Exploring the Last Continent

1. Introduction.- PART 1: Physical Sciences.- 2. A Continent under Ice: Studying Geology in Antarctica.- 3. A Long Journey South: Unravelling Antarctica's Geological History.- 4. Looking Back to the Future: Palaeoclimate Studies in Antarctica.- 5. An Ice-bound Continent: Antarctic's Cryosphere and Hydrological Systems.- 6.Weather and Climate: Antarctica's Role in the Global Atmospheric System.- 7.The Southern Ocean: Antarctica's Northern Boundary.- 8. From Ice to Space: The Antarctic Atmosphere.-PART 2.- 9. Remote Ocean Outposts: Biological Diversity of the Subantarctic Islands.- 10. Life on Land: Aquatic Terrestrial Ecosystems in Antarctica.- 11. Life on Land: Non-aquatic Terrestrial Eccosystems in Antarctica.- 12. Beyond the Ice: Marine Ecosystems in the Southern Ocean.- 13. Antarctic Megafauna: Birds and Mammals of Antarctica.- 14. Surviving in the Cold: Invertebrates and Fish in Antarctica.- 15. Polar Expeditions: Historical and Social Aspects of Antarctic Exploration.- 16. A Continent for Peace and Science: Antarctic Governance.- 17. Extreme and Unusual Psychology in Antarctica.- 18. Destination Icy Wilderness: Antarctic Tourism.- 19. Creativity at the Frozen Frontier: The Arts in Antarctica.- 20. Commercial Harvest: Exploitation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.- 21. Southern Ocean Fisheries: Managing Harvests of Marine Life.- 22. The Search for Extremophiles: Antarctic Biological Prospecting.- 23. The Question of Mining: Geological Resources in Antarctica.- 24. Ice and Mineral Resources: Regulatory Challenges of Commercial Exploitation.- 25. Recent Climate Change: Causes and Impacts of Climate Change in Antarctica.- 26. Reducing Fossil Fuel Consumption: Renewable Energy in Antarctica.- 27. Alien Invasions and the Impact of Non-native Species: Changing the Face of Life on Land in Antarctica?- 28. Future Challenges in Antarctic Research: International and Interdisciplinary Cooperation.- 29. Antarctic Scientific Collaboration: The Role of SCAR.

"The book is well-organized with frequent subheadings enabling readers to dive in and find information on a particular topic of interest. ... This volume will be a useful resource to anyone involved in Antarctic science, environmental regulation, or politics, enabling them to find information about areas beyond their own speciality. At the same time, it covers a wide range of topics presented in a way that is accessible to interested general readers." (Robert Larter, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 93 (1), March, 2018)


"This book provides an introduction to the exploration of Antarctica ... . The volume includes a short introduction followed by four sections of articles arranged thematically. ... Broad and thoughtful in its approach, this work is a valuable addition to the expanding canon of analyses of the history and future of Antarctica. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals/practitioners; general readers." (H. Doss, Choice, Vol. 53 (9), May, 2016)