Do you find it hard to get out of bed in the morning? Imagine trying to get up during 24 hours of darkness in temperatures well below freezing, surrounded by strong winds and isolated for months at a time. Welcome to Antarctica in the winter, this timely book explores how life survives the extreme conditions of one of the most sensitive and inhospitable parts of the planet, which has for centuries fascinated scientists, explorers and writers. Discover how male Emperor penguins use their feet to protect their young, why pulling out an ice core from beneath the Antarctic surface takes scientists just minutes in summer but up to five hours in winter, and how the effects of global climate change appear to be having a profound influence on the region. The book is written by experienced polar explorer, David Thomas, with a foreword by TV presenter Ray Mears. With stunning illustrations throughout, 'Surviving Antarctica' provides an invaluable insight into the lives of those living and working in this hostile environment. Intrepid tourists and polar region enthusiasts will experience a sense of adventure and excitement along this journey to the end of the Earth.
The book ties in with a major new exhibition 'Ice Station Antarctica' at the Natural History Museum which runs from May 2007 to April 2008. The publication also coincides with the launch of International Polar Year which runs from March 2007.