From Polar Years to Igy

Abstract

Publisher Summary The development of the International Polar Years, now culminating in the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957–1958, began as an inspiration to a young Austro-Hungarian naval officer, Karl Weyprecht. At the time, when Arctic exploration subsisted on the hope of discovering new lands and the emotional drive of reaching the North Geographic Pole, Weyprecht espoused a fundamentally scientific approach. He realized that haphazard navigation of the “Sea of Ancient Ice” provided few results of basic importance. Weyprecht proposed a replacement of the born marauder by teams of careful scientific workers. His original thoughts come so close to fulfillment among the IGY objectives that it seems highly desirable to list some of his fundamental recommendations. The chapter describes the objectives of the International Polar Conference. The chapter presents briefly the First and Second International Polar Year. The fourfold objectives of the IGY are given. Some indication of the scope of the ICY can be obtained from a brief description of the planned programs in each discipline, as given in the chapter. As a promotional venture, the International Years have been tremendously successful. They have been popular with laymen, scientists, and governments. The chapter discusses the deficiencies of the International Years. The future of the International Years is elaborated in this chapter.