Antarctica is a major geographical region of our world and an important part of the global ecosystem. Including a continent larger than Australia and an ocean broader than the Atlantic, it makes up one-eighth of the World's surface. Knowledge gained by early explorers and more recently by scientists is proving increasingly important in world affairs. No longer remote at the southern end of the Earth, Antarctica and the southern oceans have become centres of general, historic, scientific and political interest. The Encyclopedia of Antarctica and the Southern Oceans contains over 1300 articles, compiled by a team of 26 international researchers, who have worked in the area. Topics covered include: History of discovery and exploration Geology, Glaciology and Climate Structure and ice cover of the Southern Ocean Biology of the ocean and continent Impacts of man, including conservation and political issues Islands of the southern oceans Articles are listed alphabetically and written in non-technical language. Many recommend further reading. Study guides help readers to follow learning paths through the Encyclopedia. This book is an up-to-date and authoritative reference on Antarctica and the southern oceans, essential for public libraries and reference sections of academic institutions, government departments and research centres. It is also of general use to any reader with an interest in Antarctica.