Antarctica tops Galapagos in the species stakes...
Antarctica has more species than the Galapagos, a new study has revealed.
Researchers in Europe have carried out what they claim is the first comprehensive "inventory" of sea and land animals in the white continent and found a region that's not only rich in biodiversity but has more species than the Galapagos.
Using a combination of trawl nets, sampling as deep as 1500 metres and scuba divers, a team from British Antarctic Survey and Hamburg University in Germany found 1,200 species, a third of which were not thought to live in the region.
These include sea urchins, free-swimming worms, mites, crustaceans, molluscs and birds. And, the researchers also identified five new species, the latest issue of 'Journal of Biogeography' reported.
According to lead author David Barnes from BAS, "This is the first time anybody has done an inventory like this in the Polar Regions. It's part of the Census of Marine Life – an international effort to assess and explain the diversity and distribution of marine life in the world's oceans.
"If we are to understand how these animals will respond to future change, a starting point like this is really important."
Added co-author Stefanie Kaiser from Hamburg University: "We never knew there were so many different species on and around these islands. This abundance of life was completely unexpected for a location in the polar regions, previously perceived to be poor in biodiversity."
Discover the World, a leading specialist UK tour operator, operates an extensive range of expedition voyages to Antarctica.
For more information and to book please visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk
Posted on December 3, 2008 in Adventure , Antarctica , Blogs/Travel Blogs , Cruises/Voyages , Exploration , Galapagos , Specialist , Travel , Wildlife | Permalink | Tag this with Delicious? | E-mail this
Iceland opens 100% naturally powered facility
Icelandic Water Holdings ehf, makers of Icelandic Glacial mineral water, the world’s first CarbonNeutral certified bottled water, for both its product and operations, has begun production of its multi-award winning water from its new 100% naturally powered bottling facility in Ölfus, Iceland.
The facility increases production capacity of Icelandic Glacial mineral water to meet the growing consumer demand for this exceptionally pure Icelandic water in an environmentally responsible fashion.
The new 71,688 square foot bottling facility opens as one of the world’s greenest, maximizing output while minimizing expenditure of energy resources thanks to an array of environmentally efficient and modern bottling equipment. Like the former bottling operation, the new facility harnesses Iceland’s natural green energy, operating entirely on geothermal and hydroelectric power. The combination of modern equipment and use of natural green energy means that Icelandic Glacial mineral water is able to roll off the production line with an even smaller carbon footprint than before and one that is considerably smaller compared to other bottled waters in the industry.
“Environmental stewardship has always been a core part of our company’s philosophy – it’s a natural part of being from Iceland,” comments Icelandic Glacial Chairman and CEO Jon Olafsson. “Beginning today, we move production to one of the world’s most environmentally advanced bottling facilities ever constructed, further reinforcing our commitment to delivering consumers a product they can drink with a clear conscience.”
At the grand opening, Icelandic Glacial co-founders Jon and Kristjan Olafsson paid tribute to Iceland and the environment as they officially open the new facility, pushing the production line button for the very first time.
Icelandic Glacial is currently expanding its UK rollout and is available at Whole Foods, Fresh & Wild, Waitrose, Pure California as well as select premium delicatessens, coffee shops, premium grocers and up-scale clubs and bars in London.
To find out more about the secrets of Iceland and exactly what this island has to offer, visit the world's number one tour operator to Iceland, Discover the World, at www.discover-the-world.co.uk
Posted on November 3, 2008 in Blogs/Travel Blogs , Current Affairs , Events , Feature Ideas , Food and Drink , Iceland , Science , Travel | Permalink | Tag this with Delicious? | E-mail this
Expedition team embarks on the 25th Antarctic expedition
China's 25th Antarctic Expedition set off on a six-month scientific research mission from the port of Shanghai. During this period, team members will build China's first research station on Dome A, the highest point on the Antarctic Inland. This accomplishment will signify that the Antarctic expedition of China achieved the leapfrog development from the rim of the Antarctic continent to the key areas of the interior.
On the morning of October 20th, a short and warm farewell ceremony was held at the domestic base of Arctic and Antarctic expeditions in Pudong and 204 members of the expedition team boarded the vessel, Snow Dragon, to embark on the 25th Antarctic expedition.
According to sources, the expedition team is the largest one since China started its first Antarctic expeditions in 1984. The major task is to build Kunlun, the first inland scientific research station, on Dome A, the highest point on the Antarctic inland icecap. This is the third Chinese Antarctic research station after two previous installments named The Great Wall and Zhongshan.
Yang Huigen, chief scientist and captain of the 25th Antarctic expedition of China, said, "We will carry out scientific exploration of the deep ice core at the newly-built base, focusing on recovering meteorological evidence of the earth's history from 700,000 years ago. We believe we will find high-resolution records of the planet dating back one million years."
Find out more about the Antarctica, the great White Continent, and Discover the World's expedition voyages at www.discover-the-world.co.uk/antarctica/
Posted on October 28, 2008 in Antarctica , Blogs/Travel Blogs , Cruises/Voyages , Exploration , Feature Ideas , Soft Adventure , Travel | Permalink | Tag this with Delicious? | E-mail this
This autumn Iceland is really going to shine....!
This autumn, as well as the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights there is a new presence in night sky as it becomes illuminated by the brilliant beam emitted by the Imagine Peace Tower. If you are very lucky – witness both the same time! Yoko Ono will return to Reykjavik on October 9 to relight her Imagine Peace Tower on Videy Island for its second year.
The 20-metre high beam of brilliant white light emitted from the tower will be visible across the city from October 9, John Lennon’s birthday, to December 8, the day he died, as well as on New Year’s Eve and during the first week of spring.
The spectacular Northern Lights can also be witnessed in Iceland from October – March. Iceland’s close proximity to the North Pole makes this awe-inspiring country perfect for viewing this amazing natural light show given the right conditions – on a clear starry night with an evening temperature below zero degrees Celsius.
See both of these spectacular light shows for yourself this autumn and join Discover the World on a breathtaking trip to Iceland. If you're looking for a long weekend in a vibrant, cosmopolitan city then Reykjavik has it all. Whilst you're at it indulge mind and body in a therapeutic visit to the world-famous Blue Lagoon. If, like me, you enjoy the city and the countryside then an 'Essential Iceland' self-drive is perfect. What better way to spend the autimn days then driving around the fantastic coastal scenery of the south where the air is crisp and rejuvenating.
See all of this and more at www.discover-the-world.co.uk
Posted on October 3, 2008 | Permalink | Tag this with Delicious? | E-mail this
Jar City - contender for slickest movie of the year.
Move over 'RocknRolla'
there's a new contender in town for slickest movie of the year! Jar City is a chilling murder mystery from Iceland, adapted from Arnaldur Indridason's bestseller. When Reykjavik Detective Inspector Erlendur (Ingvar Eggert Sigurdsson) investigates the murder of an old man, unnerving forensic discoveries lead to the deaths, 30 years apart, of two little girls, and a horrific secret is soon revealed.
Parallel tragedies gradually merge in a haunting film - one deals with Erlendur's relationship with his troubled daughter, the other with how the medical histories (and hereditary secrets) of a country's entire population are on a database for anyone with computer skills to peruse and misuse.
It's a real spellbinder with some very slick and atmospheric shots of Reykjavik. Surely this movie must be ripe for the Hollywood treatment?!
Unearth the secrets of Reykjavik for yourself with Discover the World, the world's largest tour operator to Iceland, and find out why Reykjavik is one definitely one of the coolest capitals on the planet.
Posted on September 15, 2008 in Culture | Permalink | Tag this with Delicious? | E-mail this
