Grand Finale

For this week’s grand finale we have a marine mélange of activities, information, and an invitation.

I. Krill Extravaganza

Di Wu brings in the catch!

On Tuesday night, the MOCNESS (Multiple Opening and Closing Nets Environmental Sensing System) was deployed one more time to catch zooplankton at different depths. However, rather than supplying Meng Zhou’s group with a few samples, the MOCNESS provided such an abundance of krill that it was deemed proper to have a “Krill Extravaganza” at Mid-Rats.

Nestor and Lorenzo with krill in the kitchen

Meng Zhou presided as the official “King of Krill.” Innovative chefs prepared a variety of delicacies from krill including krill pancakes and krill stir-fry. (Please do not request krill pancakes at your local International House of Pancakes.) We appreciate that the whales and seals in the vicinity allowed us to share some of their dinner.

Krill

Review Question: Krill are crustaceans. Name two other crustaceans.

II. Korean Base – King George Island

Arrival at Korean base. (author is back row left)

The Nathaniel B. Palmer was invited for a day visit to the Korean research base on King George Island.  Mi-ok Park, professor from Pukyong University in Korean, assisted us with the arrangements. King Sejong Base has been in existence for 18 years. The scientists there are looking at a variety of physical, chemical, and biological elements on the island and in the Antarctic area. We took a hike to a Gentoo penguin colony where we and the penguins observed each other. One NBP group rode in a Hagglunds up the mountain peaks for breathtaking views. Some of the Koreans spoke English; the rest of us coped with a few words and our own innovated sign language.

Dinner at the Korean base.

The Koreans hosted us for a fantastic dinner of Korean food. As part of the evening ceremonies, the Nathaniel B. Palmer research team presented a mapping of Jun Jaegyu volcano to the members of the King Sejong base. This previously unmapped volcano was named for a Korean base member who lost his life in the pursuit of Antarctic research. Both the Korean researchers and the NBP team were enriched by the knowledge and fun shared on this visit.

Korean base logo	The Nathaniel B. Palmer research team presented a mapping of Jun Jaegyu volcano to the members of the King Sejong base.

Question: King Sejon changed the Korean alphabet system. How did he change it and why?

III. Polar + Bears =?

Hagglunds transportation

There’s been some confusion among our readers about bears at one or both poles. What do bears have to do with the Artic and Antarctica?

The word “arctic” comes from the “artikos” meaning northern, but derived from “arkt(os)” bear. The bear referred to is Ursa Major, the most prominent northern constellation. Polar bears do reside in the Artica.

The word “Antarctica” is formed by adding the prefix “ant”(a variant of anti-) meaning “against” or “the opposite of.” In this case, Antarctica is found at the pole opposite the Artic. You could also say it is the opposite since it has no polar bears.

Question: What kind of hybrid polar bear was recently discovered?

IV. Antarctica Awaits

A couple of Gentoos at the Korean base

If you’ve been following the website for the past 6 weeks, you have seen only the tip of the iceberg of information about this continent. You can go to the other links listed to learn more or check out resources at your school or local library. You could also think about one day coming to Antarctica itself. Whether you come as a researcher, tourist, or employee, you’ll be a part of the experience that is Antarctica.

High Stakes Butter Tournament	Sue's Science (microwaves vs. plastic)
Marian Tyson invites you to suit up and visit Antarctica.

Question: You’ve decided you want to visit Antarctica. Write up a plan for how you will get there. Will you be working or just visiting? In how many years do you anticipate you will be able to visit?