By: Klara Johnson
This December, middle school science and math teacher, Dr. Marti is embarking on his 11-day expedition to Antarctica. He will fly from Seattle to Ushuaia, Southern Argentina, and then disembark by ship from there. This has been a long-desired destination for him. It is the most remote and exotic trip Dr. Marti has taken and he is an avid traveler. December is the best time of year to visit Antarctica because during our summer everything there is frozen and inhospitable. However, this trip’s purpose is also to observe the concerning effects of climate change, which are apparent in the Antarctic.
This year the amount of ice in the Antarctic is at its lowest point ever. The most climate change-endangered area is the Antarctic Peninsula, which incidentally Dr. Marti will be visiting. This peninsula is near the South Shetland and Orkney Islands, which is in West Antarctica. Though climate change’s effects may not be as visible in Seattle, they are clearly evident in Antarctica. Dr. Marti wants to further understand the impact climate change has on the polar ice caps and eventually share his findings.
The Antarctic Peninsula has been warming rapidly since the second half of the 20th century. The temperature in December will have an average of 30° degrees Fahrenheit. Because of that time of year, the season is summer and 30° degrees Fahrenheit is the highest temperature. For the majority of the day, it will be light outside. Throughout his expedition, he will be staying on an Antarctica cruise ship, the MV Ushuaia. This was originally a NOAA research vessel. There will be three or four land opportunities, but the majority of the trip is spent on vessel observing.
Arranging a land-based Antarctica trip is very costly and difficult. There are only three permanent U.S. research stations. Therefore, a majority of Antarctic touring is done via vessel. Onboard the MV Ushuaia, Dr. Marti’s meals and living quarters will be located. This tour will be guided by Antarctic experts that will be giving lectures and leading excursions. This includes iceberg kayaking and hopefully visiting a penguin colony! Because the MV Ushuaia is the smallest tour boat, it allows for better maneuverability. The most important items that Dr. Marti is planning to take are his coat and (ironically) sunglasses. The reason is eye damage can occur from the UV rays and ice.
To conclude his trip, Dr. Marti hopes that valuable classroom lessons will derive from his informational expedition. After Antarctica, he plans to explore South America and finally return to Seattle. This is a fascinating and academically instructive trip that hopefully we will further learn about. Dr. Marti has confirmed that he will definitely not miss Seattle weather in Antarctica!