Exploration of the Poles: Amundsen vs. Scott

Roald Amundsen, initially preparing for an Arctic expedition, redirected his efforts to the South Pole upon learning of rival claims to the North Pole. This set the stage for a race against British explorer Robert F. Scott. Amundsen's team, equipped with Inuit knowledge and a focus on speed, reached the South Pole first. Scott's larger, scientifically focused expedition faced numerous challenges, leading to a tragic end. Despite their different fates, both explorers are remembered for their contributions to polar exploration.

What was Roald Amundsen's initial plan before deciding to head to the South Pole?

• To sail around the world

• To climb Mount Everest

• To reach the North Pole

• To explore the Amazon rainforest

Which explorer's blessing did Amundsen receive for his expedition?

• Frederick Cook

• Fridtjof Nansen

• Robert F. Scott

• Ernest Shackleton

What significant event in 1909 influenced Amundsen's decision to change his expedition's course?

• A volcanic eruption in Iceland

• Rival claims to the North Pole by American explorers

• A new scientific breakthrough in navigation

• The discovery of a new continent

How did the newspapers describe the competition between Amundsen and Scott?

• A race to the Pole

• A friendly collaboration

• A scientific partnership

• A diplomatic mission

What was a key difference in the preparations of Amundsen and Scott for their expeditions?

• Amundsen had a smaller team and more dogs, while Scott had more men and equipment

• Scott focused solely on reaching the Pole, while Amundsen conducted scientific research

• Amundsen used motorized sledges, while Scott relied on dogs

• Scott used a previously uncharted route, while Amundsen followed a documented path

Which route did Amundsen's team take to reach the South Pole?

• The Larsen Ice Shelf

• The Ross Ice Shelf

• The Beardmore Glacier

• A previously uncharted route through the Transantarctic Mountains

What precaution did Amundsen's team take to ensure they reached the exact location of the South Pole?

• They traversed the area in a grid pattern

• They used GPS technology

• They followed a local guide

• They used a compass and map

What was the fate of Scott's expedition upon reaching the South Pole?

• They successfully returned to their base

• They faced severe hardships and did not survive

• They were rescued by a passing ship

• They decided to stay and establish a research station

What was left at the South Pole by Amundsen's team for Scott?

• A supply of food and water

• A scientific instrument

• A letter and a tent marker

• A map and compass

What is the legacy of the early explorers' journeys to the South Pole?

• They are remembered only in Norway

• They are forgotten in history

• They are celebrated with an annual festival

• They are commemorated in the name of the research base at the South Pole