Antarctica, a unique and tranquil place, holds the clues to the past and future of our planet.
Antarctica, a unique and tranquil place, holds the clues to the past and future of our planet.
Ninety percent of those who set out for Antarctica choose Ushuaia in Argentina as their starting point. It is conveniently located on one side of the 100-kilometer-wide Drake Passage, facing the Antarctic Peninsula across the sea.
After leaving Ushuaia and before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula, you will traverse the Drake Passage.
Antarctica is characterized by powerful winds and massive ocean currents. These elements form a barrier around the Antarctic continent, posing a significant challenge for navigation.
Consequently, the renowned Drake Passage,has become one of the most dangerous shipping lanes in the world.
Source: Images from the Internet, if there is any infringement, please contact the removal of
The Drake Passage lies between the South American continent and the Antarctic Peninsula, marking the junction of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The "Antarctic Circumpolar Current" keeps the warm ocean currents away from Antarctica, preventing the massive ice sheets on the continent from melting. The persistent strong westerly winds safeguard this rare landscape on Earth, allowing us to appreciate its beauty.
The Drake Passage is rich in marine biological resources. During the crossing of the Drake Passage, you will gradually encounter floating ice, icebergs, seabirds, whales, and other astonishing scenes.
Source: Images from the Internet, if there is any infringement, please contact the removal of
Expedition team members will also organize lectures on various topics related to Antarctica, such as its biology, geology, sea ice, history, climate, and environment during the voyage.
Before reaching Antarctica, we may envision being charmed by the adorable penguins, marvelling at the huge leopard seals, and encountering whales surfacing in the water.
Source: Images from the Internet, if there is any infringement, please contact the removal of
However, when we actually set foot on the Antarctic continent, our body and mind will be immediately captivated by the breathtaking glaciers towering over the sea and stretching into the distant horizon.
Just imagine an "ice block" that is 1.5 times the size of China. Its average thickness is over 2,000 meters, and the thickest part can reach up to 4,800 meters!
Source: Images from the Internet, if there is any infringement, please contact the removal of
Moreover, the Antarctic ice sheets and ice shelves contain approximately 70% of the world's total fresh water. In comparison, the water volumes of the turbulent rivers we see are negligible.
These facts, even when described truthfully, far exceed the boundaries of our imagination and seem almost like exaggeration.
But this is just the beginning...
Source: Images from the Internet, if there is any infringement, please contact the removal of
Not only is there a "super ice block" of unimaginable size, but the ice sheets, ice shelves, and floating ice extending from the center of the Antarctic continent also form the foundation of the entire Antarctic ecosystem.
Whales, seals, and penguins feed on small fish and krill. Krill primarily feed on ice algae, which thrive on the fixed ice areas or floating ice around the Antarctic continent.
Compared to the massive floating ice, an icebreaker looks like a child's toy.
Source: Images from the Internet, if there is any infringement, please contact the removal of
Penguins are the most important and common animal group on the Antarctic continent, unique to this region.
Source: Images from the Internet, if there is any infringement, please contact the removal of
Although Antarctica often gives the impression of desolation, in fact, it has a high level of biodiversity.
Source: Images from the Internet, if there is any infringement, please contact the removal of
In the Douban comments of the documentary film The Emperor Penguin Diary, a moviegoer once said, "I could watch them walk for two hours."
Source: Images from the Internet, if there is any infringement, please contact the removal of
The penguin family is vast, with as many as 19 species. The tallest ones are the "emperors": the Emperor Penguin and the King Penguin. They are characterized by the yellow fluff on their necks. (The Emperor Penguin is taller than the King Penguin.)
Source: Images from the Internet, if there is any infringement, please contact the removal of
Don't assume that penguins have to comfortably adapt to the Antarctic environment. In fact, when the harsh Antarctic winter arrives, many penguins freeze to death.
Source: Images from the Internet, if there is any infringement, please contact the removal of
The penguin eggs, which are kept warm at 37 degrees Celsius under the penguins' feathers, will quickly die if accidentally exposed to the -70-degree cold wind and have no chance of survival.
Source: Images from the Internet, if there is any infringement, please contact the removal of
However, penguins huddle together, relying on the strength of the group to endure tens of thousands of years and continue to thrive in this icy land.
Source: Images from the Internet, if there is any infringement, please contact the removal of
Being able to witness their living conditions is definitely a wonderful experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
A trip to Antarctica is by no means a superficial journey. The longing to step into this land and understand it has been passed down through generations of humanity.
