[ The Expedition ]
History of North Pole Exploration
History
For centuries men (and women) have been drawn to the 'top of the world' - the north pole. One of the most, if not the most difficult place to visit, the north pole has had less people stand on it than on the summit of Mount Everest.
Robert Peary is credited with being the first man to reach the geographic north pole, though this has and will likely always be disputed by some. Borge Ousland, a Norwegian was the first person to reach the pole solo and unsupported.
An unsupported expedition means there was no outside support, and all progress made is done by the explorer himself. Most expeditions receive support via resupply drops, and mechanical assistance, including use of dog sleds. An unsupported expedition is the most purest form of exploration.
About the North Pole
There are actually two north poles, the geographic north pole and the magnetic north pole. There is no land beneath the ice that covers the north pole. In fact, at times there is no ice and only water. The ice covering Antarctica (the south pole) is approx. 3000 feet thick, while the ice at the north pole is no thicker than 17 feet, typically much less.
There are no markers or 'poles' (as at the south pole), as the ice that typically covers the north pole is constantly moving. The water beneath the pole is over 14,000 feet deep. Average temperatures at the pole are -40°F, and can go as low as -74°F, with wind-chill can go as low as -150°F. That's cold!
