Antarctica is a unique laboratory for scientific research as it is least affected by human impact and pollutants. It offers a benchmark for various global studies. Most of the scientific observations are in the fields of Geology, Glaciolohgy, Geophysics, Geomagnetism, Oceanography, Zoology, Botany, Micro biology, Human Physiology, Meterology, Upper Atmosphere physics, Ornithology, Environmental Studies and Cold Area Engineering. Besides these, prolonged isolation from human civilization has made Psychological and Behavioural studies very significant.
Two major discoveries from Antarctica are the discovery of the Ozone Hole and Global Warming. There is a protective layer of ozone in the stratosphere of the earth at a height of ~18 km. The chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) emitted by human activities reach polar regions and react with the ozone in the presence of continuous sunlight. This has destroyed the ozone completely over Antarctica (hence, called the ‘Hole’) and is also contributing to thinning of ozone layer around the earth. Prolonged continuance or enlargement of ‘ozone hole’ lead to widespread mutilation of life on the planet including all plants and animals and human beings. This Hole was discovered in Antarctica in 1985 and an International agreement, Montreal Protocol in 1989, has banned the use of all CFCs.
The greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide and methane) have the potential to raise the temperature of the earth. Antarctic ice cores have an uninterrupted record of past 0.8 million years. It is observed from the ice core samples that the carbon dioxide level has always been less than 270 ppm. It started increasing from the year 1860, coinciding with the Industrial Revolution and now it touches ~376 ppm. Antarctic ice cores, recession of glaciers and ice sheets, and collapse of major ice shelves are very good indicators for observing the trends of global warming.
Of late, genetic studies have become very important as the DNA of various cold-adapted and UV-resistant microbes are being analysed. These have provided breakthroughs for developing new drugs, especially for skin-cancer.
The greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide and methane) have the potential to raise the temperature of the earth. Antarctic ice cores have an uninterrupted record of past 0.8 million years. It is observed from the ice core samples that the carbon dioxide level has always been less than 270 ppm. It started increasing from the year 1860, coinciding with the Industrial Revolution and now it touches ~376 ppm. Antarctic ice cores, recession of glaciers and ice sheets, and collapse of major ice shelves are very good indicators for observing the trends of global warming.