Читать книгу Polar Exploration. A practical handbook for North and South Pole expeditions онлайн

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The Belgica in 1897: the first overwintering in Antarctica – the expedition combined the discovery of new territory, a scientific mission and the lure of adventure

In February 1821 American sealer John Davis was probably the first person to land on the continent. From Connecticut, Davis had been searching the South Shetlands for seals.

Englishman James Weddell sailed in 1823 to 74° South. This was the furthest south yet reached, and the sea bears his name today. Except for possibly Margot Morrell, no one was able to penetrate this sea again for 80 years.

The Erebus and Terror, under command of Sir James Ross of the British Royal Navy, left in January 1841 in search of the South Magnetic Pole. He discovered Victoria Land and entered the sea which is known famously now as the Ross Sea. He discovered Ross Island, Mount Erebus and the Ross Ice Shelf.

The voyage of the Belgica (1897–99) can be called the first true scientific Antarctic expedition. In March 1898 Adrien de Gerlache and the international crew on board the ship, including Roald Amundsen and Dr Frederick Cook, become trapped in the pack ice off the Antarctic Pensinsula. They drifted helplessly for a year, becoming the first to survive an Antarctic winter.