Scott's last expedition: the upper air observations

Abstract

The British Antarctic Expedition (BAE) of 1910-1913 will be remembered for the heroic, ill-fated exploits of Captain Scott and his companions. The story of the preparation and final attempt at the pole is well documented (see, for example, Fiennes 2003; Solomon 2001) and so will not be repeated here. What is less well-known is the fact that much groundbreaking scientific work was conducted during this expedition. Scientists from many disciplines were engaged in a variety of studies throughout the expedition, including observations of magnetism, gravity, physiography, geology, zoology, and meteorology. The last included the release of recording meteorological balloons; making the BAE amongst the first (if not the first) major scientific field campaign to use weather balloons as part of their experimental effort. Although the attempt at the pole stirred the public imagination, the main goal of the expedition was the furtherance of knowledge. As Scott (always willing to engage with his academic staff) remarked: “Science, the rock foundation of all effort!!” (Scott 1927, diary entry for 9 May 1911.)