Antarctica: Continent of Extremes

Antarctica 1820 | 2020

Virtual Lecture With Richard Wolak

Nathaniel Palmer saw the 7th continent in 1820 but would have had little idea of its massive extent or incredible characteristics. This talk provides an introduction to Antarctica with an overview of its geography, climate, flora, fauna, surrounding sea ice, and a bit of its human history. Richard Wolak spent 10 years with the U.S. Antarctic Program, with significant assignments at all of the American stations, aboard the R/V HERO, and in the Dry Valleys. He wintered as leader of the U.S. Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, and currently teaches an Antarctic-based course at the University of Connecticut.

Visit our Antarctica 1820 | 2020 exhibit, now open in the Thompson Exhibition Building Lobby.