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International Co-operation
A
small expedition in 1949 changed Antarctic
exploration. The Norwegian-British-Swedish
expedition was a scientific one. Three countries pooled
their resources and scientists. They made many scientific
and geographical discoveries in Dronning Maud Land.
We know most expeditions by their leader. From
Cook onward we remember the name of the man in
command. This expedition is remembered as the start of
international cooperation in Antarctica.
Claiming Antarctica
When a new area of Antarctica was discovered it was
claimed in the name of the expedition’s country. Ross
claimed Victoria Land for Britain. The US claimed all the
land seen during Operation Highjump. They even dropped
markers by aircraft as part of their claim. By the end of
World War II, several countries, including Argentina, Chile,
Britain, France, and Norway claimed parts of Antarctica.
Scientific Exploration
Scientists changed all that. In the early 1950s a group
of European and American scientists planned the
International Geophysical Year, or IGY. They wanted to
measure the activity of the Sun all round the world. It was
also decided to make exploration of Antarctica part of
the IGY.
F
uchs at the Pole during the first Antarctic crossing.
T
oday, seven nations claim parts of Antarctica. They
have agreed not to dispute these claims while the
Antarctic Treaty is in force.
Antarctic Exploration
Crossing Antarctica
The first crossing was made by Sir
Vivian Fuchs. On an expedition from
1955 to 1958 he used dogs and tractors
called Snowcats to cross Antarctica
in 99 days. Several other expeditions
have now crossed Antarctica. Some have
repeated the journeys of Scott and
Amundsen. Although modern
equipment was used, these expeditions
still had dangerous journeys.
In 1992 Sir Ranulph Fiennes and
Dr. Michael Stroud attempted another
crossing. They successfully pulled
their own food across Antarctica
without the help of motor vehicles,
ponies, or dogs.