Dr Keith Makinson is an oceanographer and has worked for BAS since 1988. Music he took south last season included Meatloaf, Medwin Goodall and Celine Dion. “My selection must include music that is mellow, uplifting or stimulating to reflect - or change - my moods. After half an hour lying down in the tent, eyes closed, with the music on loud, I generally come out feeling like a new person,” he says.

GlaciologistProfessorDavidVaughanpreferstotakebooksinplaceofmusic. Thebookshe'sreadinhistentmostrecentlyincludeGrahamSwift'sWaterlandandJKRowling'sHarryPotterandtheprisonerofAzkaban. “IreadWaterlandwhileworkingonaniceshelf– amostunnaturallyflatlandscape. Itmadeastrangeresonancewiththeflatfenlandsthataredescribedinthebook. HarryPotteristheultimateinescapismandsomethingtosaveforbadweather, soyoucanimmerseyourselfinitcompletely,” Vaughansays.

And their luxuries? For Makinson it's butterscotch Angel Delight. “An absolute taste sensation after eating field rations,” he says. Vaughan opts for something a little more sophisticated – a nice Shiraz.

As well as lack of fresh food, isolation can be a challenge. Modern communications technology is another aspect of Antarctic life that would astound Scott and Shackleton. BAS field parties go equipped with both high-frequency radio and Iridium phones, which allow them to communicate with the nearest research station as well as with friends and family in the UK. "I still find it extraordinary that you can stand outside your tent - with a wonderful view if you're lucky - and speak to home," Makinson says.

Loneliness bothers him less. "The moment when you really feel the isolation is when you're the first at the site. The plane drops you off with your pile of equipment and then it just goes. That's the one moment when you're very much alone. But I enjoy the field environment. I like the isolation; getting away from it all. Life is pretty simple there, and when the work's going well it's very enjoyable. The Antarctic environment is something you feel you want to make the best of, enjoy and soak up."

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Images © British Antarctic Survey / Words © Becky Allen.

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