The geology, ecology and biology of the "continent for peace and science."
This comprehensive, fully illustrated and reader-friendly book honors the International Polar Year (2007-08) with a spectacular range of information on Antarctica and the Antarctic Islands, the world's harshest environment.
Antarctica features up-to-date material from an expert team of scientists, expeditioners and historians. Included are more than 600 photographs, illustrations and maps. Among the topics covered are:
- Prehistory of Antarctica
- Geology and geography
- Flora and fauna
- Climate and the nature of ice
- The Antarctic ozone hole
- The explorers
- Current scientific research
- Conservation issues
- The impact of global warming
- The Sub-Antarctic Islands.
Detailed information is found on current issues of land, law and treaties, shipping, resource exploitation, and tourism. Also included are the Antarctic Treaty, a gazetteer and a bibliography.
Front-page news reports cover the relative health of Antarctica. This authoritative book could not be timelier.