Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 02:53

Hi, my name is Gabby. I am making a model of a shelter in Antartica. I have read about the Bot House, some stations and some huts but finding ot tricky. I really love lerning about Antarctica and would like to visit one day and maybe even research. Any ideas? thanks heaps, Gabby.

Robin Ellwood

Hi Gabby,
Nice to hear from you!

I'm glad you are finding Antarctica interesting! It is an amazing place and I strongly recommend you visit sometime if you have the interest!

In regards to your question.... I'm not entirely sure whether you are asking for assistance in learning about shelter types in Antarctica or if you are asking about ways to visit. I assume you mean to learn how you could go about visiting, or being a researcher, there yourself?

There are many ways you can participate in an Antarctic experience. There are MANY ways that you could participate at an Antarctic research station. For example - you could be an actual scientist conducting research (such as studying biological animals/systems like Weddell seals or plankton blooms, or geology - such as volcanos, or things like neutrinos that transmit through the earth!) or someone who assists the scientists in their research. There are many jobs - cook, wilderness guide, welder, diver, computer specialist, photographer, journalist, custodian, nurse, doctor, helicopter or plane pilot, teacher, etc. which allow you to participate in the research going on in Antarctica. For example, I am a teacher that was allowed to assist in the research in order to teach my students (and others reading my web-page or for whom I did presentations) about the research my team was doing. I also then became a dive master, in charge of keeping the dive gear working, maintaining the dive hole, keeping track of everyone's diving in order to keep everyone safe, and doing some diving myself! I collected samples and set up (or retrieved) experiments from under the Antarctic ice. Very exciting.

So - in terms of getting to Antarctica yourself - there are many options. I suggest you follow your interests and see where they lead you!

I hope this helps. Feel free to contact me again with further questions! Best of luck getting to "the ice" someday yourself!

Cheers,
Robin

Anonymous

Thanks for all that information. It is really interesting. I am getting reaady to make a model of Mawsons hut or Halley V. Your information has helped me see the big picture. Have a nice day. are you in Antarctica now?Thanks Gabby.

Robin Ellwood

Hi Gabby,
I am glad the information was helpful. I wish you the best of luck on your model of Mawsons hut!

I am not currently in Antarctica - I am in New Hampshire!

Cheers,
Robin