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TERRA ARCTICA –
The Lure of the Arctic
(Paperback - 6 Oct 2010)
Robert D. Morritt
Availability
This book explains the mystery of
the frozen north by looking at different processes that affect the biome and
habitat of the area. Some of these
processes are as follows:
 Bathymetry and hydrographic
processes. Geophysical interaction on
the biome and habitat of the region.
The process of survival, lifestyle
and cultural interaction with the Inuit. European resistance to follow
aboriginal habits resulting in their demise.
The success and failures of missions to the frozen North over the
centuries with contemporary first-hand accounts.
An ancient account of the north by
Pytheas of Massilia Viking exploration together with ancient postulations of
the existence of Thule also Medieval travels to the far North. We also
witnessed the experiences of Sir Martin Frobisher, John Davis, James Hall, John
Cunningham as well as Sir John Barrow and the ill-fated Franklin expedition.
Nautical and geographical
information is included of both the Northwest and the Northeast Passage and
of other regions of the Arctic. We
consider modes of travel and successes and failures historically speaking,
‘more recent travelers such as a tragedy of a balloon expedition (“The Ornen”), Fridtj of Nansen and the
success of Knud Rasmusen who used indigenous methods to travel which if had
been adopted by earlier would have saved many a life.
The case of Floyd Bennett
included. A list of Arctic explorations to date. The book is intended to give
‘cold’-comfort to the armchair traveler.
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