Edited by Rachel Duncan 4th Edition ISBN 0-907649-91-2 London ...

Safety 81
8.7.7 Midges and mosquitoes
A curse of the tundra which thankfully disappear at higher latitudes; midges and
mosquitoes cannot tolerate freezing conditions. The Canadian tundra can probably claim to
have the nastiest biting polar insect. For most arctic travels a suitable anti-inflammatory
cream should be carried, as well as an insect repellent. Take a tent with a good mosquito
net, preferably one at each end thus improving ventilation. A calm dawn and dusk are the
worst periods for insect activity so you might well consider this in any planning.
8.7.8 Birds
All bird colonies and nests should be treated with respect and not disturbed, especially
during the breeding season. The arctic tern and skua can be particularly aggressive during
nesting and will dive and attack you with unnerving persistence and courage if you
threaten their territory.
Bibliography:
ARMSTRONG, T., ROBERTS, B. and SWITHINBANK, C. (1966) Illustrated glossary of
Snow and Ice. Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge. Special publication No.
4:
AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC DIVISION ANARE Antarctic Field Manual (ISBN 0-642-
11783-7) and ANARE First Aid Manual (ISBN 0-642-11807-8). Produced by the
Australian Antarctic Division, Hobart, Tasmania, for their Antarctic Personnel.
BRITISH ANTARCTIC SURVEY British Antarctic Survey Field Manual British
Antarctic Survey, Cambridge.]
BRITISH MOUNTAINEERING COUNCIL Safety on Mountains and other publications.
CLIFF, P. (1991). Mountain Navigation. Fourth Edition. Cordee, Leicester: 57pp. ISBN:
1871890551.
FURSE, C. (1997) Arctic Expedition Handbook. Compilation of Briefing notes / field
techniques and diary entries from BSES 1996 Spitsbergen Expedition and includes
good section on travel techniques in glaciated areas. ISBN 0953038602.
FYFFE, A. and PETER, I. (1990 AND 1997) Handbook of Climbing. Pelham Books.
ISBN 720718058 & Illustrated glossary of snow and ice
LANGMUIR, E. (1984) Mountaincraft and leadership: a handbook for mountaineers and
hillwalking leaders in the British Isles. Edinburgh, Scottish Sports Council;
Manchester, Mountainwalking Leader Training Board. 361pp.
MACINNES, H. (1972). International Mountain Rescue Handbook Constable &
Company, London. 218pp.
MACNEISH, C. (1980). Snow Camping. Spurbooks, Ltd: 96pp
NEW ZEALAND ANTARCTIC PROGRAMME, NZ Antarctic Operations Manual (ISSN
0110-7291); NZ Antarctic First Aid Manual (ISSN 0110-2301); and NZ Antarctic
Field Manual (ISSN 0110-7283). All published annually in Christchurch, New
Zealand
POLAR CONTINENTAL SHELF PROGRAMME, PCSP Field Operation Manual
(Ottawa Canada) for PCSP supported projects.
RAYTHEON POLAR SERVICES, US Antarctic Program Field Manual. Online version
on Raytheon website Website: www.rpsc.raytheon.com Check this address
SELTERS, A. (1999) Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue. 2nd Edition. The
Mountaineers, Seattle, WA: 143pp
STRONG, M (2001) How to Climb Glaciers: The Art of Travel and the Science of Rescue.
Published by Falcon Guides.