Transport in Antarctica

The traffic in the Antarctic has become changed thanks to the modern technologies of heroic explorers who crossed the isolated and remote areas of Antarctica on foot to a more convenient and faster way of traveling on land, and especially in air and water. Transport systems in a remote area like Antarctica have extremely low temperatures and persistent winds endure to ensure the safety of the traveler. Due to the fragility of the environment, only a limited amount of traffic movements take place; also ecologically sound means must be used to reduce the environmental footprint. Currently, access thousands of tourists each year and hundreds of scientists back to the Antarctic transport system.

Land transport

Land transport in Antarctica is usually handled by foot ( with skis or snowshoes ) or vehicles ( tracked vehicles such as snowmobiles and bulldozers and in the past dog sleds ).

Began in 1964, the Australian Mawson station, to use a range of VW beetles, the first production car, which was used in the Antarctic. The first model was named Antarctica 1 The few, poor quality and often snow-covered roads, however, the possibilities limited greatly. One of these roads is the South Pole Traverse, an approximately 1450 km long road that connects the American McMurdo Station on the coast to the Amundsen -Scott South Pole Station.

Water transport

The only port of Antarctica is located at McMurdo Station. Most coastal stations have offshore anchorages, from where goods in small boats, barges or helicopters are brought ashore. Some stations have simple shipyard facilities. All vessels at anchor must be inspected as per Article 7 of the Antarctic Treaty.

A number of cruise ships, from large motor boats to yachts, visited the Antarctic Peninsula during the southern summer (primarily January to March). The majority of it is based in Ushuaia.

Traffic

The bulk of the traffic in Antarctica is applied by air traffic here aircraft and helicopters are used. There are 27 helicopter landing places on government stations, two additional to be provided by private companies (as of 2003). Almost every station has a kind of flight strips, which are often composed of gravel, ice or compressed snow.

Airports in Antarctica are subject to strict restrictions by extreme geographical and seasonal conditions; they do not account ICAO standards and approach permit must be obtained from the respective organization.

The Australian airline Skytraders maintains civilian transport links.