Antarctic scientist says isolation is not for everyone

Polar scientist Priit Tisler says working in Antarctica is not for everyone as he prepares for a three-month expedition, ERR reported. He spoke to the broadcaster’s Ringvaade programme before heading to the continent for the 13th time.

His role has shifted from research to include logistics. As deputy head of a Finnish research station, he helps set up and operate the station, check scientific equipment and maintain it.

Research in Antarctica includes lichens, mosses, meteorology and ice. Tisler said the 1959 Antarctic Treaty governs activity on the continent, with countries meeting to discuss matters together. There are more than 70 bases in Antarctica.

Tisler said satellite internet service Starlink had transformed life in Antarctica over the past two years. He can now make WhatsApp video calls, and people at the station also read books, listen to music and find other ways to spend their free time. The current mission is scheduled to last three months, with the team planning to return in the second half of February.

One of Tisler’s longest storms kept the team indoors for 10 consecutive days. After two calm days, an eight-day storm followed. He described the worst conditions as feeling like riding a tram at 60 kilometres per hour with square wheels, with everything rattling. He said the main concern was that a pump might fail, as repairs would be difficult.

Constant daylight can also make it hard to sleep, Tisler said, so the team uses curtains. Food is carefully calculated because the small aircraft flying them in can carry only a limited weight. Supplies are mainly dry goods and frozen meat, fish and sausages bought in Cape Town.