subject: Scientists And Uranium In The Antarctic [print this page] Uranium is being searched for in the Antarctic by two scientists. Much controversy is associated with this project as it is seen to be a severe test for international cooperation. It was in 1961 when Antarctica became a continent that was used for international scientific research. When a higher level of interest is pursued for resources surrounded by icy weather and an unwelcoming cover of snow, there will surely be some straining in the fabric of international cooperation.
Brief are the summers in Antarctica and this was the time when the scientists and their West German colleagues went on helicopter rides above the snow free valleys where they were given the best view of the continent. According to the gentleman, these helicopter rides are hair rising. For the radioactivity detector they brought, this should be within range from the cliffs.
Other than uranium, there were a multitude of valuable resources available there. A lot of factors contribute to the challenges of exploiting these resources with little doubt that this will become increasingly practical in the years to come.
In fact, a large Polish fleet currently is studying techniques for harvesting krill, a shrimp like creature which grows in abundance in the Weddell Sea and could prove to be an inexpensive source of protein. Soviet geologists claim to have found a mountain of high grade iron ore. In the Ross Sea in 1973 was where an American research vessel found ethane and methane. Not only do these show probably sources for natural gas but oil deposits as well.
About 45 billion barrels of oil and 115 trillion cubic feet of natural gas could be carried by Antarctica's continental shelf according to the US Geological Survey. When compared to the annual US consumption, this is eight times and six times more for oil and natural gas. This year, the National Science Foundation is supporting two teams of geologists who are surveying a region called the Dufec Intrusive. Other than the mineral rich areas and the bush veld, this is also a possible source of chromium and platinum in the same way as South Africa.
During the International Geophysical Year celebration, America prompted for an Antarctic treaty that a number of nations present then agreed upon. Using it for peaceful purposes, protecting its environment and wildlife, conducting open scientific research, and avoiding any territorial claims are all included in the agreement among nations. And so the National Science Foundation established several American bases.
It was during the Oslo treaty nations meeting when the major topic was about the resource exploitation issue. Nations needed to agree on any changes to be made. Sensitive is the issue that pertains to the interest in valuable resources of other countries. Advising towards maximizing the research possible from the continent's resources are these scientists. Resource development in the Antarctic proves to be a pressing issue for everyone especially when it comes to the cooperation among nations.
