Tag: Challenges
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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 2)
Where we will be most likely affected by whiteouts Whiteouts can and do occur anywhere in Antarctica, and at any time. You just need some dense cloud and there you go! However, some places are more prone to them than others. Also, some areas will present greater risks to travel during whiteout conditions. Potential whiteout…
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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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Sastrugi
In this series of posts, we go into what sastrugi are, how and why they form, and why they can be truly horrific for expeditions! What are they?! Antarctica’s powerful winds carve the snow surface into sharp-edged ridges known as sastrugi. These formations, often described as frozen waves, can span vast distances and significantly affect…
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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…