Landscapes of the Antarctic
In Antarctica the weather is anything but stable, winds can change within minutes and cause problems when anchoring the ship. Zodiac cruise landings can be hairy if you don't watch the waves.
Snow blizzards and bad weather may be typical for Antarctica, but the
magical landscape can only be really enjoyed in the sunshine. Add the mountains,
glaciers and ice and you get some idea of the unbelievably huge scenery of the white
continent.
You only have to see it to believe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flora and Fauna
|
|
|
|
|
On the Antarctic peninsula, only two flowering plants were seen on exceptional occasions in the past, but over the past thirty years, antarctic grass and pearlwort have been developing in the south, as are several species of moss. All are benefiting from a lengthening in the periods of thaw. The flora of Antarctica is extremely poor, and its development is limited by the harsh climatic conditions - low temperatures, strong winds, no access to water and long, dark winters. The greatest numbers of plants grow on the coasts where the climate is milder. There are also so-called oasis in the interior of the continent, where warming from the sun creates microclimates that are advantageous for the growth of flora. The extreme poverty of vegetation is especially apparent among flowering plants, which are represented by only two species: Antarctic hairgrass (Deschampsia antarctica) and a representative of the carnation family, the pearlwort (Colobanthus quitensis). These plants are found only on the Antarctic Peninsula and on the islands of Western Antarctica. Lichen (about 300 species), moss (about 100 species) and algae are slightly more abundant.
Dennis Mense -
Expedition Leader
<Bing-Bong> 'Good
Morning......'
Dennis
is recognized throughout the nature and
adventure travel industry as one of the most respected, trusted and sought-after
expedition leaders in the business. By any standards his knowledge of, and
experience working in, polar regions is impressive, spanning more than 20 years
of planning and leading dozens of expedition cruises and land-based tours to
remote destinations including Antarctica, the Russian Far East, the North Pole,
Spitsbergen, Franz Josef Land, Greenland, Arctic Canada, Alaska and many more.
With a degree in marine biology from the University of Hawaii and many years
conducting marine-related research, Dennis is an excellent interpreter of nature
as well. While he has traveled the world extensively, seeing and doing more than
most, he still has a genuine enthusiasm for nature and wildlife that is sure to
rub off on all who travel with him. Dennis lives with his family on Cortes
Island in the Canadian Gulf Islands.
(if you send me an email from the above link please remove the NOSPAM from the address)
Copyright(c) 2006 Canny Do IT Limited. All rights reserved.