.

The continent carries uranium and a lot of valuable resources as well. In most cases, the difficulties involved in locating and exploiting this wealth are immense, but few doubt that within the next few decades this will become increasingly practical.

One large Polish fleet is involved in the study of krill harvesting techniques, it is a shrimp like creature that is found in the Weddell Sea and is a cheap protein source. One mountain containing high grade iron ore was found by the Soviets. Traces of ethane and methane were found in 1973 in the Ross Sea by an American research vessel. As well as natural gas deposits, these could be signals for oil sources too.

About 45 billion barrels of oil and 115 trillion cubic feet of natural gas could be carried by Antarctica's continental shelf according to the US Geological Survey. The difference from the annual US consumption is eight times for oil and six for natural gas respectively. Geologists surveying the Dufec Intrusive will be assisted by the National Science Foundation this year. With mineral rich areas, the bush veld, as well as deposits of chromium and platinum, this is quite similar to South Africa.

With American prompting, following the International Geophysical Year celebration, an Antarctic treaty was agreed upon by most of the nations present on the continent . Other than conducting open scientific research and not pursuing any territorial claims, part of the agreement included using the continent for peaceful purposes and preserving its environment and wildlife. To that end, American bases are administered by the National Science Foundation.

The concern pertaining to resource exploitation was given priority during the Oslo meeting of treaty nations. Before making changes, the decision must be unanimous. One lingering issue includes how there is interest in valuable resources in other countries. When handling the continent's resources, the scientists argue that much data should be gathered from them. Possibly less individuals are against the notion of how severe of an issue Antarctic resource development is to the cooperation of nations.

Article Source: TravelFreeGuides.com

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by: Daniel Lewis

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