Snow, Ice and Sea Urchins; Antarctica

or Adam's Summer Vacation Hints

Map available for detailed look at Ross Island, Antarctica

Map available for more detailed look at the coast of Ross Island near McMurdo Station

This page is designed to introduce you and your class to a current research project in Antarctica. It is divided into 5 sections: 1) laboratory studies of sea urchin development at cold temperatures, 2) underwater diving studies of sea urchin populations, 3) a historical look at the beginnings of McMurdo Staion Antarctica, 4) A trip to the South Pole, and 5) a Question and Answer Page.

Sea Urchin Development

	We have been working with the Antarctic sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri at McMurdo Station. We want to know how the embryos are able to develop into juvenile urchins in such a cold environment.
	For more information than you could possibly want about sea urchin development, click here now (and get a cup of coffee... or a double chocolate milk)

Diving in Antarctica:

	The first step of embryonic development is fertilization. Understanding how the urchins release their eggs and sperm requires many hours of careful underwater observations and experiments.

History Corner

	Donal Manahan (not pictured to the left) has been diving into the history of Antarctic exploration for quite some time. He has a very interesting collection of old photos from different expeditions that I have annotated. Click here for historical information on how and why the McMurdo area of Ross Island became established as a focal point of polar expeditions and research.

Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station:

Dec 12, 1996, I had the chance of a lifetime: a trip to the south pole and a quick tour of the Amundsen-Scott Research Station (USA). Click the pole for a quick trip too...

Other interesting sites on Antarctica....

	NASA maintains an Antarctic web page which contains many links to information sites. The page focuses on their work with the "LIVE FROM ANTARCTICA" educational broadcasts.
	GLACIER is one of the most comprehensive educational sites for students interested in Antarctic Science.
	Good commercial resource for information and merchandise regarding Antarctica.

Scott's Cross; crest of Observation Hill. The surface of the wood is wind polished by ice crystals. The carved names are barely visible as they look out across the Ross Ice Shelf (right photo) towards the south pole, almost 800 miles away. The five names on the cross walked there, but didn't return.