Exploring Antarctica Vicariously: A Survey of Recent Literature

Abstract

A DIGITAL computer is not needed to tabulate the number of professional geographers who have done field research in the Antarctic; one's fingers are still sufficient. Yet all geographers require some knowledge of the South Polar region, most face problems that are indirectly concerned with the area, and an increasingly large number are becoming directly involved in its affairs. The preparation of geographers for these tasks varies widely. Regardless of their ability, without benefit of field work their knowledge of the Antarctic can be gained only by examination of specimens, statistics, maps, and photographs, by personal contact with explorers, or by acquiring a working knowledge of the literature. With only this vicarious exploration, such well-known geographers as Kenneth J. Bertrand, William A. Briesemeister, Meredith F. Burrill, William H. Hobbs, W. L. G. Joerg, and Lawrence Martin have made substantial contributions to the geography of Antarctica. Together these men have contributed more to our knowledge and understanding of Antarctic problems (except, perhaps, some operational ones) than the majority of the field explorers of all disciplines. Consequently, although everyone agrees that there is no substitute for field work, it is equally apparent that outstanding contributions to knowledge can be, and frequently are, based on vicarious exploration. Contact with explorers, their manuscript records, statistics, and compilation data and their maps, sketches, and photographs, is best accomplished through the national organizations interested in the Antarctic and through the various geographical societies. Contact with Antarctic literature, however, can be made directly.