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British Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition

Antarctica [1957–1958]

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The British Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1957–58), led by Vivian Fuchs, was a historic journey across Antarctica. A 12-person team traveled 2,158 miles (3,473 km) from the Filchner Ice Shelf to McMurdo Sound in 99 days. The expedition confirmed that a single landmass exists beneath the Antarctic ice sheet. This expedition built upon earlier Antarctic explorations, including those by Ernest Shackleton, who had previously attempted a transcontinental crossing. The findings of Fuchs's expedition contributed significantly to the scientific understanding of Antarctica's geography.123

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