The last refuge in Antarctica

2001/11/21 Elhuyar Zientzia

• Ingurumena

The Ross Antarctic area is one of the most wild and unknown corners in the world. But from now on it seems that they will try to discover the secrets of Ross.

This field is not entirely unknown: Scott, Shackleton and Admus' explorers passed through and, despite their scarce population, there are two stations that work throughout the year, one from New Zealand and one from the United States, and two other stations that work in summer. Researchers from these bases have been collecting data and conducting studies for 50 years. However, the document presented recently by the Antarctic Institute of New Zealand has denounced the existence of significant gaps to know the real situation. It explains that climate change and the disappearance of the ozone layer will have a great influence in this area, and that in order to control damage as far as possible, more data should be known.

In addition, they are not the only agents that threaten the local ecosystem. Since the last decade the garbage of the bases is taken to a country owned by the base, but previously only buried in ice. And although within two years they plan to start the treatment plant, the dirty waters are still poured into the sea.

On the other hand, they warn that we should know what are the possible consequences of tourism and fishing. These activities are not yet very important in the place, so it is advisable to get ahead.

In short, the main claim of the Antarctic Institute of New Zealand is that all activities are carried out in the area to protect Ross.