In 1905 he was made a lecturer in petrology and mineralogy at the University of Adelaide . Mawson’s first experience in the Antarctic came as a member of Shackleton’s Nimrod Expedition (1907–1909), alongside his mentor Edgeworth David.
What did Douglas Mawson do?
From 1911 to 1914 Mawson led the Australasian Antarctic Expedition and from 1929 to 1931 directed the combined British, Australian, and New Zealand Antarctic Expedition. His explorations enabled Australia to claim some 2,500,000 square miles (6,475,000 square km) of the Antarctic continent.
When was Douglas Mawson first expedition?
In 1912 , when he set sail across the Southern Ocean, Mawson was 30 years old and already acclaimed as one of the best geologists of his generation.
How did Douglas Mawson change the world?
Mawson’s expedition was the first to connect Antarctica to the outside world by radio . On his return, Douglas Mawson took his place as a great figure in the Heroic Age of Antarctica Exploration. In 1984, 70 years on, his face appeared on the 100 Australian dollar bank note.
How did Sir Douglas Mawson survive?
Mawson continued the final 100 miles alone. During his return trip to the Main Base he fell through the lid of a crevasse, and was saved only by his sledge wedging itself into the ice above him . He managed to climb out using the harness attaching him to the sled.
Who Discovered Antarctica?
The race to find Antarctica sparked competition to locate the South Pole —and stoked another rivalry. Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen found it on December 14, 1911. Just over a month later, Robert Falcon Scott found it, too. He turned back with disastrous results.
Why was Mawson forced to stay in Antarctica for another?
By the start of February, Mawson had reached an ice cave his team had named “Aladdin’s Cave”, just 5km from Commonwealth Bay. ... Mawson had arrived too late for the boat that could have taken him home. As a result, he had to stay in Antarctica, along with five colleagues, for an extra year.
Why was Douglas Mawson knighted?
Knighted in 1914 for his Antarctic work , Mawson served in World War I as a Major in the British Ministry of Munitions. On return to Adelaide, Mawson pursued his academic studies, taking further expeditions abroad, including a joint British, Australian and New Zealand expedition to the Antarctic in 1929 -1931.
What high school did Douglas Mawson go to?
Douglas was educated at Rooty Hill and at Fort Street Model School in Sydney. At the University of Sydney in 1899-1901 he studied mining engineering and graduated B.E. in 1902 when he was appointed as a junior demonstrator in chemistry.
Is Antarctica an Australian territory?
The Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT) covers nearly 5.9 million square kilometres. That’s about 42% of Antarctica . The area is nearly 80% of the size of Australia itself.
Who went with Mawson to Antarctica?
Embarking on the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) with Mawson, John King Davis captained the Aurora with a crew, 31 expeditioners and materials for living huts, and wireless masts to establish the first radio communications in Antarctica.
What are some of the dangers that Antarctic explorers faced?
Explorers in Antarctica face many challenges. Extreme cold, lack of water, severe windstorms and treacherous crevasses are obvious physical dangers. Less obvious are the problems of boredom, isolation and loneliness.
What continent is located in the South Pole?
Its latitude is 90 degrees south, and all lines of longitude meet there (as well as at the North Pole, on the opposite end of the Earth). The South Pole is located on Antarctica , one of the Earth’s seven continents.
Why is Macquarie Island important to Douglas Mawson?
In 1911, Australia’s Sir Douglas Mawson established the island’s first scientific station . ... The Macquarie Island expedition also established the first radio link between Australia and Antarctica by setting up a radio relay station on Wireless Hill.
Is it legal to go to Antarctica?
No, it is not illegal to go to Antarctica . As you already know by now, no country owns the continent. There is no border control, no immigration officer, no nothing. Anyone can visit the continent.
