Robert Falcon Scott - the Discovery Expedition

Robert Falcon Scott was a British Naval officer who led two expeditions into the Antarctic region in the early 1900's; the Discovery and Terra Nova. The goals consisted of accumulating scientific research and geographical exploration into unknown territory. Naturally, the objectives included were based on previous accomplishments, and further exploration remained uncertain and questionable. Unfortunately, for Scott, the two expeditions and concluding journey to the South Pole would result in a premature death for the respective team members.

Photo of RFS's quarters on Ross Island, Antarctica: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/01/photogalleries/100111-100-year-antarctic-hut-scott-pictures/#025586_600x450.jpg

Originally, the Second Secretary to the British Admiralty declined funding for the associated expeditions. However, a British geographical society, presided by Sir Clements Markham, eventually requested additional funds from wealthy philanthropists dedicated to British science. A designated crew featuring various Royal Naval officers and geologists, zoologists, etc. was recruited, and the Discovery set sail on 6 August, 1901. Though many obstacles were presented due to the harsh climate, Scott and a team initially set foot and travelled unexplored territory via the Polar Plateau, at 7,000 feet above sea level. The region succeeds the coldest temperatures experienced on Earth, whereas even bacterial substances can barely survive. The crew travelled 150 miles on the featureless plain, and were considered lost after previous encounters robbed them off their navigational tables.

Though various other journeys were implemented into the Discovery Expedition, final results proved almost unsuccessful in a sense. Of course, unexplored land was discovered, animal species were studied, and magnetic readings were observed, Scott remained unsatisfied. As the Discovery was embedded in an ice trap, relief vessels were dispatched to rescue the expedition. Fortunately, though, after numerous failed attempts to release the Discovery, the ice abandoned the ship and provided an escape passage. In mid February of 1904, the expedition sailed home.

To conclude, from the Discovery Expedition emerged many intent explorers. Scott, himself, promised to return. Shortly after, Scott would conduct a new investigation of the region via the Terra Nova; a journey that would eventually result in the death of Scott and four companions during their travels to the South Pole.

National Geographic Explorer (2010). Antarctic time capsule hut revealed. Retrieved Jan 14, 2010.

Antarctic Explorers (2010). Robert F. Scott. Retrieved Jan 14, 2010 from http://www.south-pole.com/p0000089.htm