Blizzard

Antarctica’s environment can see contradictory. A blizzard is described here as ‘blank’ and ‘streaming’, suggesting stillness and motion simultaneously. I have not experienced a blizzard, and find this condition hard to imagine, living in a place where wind is mostly known by what it flies through the air.

During a blizzard, the drift, augmented generally by falling snow, makes the streaming air almost opaque. Men, tents and vehicles are lost to sight within a few feet. There is merely a torrent of blank whiteness in all directions and travel is impossible. (Law & Bechervaise, 1957; 90)

I have, however, experienced leaning into an invisible wind in Antarctica. One crystal clear day I knew the wind only as physical resistance through my body. There was nothing to hear or to see.

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Posted on Wednesday, December 24th, 2008