Ice; The Antarctic Diary of Charles F. Passel

Lubbock, TX: Texas Tech University Press, 1995. First Edition. Near Fine/Near Fine. [6.25x9.25"]; Dark blue cloth covers with silver lettering on spine, map of Ross Ice Shelf area on front end papers and map of western sledge exploration of Edsel Ford Ranges on rear end papers; Light burnt orange dust jacket with white and blue lettering on front and spine with color image of lone emperor penguin on ice field on front and black/white images of Charles Passel on rear; xvi, 401 pp., 60 black/white images; prior owner stamp on lower front end paper. Overall condition is Near Fine. Charles Passel participated in the Third Byrd Antarctic Expedition [1939-41]. The expedition was to look for strategic minerals, map the coastline, and explore new areas of the Ross Ice Shelf and Marie Byrd Land. Passel was assigned with a group of 33 men to the West Base - Little America III Antarctica. In addition to geological and meteorological study, Passel's duties included the supervision of supplies, the operation of a radio, dog driving and a part in the care of 150 sled dogs. Passel also participated in a 77 day sledge trip to explore and map the Edsel Ford Mountain Range. He also worked with Major Paul A. Siple, the West Base leader, in developing a measurement of the effects of subfreezing temperature on the human body. The result of this study, entitled "Measurements of Dry Atmospheric Cooling in Subfreezing Temperatures" was published in 1945 by the American Philosophical Society and is referred to today as the "Wind Chill Factor.".