Published Scientific Papers
"We are are near spent as three persons can be".
Captain Scott writing in his diary about their return from travelling 300 miles farther south than anyone before and only 480 miles from the Pole National Antarctic (Discovery) Expedition 1901-04
Science is an integral part of why the early explorers explored the continent and a century on Antarctica remains a key focus for scientists. On this page you'll find copies of published scientific papers which relate directly to the early expedition bases.
One particular area of science that has interested scientists recently is the discovery of a unique microbe that is slowly attacking the wooden fabric of the expedition bases. It seems the microbe's role in the Antarctic eco-system is to decompose organic matter and then re-cycle the nutrients back into the environment. And while there is alot to learn about these microbes, research to date is telling the scientists that this rare wood decaying fungus appears to be only found in Antarctica.
Because of the extreme Antarctic environment these microbes grow at a very slow rate but even so, after many years they are beginning to cause recordable damage to both the interior and exterior of the expedition bases. There's another challenge facing the sites. Because each of the bases were built very close to the sea, high levels of salt can be found in the surrounding snow, ice and even in the ground. During the Antarctic summers the snow and ice often melts and it is then absorbed (along with the salt) by the wood which clads the exterior of the bases causing further corrosion and defibration.
Working in co-operation with the Trust, scientists from New Zealand (University of Waikato) and the United States (University of Minnesota with funding from the National Science Foundation) are undertaking environmental monitoring of the huts and studies to better understand the biology and ecology of these unique Antarctic microbes which will help us to find a way to control the rate of deterioration of the wood and help preserve the huts.
Their work will also make a signficant contribution to helping us all better understand the important role of microorganisms in Antarctica's fragile and unique eco-system.For additional information on these science projects and how they affect the expedition bases see the links below for a copy of published papers or contact Professor Robert Blanchette at robertb@umn.edu
Published Science Papers
Conserving and Interpreting the Historic Huts Published 2008
Screening Fungi from Discovery Hut for Cellulose Degradation Published 2008
Fungal Diversity in Soils and Historic Wood at Historic Huts Published 2006
Endoglucanase Producing Fungi in the Historic Huts Published 2006
Environmental Factors Influencing Microbial Growth Inside the Huts Published 2005
Comparing New Harbor results to Historic Huts Published 2005
Wood Destroying Soft Rot Fungi in the Historic Huts Pubilshed 2004
Environmental Pollutants at the Historic Huts Published 2004
Salt defibration in the Historic Huts Published 2002