7.2.3

Section 3 We are pleased to welcome Dr. Martin Merrywhether of the Antarctic centre in Christchurch, New Zealand who has come along to talk to us today about the role of the centre and the Antarctic treaty.

Now my first question, is about the choice of location for the centre.

Why Christchurch, was it because of the climate?

Well actually New Zealand is the second closest country to Antarctica and Christchurch often used on Antarctic expeditions.

Right, so it’s because of where we are. . . coupled with our historical role.

So, Tell us, what is the main purpose of the centre?

Well. . . we have two complementary roles.

One is as a scientific base for expeditions and research and the other is for information centre.

Tell us something about the roles as a scientific base?

We’re able to provide information bout what scientist should take with them to the South Pole - for example, the centre contains a clothing warehouse where expeditions are supplied with suitable clothing for the extreme conditions.

I suppose you need a bit more than your normal winter coat!

Yes, exactly. And then there’s also the specialist of library and mapping services.

Right, and which countries are actually located at the centre?

Well. . . the centre houses research programmes for New Zealand, for the United States as well as Italy. . . there’s even a US post office at the American airforce base here.

Really? And what does the Visitor’s centre offer?

Well since very few people will ever experience the Antarctic first hand, the visitor’s centre aims to recreate the atmosphere of Antarctic.

There’s a mock camp site where you can see inside an Antarctic tent and imagine yourself sleeping there.

And the centre also acts as a showcase for the unique international co-operation which exists in Antarctic today.

What is it actually likely the South Pole?

I know you’ve been there on a number of occasions.

Yes, I have and each time I’m struck by the awesome beauty of the place.

It’s magnificent but you can really only the visit it in the summer months.

October to March.

Yes, because it’s completely dark for four months of the year. . . and in addition it has to be the coldest place on earth.

Colder than the North pole, why’s that?

Well, unlike the North Pole which is actually a frozen sea, Antarctica is a land mass shaped like a dome, with a result that the winds blow down the slopes at speeds of up to 150 kilometers an hour and that’s what makes it so cold.

And one other interesting thing is that Antarctica is the driest continent on earth, surprisingly, and so you have to drink large amounts of water when you’re there.

How old does the Antarctica?

We’re pretty sure it was part of a large land mass but it broke away from a rest continent 170 million years ago.

How can you be certain of this?

Because fossils and rocks have been discovered in Antarctic which are the same as those found in places such as Africa and Australia.

Amazing. . . to think that it was once attached to Africa. . .

Now, let’s just have a look at the Antarctic Treaty.

How far back does the idea of an international treaty go?

Well as far back as the 19th century, when eleven nations organised an international event.

When was that actually?

In 1870. And it was called the Polar Research Meeting.

And then, not long after that, they organised something called the First International Polar Year.

And that took place when exactly?

Over two year from 1882 to 1883.

But it wasn’t until the 1950s that the idea of an international treaty was proposed.

And in 1959 the Treaty was actually signed.

What do you see as the main achievement of the treaty?

Well, firstly it means that the continent is reserved for peaceful use.

That’s Article one, isn’t it? Yes.

That’s important since the territory belongs to everyone.

Yes, but not as important as Article five, which prohibits any nuclear explosions or waste disposal.

Which is marvellous.

Well, I’m afraid we’re going to have to stop there because I’m afraid we’ve run out of time.

Thanks for coming along today and telling us all about the center and its work.