Other widely
used terms

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Austral summer

This defines the southern hemisphere summer (Austral means "southern"). It occurs when winter is taking place in the northern hemisphere.

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Convergence

It's where the warmer and saltier Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans collide with the colder and less-dense Southern Ocean that surrounds Antarctica. The convergence's line is an irregular circle that completely rings the Antarctica continent - and is, on average, about 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) from it.

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Guano

The excrement of penguins (and of bats and some seabirds).

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Katabatic wind

A strong, cold wind flowing downhill (due to gravitational action) on the slopes of glaciers, ice fields and the polar cap.

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Nunatak

A partially buried peak or ridge. It protrudes dramatically like an island from a glacier or snow field.

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Pelagic wildlife

Those that live mainly in open sea, such as the Wandering Albatross.

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Red penguin

That's us, in our bright red parkas.

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For more glossary terms, click

FIRST PAGE - The 4 South Poles

PAGE TWO - Ice formations

PAGE THREE - More ice formations

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Best 3 Antarctica cruise ships
When to go
Who should go - and not go
Small versus big ship
Itineraries
Costs
What-to-pack checklist

Zodiac landings
How to identify penguins
Antarctica history in brief
Interesting facts & tidbits
Glossary
More  pointers
Photo gallery

Top 10 experiences
Suite photos
Deck plans
Onboard enrichment
Dining & entertainment
Other onboard activities
Ship facts

Antarctica Cruise - Home page
Top 10 wonders of Antarctica

World's Top 100 Wonders

World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map

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