Publisher description

Antarctica is a major geographical region of our world and an important part of the global ecosystem. Including a continent larger than Australia and an ocean broader than the Atlantic, it makes up one-eighth of the World's surface. Knowledge gained by early explorers and more recently by scientists is proving increasingly important in world affairs. No longer remote at the southern end of the Earth, Antarctica and the southern oceans have become centres of general, historic, scientific and political interest. The Encyclopedia of Antarctica and the Southern Oceans contains over 1300 articles, compiled by a team of 26 international researchers, who have worked in the area. Topics covered include: History of discovery and exploration Geology, Glaciology and Climate Structure and ice cover of the Southern Ocean Biology of the ocean and continent Impacts of man, including conservation and political issues Islands of the southern oceans Articles are listed alphabetically and written in non-technical language. Many recommend further reading. Study guides help readers to follow learning paths through the Encyclopedia. This book is an up-to-date and authoritative reference on Antarctica and the southern oceans, essential for public libraries and reference sections of academic institutions, government departments and research centres. It is also of general use to any reader with an interest in Antarctica.

An alphabetical encyclopedia of Antarctica, including entires on history, weather, geology, wildlife, scientific research and tourism.

This one-stop reference is a perfect resource for anyone interested in the North and South Poles, whether their interest relates to history, wildlife, or the geography of these regions in the news today. Global warming, a hot topic among scholars of geography and science, has led to increased interest in studying the earth's polar ice caps, which seem to be melting at an alarming rate. This accessible, two-volume encyclopedia lays a foundation for understanding global warming and other issues related to the North and South Poles. Approximately 350 alphabetically arranged, user-friendly entries treat key terms and topics, important expeditions, major figures, territorial disputes, and much more. Readers will find information on the explorations of Cook, Scott, Amundsen, and Peary; articles on humpback whales, penguins, and polar bears; and explanations of natural phenomena like the Aurora Australis and the polar night. Expedition tourism is covered, as is climate change. Ideal for high school and undergraduate students studying geography, social studies, history, and earth science, the encyclopedia will provide a better understanding of these remote and unfamiliar lands and their place in today's world.

An encyclopedic guide to Antarctic matters including geographical features, expeditions, people, scientific subjects, and general interest items, for laymen and specialists. Includes a chronology of exploration, list of expeditions and annotated bibliography.