Antarctica: An Encyclopedia from Abbott Ice Shelf to Zooplankton [Hardcover]

Mary Trewby (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 7, 2002

Arranged alphabetically and extensively cross-referenced, this fact-packed, definitive guide to Antarctica includes over 1,000 entries and 250 photographs covering climate, geology, natural history, exploration, science, tourism and conservation.

An indispensable reference for the curious, the armchair traveler, the budding scientist and the environmentalist, Antarctica will fascinate and inform about the world's last true wilderness with answers to questions such as:

• How was Antarctica formed?
• The effects of Antarctica's weather on the world's climate
• The life of an iceberg
• Life on land beneath the ice
• The importance of the scientific work in Antarctica.

To some people, Antarctica is an uninhabited and uninhabitable vastness of ice and snow. Cold though it may be, the continent is a hotbed of scientific research and a growing tourist destination. For all its remoteness, Antarctica is more accessible than ever before. More than 250 flights land at the South Pole each summer and cruise ships bring 12,000 tourists.

Designated since 1959 as a natural reserve devoted to peace and research, Antarctica is host to scientists working on everything from the origin of black holes to climate change to understanding the movements of icebergs the size of Delaware.

Antarctica: An Encyclopedia from Abbot Ice Shelf to Zooplankton covers the natural wonders, wildlife, explorers, adventurers and discoveries that have been made at the bottom of the world.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Produced by the award-winning documentary company Natural History New Zealand, this beautifully illustrated guide to Antarctica features a true encyclopedia layout, with over 1000 concise, alphabetically arranged entries and 250 photographs that cover natural history, climate, geology, tourism, and more. Although similar to David McGonigal and Lynn Woodworth's Antarctica and the Arctic: The Complete Encyclopedia, which was also released by Firefly, this book has its own strengths, especially when it comes to ease of use. The McGonigal/Woodworth book is organized somewhat differently: it offers more complex and in-depth information on a variety of subjects not found in this book (for example, information on both poles), but its essay format makes it more difficult to locate specific topics. In contrast, the entries in this book are easily accessible and particularly useful for quick reference. Overall, both books are valuable and complementary additions to Antarctic collections in all public, academic, and high school libraries. Betty Galbraith, Owen Science & Engineering Lib., Washington State Univ., Pullman
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Antarctica could be called the largest natural research station in the world. The variations of Earth's weather for millions of years are recorded in the 12.5 million cubic miles of ice that cover more than 97 percent of the continent. The Southern Ocean contains a myriad of unique animals, including fish with antifreeze in their veins, and scientists are studying the mitochondrial DNA of Adelie penguins to learn about the rate of evolutionary change within a species. Before sending probes to Mars and Venus, NASA tested them in Antarctica's Dry Valleys. Antarctica is also unique politically. Owned by no country, it is jointly shared by 44 countries that adhere to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty.

Yet for all of its scientific and environmental importance, few people really know much about Antarctica. This encyclopedia will help remedy that. With nearly 1,000 entries and a wealth of stunning photographs and illustrative maps, this resource will be frequently used to answer both simple and complex questions. Entries range from several lines to nearly two pages, with several topics (Antarctic Treaty, Dry Valleys, Exploration, Icebergs, Penguins, and South Pole) covered in two-page special entries. Items that have their own entries are shown in all caps within other entries, and there are numerous cross-references to related topics. Entries are preceded by physical and political maps of Antarctica. The book concludes with a selected bibliography, a list of 34 Web sites of interest, and a comprehensive index.

On the whole, the material is presented clearly and completely. This will prove to be a valuable resource for both public and academic libraries. Libraries that already have Antarctica and the Arctic: The Complete Encyclopedia (Firefly, 2001) will probably not need to add this title to their collections. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (September 7, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552975908
• ISBN-13: 978-1552975909
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,364,891 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)