QUESTION:
Antarctica is an international continent.  About how many countries are using 
Antarctica as their field of science?  Are all of the countries studing the
same geography and animal life as the United States and are they studing 
Antarctica for the same reasons?

        Mrs. Young's Class
        Lake Forest Elementary School
        Lake Forest, CA

 

ANSWER from Polly Penhale, Program Manager, Office of Polar Programs
            Tue, 25 Feb 97 11:18:33 EST


Dear Students,

There are 43 countries which have signed the Antarctic Treaty.
Many of these countries support very similar research programs to the
US. The scientific body that give advice to the Treaty is called SCAR 
(Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research). This group of 
scientists, from the Treaty nations, meets regularly to discuss 
research topics of interest and to coordinate international efforts. 
This helps to avoid duplication of effort and promotes sharing of 
ideas and projects. Antarctica is truly an international continent.

Thanks for your question!
Polly P.