QUESTION:
Would a person be able to live in Antarctica their whole life? 

        Zahira L., fifth grade, Ms. Landmann's Class
        Rio del Mar Elementary
        Aptos, CA

ANSWER from Dave Bresnahan, NSF Operations
            Dave has worked in Antarctica since 1967
            Thu, 20 Feb 97 10:18:24 EST

Dear Zahira,

Unlike the Arctic region, there is no native population in Antarctica.  The 
only personnel currently "living" in Antarctica work at stations that are 
established to support scientific research.  There is no basic 
infrastructure in place that would allow an individual to live in 
Antarctica their whole life, other than at the research sites.

Remember that Antarctica, an area of 1.5 million square miles, is the 
coldest, driest, windiest, highest place on earth.  During the austral 
winter period I estimate the total number of humans in Antarctica is less 
than 2,000.  Most of the area is covered with ice and can support no life.

If you are interested, read some stories of what happened to the early 
explorers that were forced to spend the winter in Antarctica.

Dave Bresnahan