With six months of continuous darkness, conditions of zero and the highest isolation, Antarctica is the perfect environment for horror films where the environment drives its residents to insanity.
The mass of the frigid ice at the bottom of the world is a magnet for ambitious scientists and adventurers who work as custodians for the privilege of reaching it. But from the southern tip of South America, 600 miles, and even the closest point of civilization, some short-term residents lose it under the pressure and isolation of the location.
Because it's temper that you can still run hot on frozen land.
On a two-month expedition at Sanae IV base, South African scientists recently gave up, making death threats and assaulting a colleague after invading bad weather that meant they were stuck longer than expected. His colleagues pleaded for help, and national authorities are now mediating solutions.
And insecurity, South Africa is not alone.
“There were times when kitchen workers didn't get winter bonuses,” Peter Dolan, a professor of geology and geophysics at Louisiana State University who worked fieldwork at McMurdo Station, the leading American hub in Antarctica, told the Post.
“He attacked his boss and was injured. The man was taken away and the FBI called.”
Humans do not live in Antarctica full-time, leaving 5.5 million square miles of continents without a permanent population. Scientists will be sent there for six months to carry out ecological and biological research. They find that the virtually untouched environment is invaluable to experiments, but there is no trembling state and isolation for anyone.
“What they say about the Antarctic people is that you shake the earth and all the strange people fall and land there,” says Byron Adams, a professor of biology at Brigham Young University Biology, who has spent some stretches at McMuldo, where he usually stays for two to three months.
Although boxing is rare, they are known to break out – the environment and living conditions can compete for temperament – and people are sent home early.
However, people on the science side will do their best to avoid such consequences. “We take great pride in judging every person on our team,” Adams said.
Those who arrived in Antarctica between October and March – temperatures can go below 40 degrees below zero. With these conditions difficult to breathe, the wind creates a burning sensation in the skin, and the water must be frozen immediately.
“The sun is fully rising in October and there's a set in March,” said Adams, 59.
People sometimes need to spend their time by the helicopter – knowing that it's Sunday because that's the only day they don't arrive at the base.
Adams remembers such an endless day. When I was on my computer at 1am, the software failed to load. He had incredible skills and did it well. [movie director] Peter Jackson thought it was cool to come to Antarctica and worked as a custodian to do so. ”
The temporary residents of Antarctica are mostly brave, like-minded, outdoor-loving individuals, who are willing to take great risks and endure great inconveniences in the name of science.
“I fell into a crevass twice. Despite all the precautions being taken and safe, it was scary. Looking down between my legs, I can't see anything with the blue ice. It's creepy,” recalls Adams.
But despite the intimate environment, there is no place for light-hearted scientists.
“There are far more men than women, so there are more options for women,” said Dolan, who traveled in Antarctica for six weeks to six months. He pointed out that having sex can be a challenge even under the best circumstances. He continued. [in romantic relationships while in the Antarctic] And I didn't have a roommate who told me to leave my tie or leave it at the door. ”
Nevertheless, about one worker in Antarctica has been in trouble at the base due to a high probability of an STD outbreak, but the post was unable to confirm the incident.
As far as food is concerned, the people stationed in Antarctica have a long way from farms to table fares. On the bass, the food is described as “high school cafeteria” level as there are fewer world-class chefs and there are fewer treks to do (though it was upgraded with one lucky stretch when the Las Vegas buffetif stopped by to cook). But on the contrary, the cafe is open around the clock, perhaps serving busy workers who are losing time.
Scientists sleep in their tents and inevitably bump into graded sleeping bags to keep zero warm below 40 degrees. “It's not about comfort, it refers to survival,” Doran said. “We use hot water bottles as foot warmers.” The food there could be older than some of the scientist's children.
“The food we eat is very old,” Adams said.
Nevertheless, the two professors recall delicious, improvised meals of curry and pad thai, but Dolan recalls that he and his team made a parlor game from guessing the expiration date. Conversely, Dolan added the following about the environment: “It's dry and cold. So things are stored pretty well. I don't remember anyone who's got food poisoning.
Back at the base, social drinking isn't what it used to be. “They have a bar,” Adams said. “But because of past problems – people drink and get into fights and things – no alcohol is provided, and no alcohol can be brought in [to the bar]. ”
But there are many more things like tugs of war on the frozen lake, skating, soccer, rugby games, and more.
In fact, Doran is 64 years old and sounds sad to think about how little there is in strict physical physics (needed by all descending researchers).
“There are no old people or young people either. [you have to be over 18 to work there]He said, it sounded like he had already missed the place.
“You have an interesting population and a unique social atmosphere in Antarctica. And you are there to do science, you are surrounded by scientists, you don't have much hassle at home.”
