TED-Ed: The dangerous race for the South Pole - Elizabeth Leane

Roald Amundsen, initially planning to reach the North Pole, redirected his expedition to the South Pole after rival claims by American explorers. He kept his crew in the dark about the change, while Robert F. Scott, a British naval officer, was also heading south. The two expeditions, though different in approach, were seen as a race to the Pole. Amundsen's team, using Inuit and Norwegian techniques, reached the Pole first. Scott's team, burdened by scientific goals and ineffective equipment, faced tragedy on their return journey. The legacy of these explorers endures in Antarctic research today.

What prompted Amundsen to change his expedition's destination from the North Pole to the South Pole?

• Adverse weather conditions in the Arctic

• A personal preference for the South Pole

• Rival claims to the North Pole by American explorers

• Lack of funding for the North Pole expedition

How did Amundsen's approach to reaching the South Pole differ from Scott's?

• Amundsen used a larger team and more equipment

• Amundsen prioritized scientific research

• Amundsen focused on speed and efficiency

• Amundsen relied on motorized sledges

What was a significant challenge faced by Scott's team during their expedition?

• Ineffectiveness of ponies and motor-sledges

• Inadequate navigation tools

• Lack of proper clothing for the cold

• Insufficient number of dogs

What precaution did Amundsen's team take to ensure their claim to the South Pole was undisputed?

• They planted a large flag visible from afar

• They took photographs at the Pole

• They traversed the area in a grid pattern

• They left a detailed map of their route

What was the ultimate fate of Scott's expedition team?

• They were rescued by a passing ship

• They succumbed to harsh conditions on the return journey

• They successfully returned to their base

• They established a permanent research station