Atlas of Antarctica

Summary

The review describes «Атлас Антарктики» as a scientific-reference atlas produced collectively by Soviet Antarctic researchers, scientists and cartographers. Its 225 pages contain about 500 maps, graphs and illustrations, arranged into introductory, general and regional sections covering exploration history, relief, geology, atmospheric and geophysical phenomena, climate, glaciology, oceanography and biology. Compilation drew on domestic and foreign maps and aerial photography, expedition vessels, research stations, flights and inland sledge-tractor journeys. The reviewer highlights detailed depictions of ice surfaces and exposed rock, previously unpublished atmospheric and geophysical material, and the originality of the glaciological maps. The review also explains the use of ice-shelf and outlet-glacier coastlines as Antarctica's outer boundary, the mapping of the Southern Ocean as a distinct basin, and revisions to geographical names and regional boundaries. The author values the atlas both as a comprehensive synthesis for research, teaching and practical use and as a culmination of Antarctic research: comparison of accumulated expedition records refined geographical understanding, while collaboration improved data preparation and mapping methods. The author also emphasizes its political value as an illustration of peaceful international scientific cooperation.