The first major polar expeditions in Antarctica began over 100 years ago, so there have been centenary anniversaries for various expeditions over the past six years, with more celebrations to come. We are now close to the 100-year anniversary of the first motorized vehicle to come to Antarctica!
Ernest Shackleton brought an Arrol-Johnston motor car to Antarctica in 1908 on his Nimrod expedition. It was meant to be an advertisement for the car that was donated to the expedition, but the car did not perform well. The engine and fuel didn't like the cold temperatures, and the tires did not do well on the snow.
Image from www.coolantarctica.com
Then Robert F. Scott brought three motorized sledges to Antarctica on his 1911 expedition. One of the sledges broke through the ice at Cape Evans, about 24 miles (38 km) north of McMurdo, when they were offloading their ship. More than one person has mentioned having SCINI look for the sledge under the ice!
Since then, vehicles in Antarctica have improved dramatically. Many have tracks instead of wheels, and the wheeled vehicles have HUGE snow tires on them. Even the "taxi" service in town drives large vans with 3 ft tall tires!
Bryan driving and Nick loading the Pisten Bully
The Mattracks truck
Ivan the Terra Bus - Note the driver's size!
Mystery "Giant" Truck - Note wheel size compared to the person in front!
I will try to get more information on this vehicle.
Fuel Truck- ladder gives some sense of scale
Case IH Articulated QuadTrac 4WD Tractor
(Thanks to Marcus for researching this crazy rig!)
Bulldozer pushing snow on the sea ice
Bryan and the Tucker - the vehicle we drive the most often
Katie showing the snowmobile storage area
The Delta personal transporter holds 20 people!
I am hoping a student or teacher wants to research these further and then make a classification activity where students design their own dichotomous key to these crazy rigs. Anyone out there up for the challenge?