Tag: Antarctica
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Sastrugi (part 2!)
Why Are Sastrugi a Problem for Antarctic Expeditions… Coming back to the subject of sastrugi (just because it gives Ben nightmares!)… These aren’t soft snow ridges. They’re often rock-hard, jagged formations shaped by wind, earning the nickname “nature’s speed bumps.” When the sastrugi are small, pulks (sleds) can glide or bulldoze their way through them.…
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Whiteouts (part 1)
It’s like you’re skiing blindfolded… Like travelling in a pure white sphere. You don’t know how far you’re going or where you’re moving to. You can’t tell the difference between the snow beneath you and the sky above. What are they, and what are the risks? Whiteouts can create some of the most dangerous travel…
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Why Berkner?!
Berkner’s appeal Despite its remoteness, Berkner Island holds a special place in many polar expeditions’ plans. Berkner’s appeal lies in its location. The island stands on the Atlantic (Weddell Sea) side of Antarctica. This makes it an ideal “outer coast” starting position for an expedition – like ours! Our expedition aims to traverse the South…
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Berkner Island: Emperor Penguins and Research
Is there any wildlife on Berkner Island? While virtually no flora or fauna can survive on Berkner’s barren ice surface, the surrounding sea ice supports notable wildlife. Gould Bay on the north-western coast of Berkner is home to one of the world’s southernmost emperor penguin colonies. The colony consists of about 8,000 emperor penguins, and…
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The start: Berkner Island
It’s history, geography and environment Our Polar Dogs coast-to-coast Antarctica crossing will start at Berkner Island, an incredibly remote ice island off Antarctica. So here’s some information about it – and about why we (mostly Ben!) chose to start here… Berkner Island is a remote ice-covered landmass in Antarctica that plays a quiet yet significant…