Antarctic Field Course Itinerary - Arctic Ecology Laboratory

Antarctic Field Course - Itinerary

Students will spend the first few days of the trip undergoing orientation and a preliminary lecture series in the southern Argentinean city of Ushuaia (see maps left and below), the expedition-style ship will sail for the Antarctic Peninsula, passing through the Beagle Channel and crossing Drake Passage South of Cape Horn (see map at bottom of page).

During time on board the ship, a series of lectures, audiovisual presentations and briefings on Antarctic science topics such as climatology, oceanography, glaciology, ecology and biology, human geography and safety will be delivered. It is expected that this schedule will be interrupted frequently with sightings of seabirds, whales, seals, penguins and icebergs.

When the ship is in calm waters near Antarctica, the program will include landings by zodiac at many sites (exact locations dependent on weather and ice conditions) to explore the unique Antarctic landscape and wildlife (penguins, seals, plant life etc), as well as investigate the history of human occupation and current scientific work being conducted in the region.

The return crossing of Drake Passage will provide an opportunity to recap the extraordinary experiences gained first-hand from the most remote continent on Earth.

Accommodations
Accommodation in Ushuaia, Argentina will be in local tourist-class motel facilities. Some meals will be provided. For the remainder of the time, housing will be on-board an expedition-style ship that is partnered to the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), an international member organization that advocates and promotes safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. All meals are provided whilst students are on the ship.

Participants should be prepared for the possibility of sea sickness and danger from exposure to cold temperatures. Medical personnel will be on the ship.