antarctica

First Heatwave Recorded In Antarctica

First Heatwave Recorded In Antarctica

Antarctica has experienced its first heatwave with scientists expressing fears about the long-term damage to animals, plants and ecosystems.

Australian Antarctic Programme scientists recorded the first reported heatwave event at Casey research station in East Antarctica during the 2019-2020 southern hemisphere summer.

Record high temperatures were also reported on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Casey recorded its the highest-ever maximum and minimum temperatures from Jan. 23 to 26.

A heatwave is classified as three consecutive days in which extremely high maximum and minimum temperatures are recorded.

During the stretch the minimum temperatures were …

Antartica

Antarctica Tourism: The Quest For Earth’s Extremes

The swimsuit-clad tourists leap into the icy water, gasping at the shock, and startling a gaggle of penguins.

They are spectators at the end of the world, luxury visitors experiencing a vulnerable ecosystem close-up.

And their very presence might accelerate its demise.

Antarctica, a vast territory belonging to no one nation, is a continent of extremes: the coldest place on Earth, the windiest, the driest, the most desolate and the most inhospitable.

Now, it’s also a choice destination for tourists.

AFP / Johan ORDONEZThe water temperature is around three degrees Celsius (37.4 F)

All around Half Moon Island, off