Setkávání s Antarktidou: Historie kontinentu – dobývání a výzkum – česká stopa – Prošek Pavel (2022)

A representative book by the renowned geographer, polar explorer, and founder of the Czech Antarctic research station introduces readers to the fascinating and remote icy continent. It compellingly narrates how Antarctica has evolved, how its climate has changed over time, and the crucial role it plays in the system of our planet. A significant part of the publication is dedicated to the exploratory and conquering expeditions of the first research missions, starting with James Cook. It extensively presents the lesser-known yet breathtaking story of the Swedish expedition led by Otto Nordenskjöld, which took place one hundred and twenty years ago in the area located in close proximity to the current Czech base. A significant portion of the book focuses on the Czech Antarctic station J. G. Mendel on James Ross Island off the eastern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. A base that the Czech Republic can justly be proud of has been providing unique and comfortable facilities for scientists from many natural science fields for about fifteen years. The book details the environment in which the Czech station is located and describes its difficult birth, from finding a suitable location through complicated administrative processes to its design, the thrilling transport of building materials from Europe, and...