From the Antarctic is where two scientists want to find uranium. The nature of this project is much controversy associated with the effects it has on the cooperation among nations. Agreed upon in 1961 was that Antarctica will be a continent to be used for international scientific research. In terms of international cooperation, there is much straining that can result from increasing the interest when it comes to resources sheltered by frigid weather and an unwelcoming cover of snow.

Short summers occur in Antarctica and during this time it was decided upon by the scientists that helicopter rides with their West German colleagues seemed to be a good idea as these passed over snow free valleys offering the most amazing scenery of the land. According to the gentleman, these helicopter rides are hair rising. For the radioactivity detector they brought, this should be within range from the cliffs.

Other things that could be found in the continent aside from uranium are valuable resources. Exploiting resources such as these may prove to be a challenge but many believe that in a decade or so these will be highly practical.

Harvesting krill is being studied by one Polish fleet, it is an inexpensive protein source resembling a shrimp and originates from the Weddell Sea. When Soviets were here they found high grade iron ore in a mountain. An American research vessel found ethane and methane in the Ross Sea in 1973. These are signs that can verify the existence of possible natural gas and oil deposits.

It was the US Geological Survey that came out with results stating how the continental shelf of Antarctica could easily hold 45 billion barrels of oil and 115 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Varying from the US consumption per year, this is eight times more for oil and six for natural gas. As they survey the Dufec Intrusive, geologists will be helped out this year by the National Science Foundation. Just like the mineral rich areas in South Africa and the bush veld too, deposits of chromium and platinum may be obtained here.

With American prompting, following the International Geophysical Year celebration, an Antarctic treaty was agreed upon by most of the nations present on the continent . Other than conducting open scientific research and not pursuing any territorial claims, part of the agreement included using the continent for peaceful purposes and preserving its environment and wildlife. To that end, American bases are administered by the National Science Foundation.

The concern pertaining to resource exploitation was given priority during the Oslo meeting of treaty nations. Before making changes, the decision must be unanimous. There is another sensitive issue and this is about other countries and valuable resources. Advising towards maximizing the research possible from the continent’s resources are these scientists. There are more people who agree rather than disagree with how detrimental Antarctic resource development is to international cooperation.

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