ABSTRACT
The polar regions are among the most sparsely populated in the world. Economically, knowledge of the Arctic in particular has become more vital than before on account of its mineral resources, its increasing overflight by airliners following great circle routes from Europe to the Pacific, and its growing significance in contexts of global military strategy. In contrast, Antarctica has remained an area primarily of scientific interest, and, in the absence of strong economic or political stimuli, observational research in the south polar region has remained at a comparatively low level. Interspersed between the regions, N. A. Streten noted some coastal areas which, conversely, were visible more frequently than the average, under relatively clear skies. These included the Caird Coast, the Amery Shelf and Adelie Coast. It is possible that these may have been related to relatively frequent offshore winds of more than average strength, blowing outward from the Antarctic anticyclone especially in regions of katabatic reinforcement.
