LAST CONTINENT: ANTARCTICA (12 films)

Duration: 29 min

Year Published: 1958

Creator: KTCA-TV

Format: 16mm

Color: B&W

Sound: Sound

Description: Titles are: 1. IGY AND ANTARCTICA: INTRODUCTION. Provides a preview of the series emphasizing the development of the International Geophysical Year and how the study of the Antarctica fits into the total program. Presents a general picture of geographic and scientific questions which the IGY hopes to find answers to in its exploration of this continent. 2. HISTORY OF ANTARCTICA. Presents a survey of Antarctic exploration. Discusses the contributions of early seafaring explorers, the Golden Age of Exploration (1900-20), and the Byrd expedition of 1928-30. Outlines the discovery of the South Pole. Depicts the first Byrd expedition to show construction activities, living conditions and the problems and accomplishments. 3. LOGISTICS OF THE IGY IN ANTARCTICA. Describes the logistics problem involved in planning the IGY Antarctic Expedition. Shows the entire operation, the work of the ice breakers, air scenes of McMurdo Sound and other United States bases, and the work of the Services which provided supplies, transportation, housing and general support for the IGY scientists. 4. ADJUSTMENTS OF THE SCIENTIST. Depicts the second Byrd Expedition (1933-34) and recent film footage to show how technological advances have improved the work of the scientist. Explains how Antarctica scientists face problems and make adjustments unknown elsewhere in the world. Compares the two expeditions in transportation, building construction, living conditions, equipment, and food. 5. OCEANOGRAPHY. Shows how the Antarctic waters influence weather, tides, and life in the sea. Explains the use of the Nansen Bottle and the Bathythermograph in obtaining oceanographic data. Points out areas of oceanography which need further study and the relationship of these studies to the welfare of mankind. 6. METEOROLOGY. Examines the role of meteorological research in the Antarctic. Shows how weather observations are taken, organized, and the uses to which the information is put. 7. SEISMOLOGY. Explains the role of seismological research in the Antarctic Program. Defines seismology and discusses the various techniques used in obtaining seismological data. 8. GLACIOLOGY. Discusses the structure of the Antarctic ice cap. Explains the techniques of the glaciologist. Shows the kinds of glaciological studies being conducted. Shows the size of Antarctica, ice thickness, and glacier movement. 9. SOUTH POLE STATION. Reviews briefly the history of South Pole exploration. Shows the building and supplying of the South Pole station, the operation and scientific explorations, the dedication ceremony of this station, and living conditions. 10. STUDIES OF THE UPPER ATMOSPHERE. Points out the role of the Antarctic Program in relation to studies of the upper atmosphere. Explains the layers of the atmosphere and techniques used in studying the various phenomena which occur there. 11. BIOLOGICAL STUDIES. Describes the biological experiments being conducted in Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year. Shows habits and habitations of penguins, the skua, and seals. 12. ANTARCTICA—SUMMARY. Reviews the scientific emphasis in Antarctica in relationship to the total International Geophysical Year program. Discusses the IGY bases and the research being conducted. Explains territorial rights claimed by various nations and why the United States has made no claims to Antarctic territory. Outlines the post-IGY program in the Antarctic.

Complete Record: Source: NET Interest level: sh-ad Price: rent ea $4.75 Format: sd b&w

Metadata Source:Educational film guide. Supplements (1959-62)