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ANTARCTICA by Kieran Mulvaney |
Start here. The most complete, the biggest and the best Antarctic site on the Web. Rich, easily-navigable source of information on Antarctic science, history, environment and tourism. Contains press releases, publications and newsletters, and an online library of photographs which can be ordered for use in publications (at a price). Search engine helps find what you're looking for.
Basically a glorified commercial for upscale Antarctic tourism, but also a visually-appealing and easy-to-navigate guide to Antarctic wildlife, history and exploration. The environmental threats section is a little thin, though, and does not include the problems caused by, for example, abandoned bases or--notably--some tourism.
3. Center for Astrophysical Research in Antarctica (CARA)
Mostly notable only if you are interested in learning how to get to Antarctica to conduct astrophysical research. But it does include a cute virtual tour of the South Pole.
4. Greenpeace Antarctica Tour 1997
Lots of info here on Greenpeace's most recent Antarctic expedition, including press releases, crew diaries, and photo and video of cracked ice shelves and crumbling icebergs. Also backgrounders on issues facing the Antarctic, including the risks of ice shelves calving and collapsing as a result of global warming, and a history of Greenpeace involvement with the frozen continent. Links to other Greenpeace Antarctic expedition reports and press releases.
A paean to penguins, every Antarctic explorer's favorite birds. Species descriptions, photographs and videos of penguins doing what comes naturally.
New and notable: The Antarctica Project
One of very few organizations worldwide working full-time on Antarctic issues. This is the best site for one-stop information on environmental aspects of Antarctica: clearly laid-out, it allows you to browse through background material, read the latest news and press releases, or order more detailed reports and publications.
Kieran Mulvaney is a free-lance writer who formerly worked on Greenpeace's Antarctica campaigns.