Ground Zero

Antarctica - the vast frozen desert at the southern most tip of the Globe has for many decades, held the imagination of adventurers and explorers alike. Ever since Roald Amundsen Scott stepped on the Pole in 1911, many have followed in his path. The journey is mostly difficult and rarely offers any comforts of being and existence. Yet, man has continued on his journeys to explore the inhospitable, feral regions of Mother Nature.

In the Southern Hemisphere summer (Nov – March), the sun blazes on for six continuous months and then plunges into darkness for the remaining six months. Average temperatures vary between minus 40 degrees and Katabatic winds of 50 – 60 knots lash the surface, willing to uproot anything with a weak foundation. Storms roll in without a warning and then ice shrapnel’s dance in the air to take on their victims. Survival in such conditions is beyond physical endurance and strength. It is more closely related to an individual’s will power, grit and determination. Self reliance and self awareness go a long way in deciding fates.

Indian Navy would undertake an expedition involving cross country ski traverse of around 200 km to the South Pole. This expedition would be undertaken during Nov 06 – Jan 07, i.e. during the “summer” of this region, when the temperature / weather conditions would be at their best.