Students on Ice University Expedition: February 12-28, 2011
Welcome and thank you for your interest in the Students on Ice University Expedition 2011.
This ship-based expedition offers prospective students the opportunity to enroll in one of several University-level field courses, and experience one of the most exceptional places on Earth. We will use an interdisciplinary approach to examine the uniqueness of the Antarctic continent, its political, scientific and exploration history.
Once in Antarctic waters, all students will make frequent field trips to the Antarctic mainland via Zodiac inflatables from the main ship. These landings will be supplemented by lectures, seminars and lab exercises in dedicated space aboard our expedition vessel, the M/V Ushuaia.
The expedition will have approximately 70 participating University students,
and 20 University faculty, scientists, experts, and educators. Undergraduate
and graduate students from around the world and from any University can
apply to participate.
Antarctica is an amazing and incredibly unique continent. It is both
an austere and inhospitable land and home to some of the most extraordinary
biodiversity on the planet. It is a desert with vaulting mountains, 
immense
glaciers, active volcanoes and awe-inspiring vistas. Antarctica
is a cornerstone of the planet’s global ecosystem; a window to
the world; a symbol of peace, understanding and conservation; and one
of the greatest classrooms and laboratories on Earth.
Antarctica was not always in its present southerly location. At one
time it was part of present day Australia and Gondwanaland. Remains of
dinosaurs and tropical forests have been discovered. Indeed, the whole
concept of continental drift is made more fascinating by a study of this
land of extremes.
Although the average water accumulation (arriving in the form of snow
or ice) is only 12-15 centimetres or 5-6 inches (5 centimetres/2
inches or less over much of the interior), the icecap has reached a thickness
of over 4,000 metres in some areas and covers about 14 million square
kilometres. Ninety-eight percent of Antarctica’s continental area
is covered with ice. This accounts for ninety percent of the world’s
ice and sixty-eight percent of the Earth’s fresh water. If all
this ice melted the Earth’s ocean level would rise 50 to 60 metres.
Beneath the icecap lies a rocky landmass of about 7 million square kilometres.
It is estimated that much of the landmass of western Antarctica is depressed
into the Earth’s crust to a depth of 1,000 metres lower than its
original level. However, large mountains soar as high as 5,140 metres
(16,859 feet).
There is little flora in Antarctica but what exists is significant.
Brilliantly coloured lichens and mosses establish themselves in ice-free
areas and the frigid sea provides haven for many varieties of microscopic
life (phytoplankton).
Fauna exists in overwhelming abundance, especially during the brief
austral summer. Hundreds of thousands of penguins gather to breed and
feed. Whales, seals and albatross share the vast spaces. Krill, the most
abundant animal in the world, occupies a central place in the Antarctic
ecosystem and provides the basic food source for many Antarctic predators.
Man can be counted among the potential, voracious consumers.
Human activity has been recent and limited but there is an exciting
and sometimes unsettling history of exploration and exploitation. The
remains of decades old whaling stations and exploration outposts stand
as silent reminders of past activity. Abandoned and active research stations
are testament to the political and scientific presence in Antarctica
of several nations. The Antarctic Treaty came into force in 1961 and
remains one of the most effective international agreements ever signed.
As of December 2009, 46 members adhere to the Treaty (28 consultative and 18 acceding) and
an annual meeting is held to discuss a range of issues.
The history of exploration is a fascinating one. Speculation existed
from the beginning of the first millennium of the existence of a southern
continent. The first recorded expedition to search for it began with
Bouvet’s expedition in 1738. Successive voyages by explorers, including
the amazing navigator James Cook, proved the existence of a southern
land but ice and sea conditions and adverse weather prevented any sighting.
In 1821, Bellinghausen was the first to record sighting the continent
although there is evidence that whalers and sealers had been keeping
it secret for some years! Feats of great bravery, lies and intrigue,
tragic failures and incredible successes are found in the stories of
the early and present day explorers.
Much remains to be discovered, and protected, as you join the ranks
of Antarctic explorers.
Speculation over the existence of a “southern land” was
not confirmed until the early 1820s when British and American commercial
operators and British and Russian national expeditions began exploring
the Antarctic Peninsula region and other areas south of the Antarctic
Circle. Not until 1840 was it established that Antarctica was indeed
a continent and not just a group of islands. Several exploration “firsts” were
achieved in the early 20th century.
Following World War II, there was an upsurge in scientific research
on the continent. A number of countries have set up year-round research
stations on Antarctica. Seven have made territorial claims, but not all
countries recognize these claims. In order to form a legal framework
for the activities of nations on the continent, an Antarctic Treaty was
negotiated that neither denies nor gives recognition to existing territorial
claims; signed in 1959, it entered into force in 1961.
General Information about Antarctica:
MV USHUAIA - The motor vessel “USHUAIA” is a steel-hulled, ice-strengthened ship for Antarctic supply and oceanographic research, completely refurbished to meet both passenger and oceanographic needs. The USHUAIA is ISM Code certified. The crew is committed to protecting the environment and the safety of passengers.
| Ice class: | INSB Ice class C |
| Passengers: | 89 |
| Crew: | 30 |
| Tonnage: | 2,923 tonnes |
| Speed: | 14 Knots |
| Length: | 84.73 m / 278.3 feet |
| Breadth: | 15.54 m / 51 feet |
| Draught: | 5.48 m / 18.08 feet |
| Engine: | 3200 HP |
| Bow thruster: | 1 x 500 Kw |
| Electrical Outlets: | 110 V, 60 Hz |
Originally built for the National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the MV USHUAIA has been refurbished to accommodate a maximum of 89 passengers and staff in 45 comfortable twin cabins. The ice-strengthened polar vessel USHUAIA is very well appointed and provides ample deck space and an open bridge policy. The ship is extremely manoeuvrable and ideal for this type of expedition. The full complement of inflatable landing craft Zodiacs allow us to explore, conduct landings, field research, and wildlife viewing on the otherwise inaccessible coastline.
Public areas feature a large dining room, an observation lounge, a conference room with modern multimedia equipment, a well-stocked library, a mud room, a laboratory, and a small infirmary. USHUAIA’s chefs prepare excellent meals each day. The vessel’s expert captain, officers and crew are highly experienced in Antarctic navigation and have a great love of Antarctic ecosystems. Our expedition team of international experts, scientists and field staff will help to deliver the education program and are all passionate about the protection of the Antarctic environment.
Our Antarctic itinerary is always subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. It is rare that we ever follow an itinerary exactly as planned. One of the mottos of expedition travel is “Flexibility is the Key.” We take advantage of all our opportunities, while at the same time respecting the power of the Antarctic environment. With these points in mind, here is an outline of our exciting itinerary:
The journey begins for various expedition members from around the world making their way south to Argentina between February 11th-13th.
Today, a group of 50 expeditioners board an overnight flight from Toronto to Buenos Aires. This will be a great opportunity to catch-up with some last minute Antarctic reading. The adventure officially begins!
The Toronto group arrives in Buenos Aires to meet some of our international student participants. Together they will enjoy a day touring the city and overnight in Buenos Aires before continuing to Ushuaia. Other expedition members have arrived in Ushuaia independently today.
The southward journey continues for the Toronto group. They leave Buenos Aires and catch a group flight to Ushuaia! Located on the shores of the Beagle Channel, this beautiful region is home to mountains, forests and glaciers. Upon arrival this morning, the Toronto group will check into our Hotel and have a chance to shower, change and rest.
This evening, we will have our first Expedition Briefing at the hotel and discuss our adventure ahead.
Expedition members who have arranged their accommodations independently in Ushuaia will join us for the Expedition briefing and a group dinner.
Our expedition program begins! Today we spend a full day exploring Ushuaia and the surrounding region. Students will hike into the Tierra del Fuego backcountry or visit Harberton Ranch.
The evening, all students and staff will overnight together at our Hotel. The evening program includes an Expedition Briefing at the hotel to discuss next day activities, followed by dinner as a complete expedition team!
Today will be a combination of educational presentations and workshops.
This afternoon we board our expedition vessel the MV USHUAIA at the dock in Ushuaia.
After checking into our cabins, there will be an Introductory Briefing with our Expedition Leader, the Education Team, fellow student participants and the ship’s staff. Soon after we’ll cast off the lines, raise the Students on Ice Flag and set sail down the Beagle Channel towards the Drake Passage. Our shipboard journey to Antarctica begins!
This evening, we will enjoy our first meal together aboard USHUAIA, participate in a mandatory emergency drill, share our excitement and be on the look out for the Southern Cross…
We spend the day at sea sailing across the infamous Drake Passage towards Antarctica. Our shipboard education program kicks off and there will be an important briefing on Antarctic visitor guidelines. Be sure to get out on deck in search of whales and seabirds, including the mighty Wandering Albatross!
We cross the Antarctic convergence during our second day at sea. Our shipboard education program continues and we’ll be instructed on Zodiac safety and landing procedures. Depending on weather conditions and the speed of our Drake Passage crossing, we may attempt our first landing in the South Shetland Islands.
Our first full day in Antarctica! Almost 24-hour daylight will allow us take full advantage of our days here. Possible landing sites today include Brown Bluff and a visit to the Argentine Station Esperanza. Thousands of Adelie and Gentoo penguins and their chicks await us at these sites, and we’ll be in excellent whale watching territory.
Today we’ll have a full day for exploring and making landings along the Antarctic Peninsula. If weather conditions permit, we’ll attempt Zodiac landings and cruises on and around Deception Island. This horseshoe shaped dormant volcano is also home to a giant Chinstrap penguin colony and abandoned whaling station.
Today we’ll have another full day of Zodiac landings, cruises and educational activities. We hope to make visits to Danco Island, Neko Harbour and Goudier Island. At Neko Harbour, we’ll be able to hike up onto a small icecap for an incredible view of Andvord Bay and some ice-coring activities. We may be able to visit Port Lockroy's United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust museum and post office, examining Whale bones and observing Cormorants.
Today is another full day of landings and educational activities. By now the beauty and wonder of Antarctica will have cast its spell over us. We hope to try and explore Yalour and Pleneau Islands, and also visit the Ukrainian station Vernadsky, one of the most interesting and active scientific research bases in Antarctica.
Our final full day in Antarctica will be spent on exploring areas around Skontorp Cove, Cuverville Island and the Melchior Islands. More workshops in the field and landings are planned. This evening we bid farewell to Antarctica and begin our journey back to South America.
We spend the day at sea reflecting on the experiences and adventures behind us. Our shipboard education program continues with a variety of presentations, workshops and activities.
Our shipboard education program wraps up. Weather conditions permitting, we’ll sail around famous Cape Horn! This evening we arrive back to the Beagle Channel. Tonight we celebrate our expedition with a farewell dinner and special presentations.
This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia. Upon disembarking our ship and saying goodbye to the crew, all students and staff will transfer to the Hotel Del Glaciar for check in.
Transfers are provided to Ushuaia for lunch in town. The afternoon is free time for those who wish to explore the city, visit the museums, or hike. This evening, we will enjoy a group dinner in town and overnight at the hotel before most of us begin our travel home the next morning.
Today our expedition’s education program wraps up. Many student participants will board return flights to Toronto and begin their homeward journeys.
Students arrive home to their respective countries and home Universities.