Norwegian–British–Swedish Antarctic Expedition facts for kids

The Norwegian–British–Swedish Antarctic Expedition (also called NBSX or NBSAE) was a super important trip to Antarctica that happened from 1949 to 1952. It was special because it was the very first time scientists from different countries worked together on an expedition there! The team members came from Norway, Sweden, and the British Commonwealth of Nations (like Britain and Australia).

Exploring Antarctica: A Team Effort

The Norwegian–British–Swedish Antarctic Expedition was the first time scientists from different countries teamed up to explore Antarctica. The leader of this amazing journey was John Schjelderup Giæver, a writer and polar explorer from Norway.

The main goal of the expedition was to find out if the climate changes happening in the Arctic (up north) were also happening in the Antarctic (down south). To do this, they set up a base called Maudheim. This base was built on the Quar Ice Shelf near the coast of Queen Maud Land in February 1950. This expedition helped prepare the way for later Australian expeditions to Antarctica, which took place from 1954 into the early 1960s.

How They Traveled: Ships and Planes

The expedition team and all their gear traveled on a 600-ton ship called the Norsel. This ship was a sealer, meaning it was built for hunting seals. It had a powerful diesel engine, originally from a German U-boat.

Using Two Ships for the Journey

The Norsel was too small to carry everything needed for such a big trip. So, it worked together with a much larger ship, a 24,000-ton whaling factory ship named Thorshovdi. The bigger ship helped carry all the heavy equipment and supplies.

Planes for Scouting Ahead

Besides the ships, the expedition also brought two small Auster aircraft. These planes were used for reconnaissance, which means scouting ahead to look at the land and ice from above. A team of five pilots from the RAF in Britain flew these planes.

The Norsel made three trips back and forth to Antarctica. On later visits, flying units from Norway and Sweden joined in. They helped with aerial photography, taking pictures of the land from the sky.

Amazing Discoveries and Findings

The information gathered during this expedition was very helpful. It led to more studies in glaciology (the study of ice and glaciers), meteorology (the study of weather), and geology (the study of Earth's rocks and history).

Understanding Sea Levels and Climate

One important finding was that the world's "sea-level was mainly controlled by the condition of the Antarctic ice-sheet." This means how much ice is on Antarctica affects how high the oceans are. The expedition also helped scientists better understand how the huge Antarctic ice-sheets control the world's climate.

Antarctica's Ancient Connection to Africa

Scientists also found clues suggesting that a part of Antarctica, called Dronning Maud Land, was once connected to southern Africa. Later scientific studies have found strong evidence for this. They show that eastern Antarctica was next to southern Africa until the late Jurassic period, which was a very long time ago!

Meet the Expedition Team

Here are some of the key people who were part of this important expedition:

• John Giaever (Norway): He was the leader of the group that stayed through the winter.
• Valter Schytt (Sweden): He was the chief glaciologist (ice expert) and second-in-command.
• Gordon de Quetteville Robin (Australia): He was a geophysicist (Earth science expert) and third-in-command.
• Nils Jørgen Schumacher (Norway): He was the chief meteorologist (weather expert).
• Gösta Liljequist (Sweden): He was an assistant meteorologist.
• Ernest Frederick Roots (Canada): He was the chief geologist (rock expert).
• Alan Reece (Britain): He was an assistant geologist.
• Charles Swithinbank (Britain): He was an assistant glaciologist.
• Nils Roer (Norway): He was a topographic surveyor (map maker).
• Ove Wilson (Sweden): He was the medical officer (doctor).
• Bertil Ekström (Sweden): He was a mechanical engineer.
• Egil Rogstad (Norway): He was the radio operator.
• Peter Melleby (Norway): He was in charge of the dogs.
• Schølberg Nilsen (Norway): He was the cook.

Some other members joined the team later on:

• Stig Hallgren
• Leslie Quar
• John Jelbart
• John Snarby
• Tom Stobart (Britain): He made the official film about the expedition.

See also

• List of Antarctic expeditions
• Maudheim medal