National Geographic April 1987

In the Footsteps of Scott
Robert Swan reports, with an introduction by the explorer’s son, Sir Peter Scott, describing the challenge of the Antarctic.
Antarctica
The current political, economic, and ecological status of the southernmost continent is outlined by Priit J. Vesilind. With a supplement map and chart, Pinnipeds Around the World.
The Antarctic Challenge
Retracing the 1911- 12 route to the South Pole of British explorer Robert Falcon Scott, a three- man expedition encounters similar risks.
Seals and Their Kin
From the sunny beaches of California to the frigid shores of Antarctica, wildlife biologist Roger L. Gentry studies pinnipeds – – the fin- footed walruses, seals, and sea lions.
An Atmosphere of Uncertainty { Are We Poisoning Our Air? ; Air: An Atmosphere of Uncertainty}
Is global air pollution threatening life as we know it? Noel Grove finds man- made contaminants causing rising concern among scientists probing a controversial field. Photographs by Ted Spiegel, paintings by William H. Bond.
Kayaking the Amazon Through Wild Andes Rapids
An international team becomes the first to navigate the fabled river from wild headwaters to mouth. Piotr Chmielinski describes the six- month, 4, 000- mile adventure. Photographs by Zbigniew Bzdak.
The High Andes: South America’s Islands in the Sky
In words and photographs, Loren McIntyre explores traditional Indian communities and bustling cities – – all surviving in thin air amid South America’s loftiest mountains.