2010 ! ! !

May each day of new year bring hapiness,
good cheer and sweet surprises.

Happy NEW YEAR

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2010

Peace, Health and Joy are my best wishes to all my readers and their families and friends.

ALL- RUSSIAN SCIENTIFIC CONFERENSE - "HISTORY OF THE POLAR LIBRARIES”.

MURMANSK and ZAOZERSK (MURMANSK REGION). ZAOZERSK POST OFFICE DATE 15.04.2009, MURMANSK TRANSIT POSTMARK DATE 16.04.2009.

On the cover official stamp of the State Murmansk Regional Scientific Library and ZAOZERSK Library official cancellation (round violet).

XXX SCAR INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN ST.-PETERSBURG 08.07.-11.07.2008 SPECIAL CANCELED REGISTERED MAIL.

RUSSIAN POSTAL STATIONERY ENVELOPE - PINGUINS, POLAR BEAR, SAILING SHIP.

The XXX Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Meeting and the SCAR and International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) Open Science Conference “Polar Research – Arctic

and Antarctic perspectives in the International Polar Year” were held in St. Petersburg, Russia between July 4th and July 11th 2008.

SCAR is the international committee responsible for initiation, promotion and co-ordination of high quality scientific research in Antarctica. SCAR is the leading international body for coordinating and facilitating scientific research in Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean. The 34 national Members of SCAR are the national academies of science of the various countries. The SCAR science is designed by the academic and government scientists appointed by the national academies to address fundamental questions regarding what is to be found or seen in the Antarctic, how what is found or seen is controlled by underlying processes, and how that knowledge and understanding can be fed into advanced numerical models to forecast what change we may expect to see in the future.

The scientific business of SCAR is conducted by its three discipline-based Standing Scientific Groups (Geosciences, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences), which represent the scientific disciplines active in Antarctic research.

54th RUSSIAN ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

Cover with IPY 2007-2008 official logo, with RV AKADEMIK FEDOROV exploration vessel onboard cancellation dated from April, 15 2009 and special cancellation at the arrive in the Leningradskaya station on April, 25 2009.

STATION PROGRESS

Progress (Russian: Прогресс) is a Russian (formerly Soviet) research station in Antarctica. It is located at the Larsemann Hills Oasis on the shore of Prydz Bay.

The station was established by the 33rd Soviet Antarctic Expedition on April 1, 1988 and was moved to another place on February 26, 1989 In 2000, work was temporarily halted but it reopened in 2003.

A landing field is located close to the station for air connection with other stations. From 1998-2001 work was done on the moving of transportation devices to Progress from Mirny Station.

In 2004 work began on a year-round facility at the station. On October 4, 2008, a fire broke out at the construction site resulting in the death of a construction worker and two serious injuries. The fire resulted in the complete loss of the new structure, as well as damage to the station's communications and scientific equipment.

RV AKADEMIK FEDOROV

The R/V Akademik Fyodorov (Russian: Академик Фёдоров) is a Russian scientific diesel-electric research vessel, the flagship of the Russian polar research fleet.[3] It was built in Rauma, Finland for the former Soviet Union and completed on September 8, 1987. It started operations on October 24, 1987 in the USSR. The ship was named after a Soviet polar explorer, academician of the USSR Academy of Sciences Evgeny Fyodorov, who worked on the first Soviet manned drifting ice station North Pole-1.

STATION LENINGRADSKAYA

Leningradskaya station was a Soviet Antarctic research station, located at 69°30′S 159°23′E / 69.5°S 159.383°E / -69.5; 159.383 (the north shore of Victoria Land, at the Oates Coast). It was opened on February 25, 1971 by the members of the 15th Soviet Antarctic Expedition. It closed in 1991, but during its lifetime was host to studies of meteorology, Earth magnetism, oceanology and glaciology.

In February 2006, Valeriy Lukin, the head of the Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE), said:

There are plans to open the mothballed stations Molodyozhnaya, Leningradskaya and Russkaya in the 2007-2008 season. This will bring great benefits because these stations are located in the Pacific sector of Antarctica, which is poorly covered by scientific studies.

Luis wants to go to Antarctica

No, is not me, is another Luis, Portuguese, as well, and he is fascinated by Antartic. Now his dream can becomes a reality, just needs your vote. Let's do it!

Here

From his blog:

You collect polar regions books and dvds ? Global warming in a freezing cold place? Penguins are cute but to have them all over your apartment is a bit too much no ? What can you possibly want to see down there?

Along the past 10 years I have been trying to answer some of the above questions and explain people why I have this fascination for the Antarctica, why this dream!

Hi, my name is Luís, I’m a 28 years old Portuguese guy, I have two sisters and one brother, all born and raised in a small town in the North of Portugal called Vila Real! I work in IT and for fun I host a radio show and write a personal blog, kind of a tragic and comic life diary.

My friends say it’s a crazy cool dream and my family is already used to my strange ideas, so now I just need to convince you I'm the man for the job!

What I can promise:

- I’ll not omit any personal details which in my case are normally hilarious! If a penguin "bites" my *ss for example…you’ll know how bad it felt!

- Feelings in words, images and sounds. My camera and microphone are ready, hope they don't freeze down there!

- I will use this unique opportunity to spread the word on how global warming is affecting the Antarctica environment and how this is already affecting us. We shall and will do better in order to preserve our amazing world.

- This will be our adventure so I'll try to learn and share everything the best way I can.

If I get that call and hop into a Quark expedition to a polar region, I can assure you: “It’s gonna be legendary” ;)

International Polar Year Stamps – South Georgia 2009

The Cancellation

International Polar Year Stamps – South Georgia 2009

The Brochure:(Front page)

(Back page)

International Polar Year Stamps – South Georgia 2009

The First Day Cover

International Polar Year Stamps – South Georgia 2009

The Stamps

South Georgia stamp issue celebrates New International Polar Year

International Polar Year (March 2007- March 2009) South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands are issuing a series of stamps. South Georgia has been closely linked to polar scientific research from the very first International Polar Commission back in 1879 in the city of Hamburg.

Actually the earliest example of international coordination in polar science was the Transit of Venus, 9 December 1874. It was observed in Antarctic regions by Britain, France, Germany and the United States which established eight coordinated observatories. All took a variety of scientists as well as astronomers. Biological, geological and surveying programmes were conducted.

The idea was conceived by the Austrian explorer Karl Wlyprecht. The International Polar Commission was formed at a conference in Hamburg 1879 leading to the organisation of the first International Polar Year (IPY) from 1 August 1882 to 31 August 1883.

The programme involved 12 countries which established 14 scientific stations in polar regions for coordinated scientific observations. Two stations were established in southern regions; France in Tierra del Fuego and Germany in South Georgia at Moltke Base, Royal Bay. These stations observed the transit of Venus of 6 December 1882.

As meteorological and geophysical sciences, research and collections were made in almost every other branch of science in the polar regions. Antarctic research on South Georgia included comprehensive surveys of the botany, with particular studies on the occurrences and distribution of birds and seals.

Based on two contemporary sketches, the 50p stamp illustrates the Zoological building at Moltke and studies into the metabolism of King Penguins. Two of the study penguins, nicknamed Melchior and Balthasar after the three kings of the Christmas story, were restrained during the experiment with “ledercorsets”. Kaspar, however, was simply content to keep them company.

The proposal for a second IPY (August 1932/August 1933) was formulated by Dr Johannes Georgi of Germany but it was adversely affected by the economic stringency following the financial depression of 1931. Thus no stations were established in Antarctic regions, although several had been planned. Data were contributed by the meteorological observatories on the South Orkney Islands (established 1903) and South Georgia (1905) and about 12 vessels of the Southern Ocean whaling fleet. Discovery II also contributed data while circumnavigating the Antarctic (1931-33). The 60p stamp illustrates the Meteorological station at King Edward Point, South Georgia.

The third IPY (International Geophysical Year, 1 July 1957 to 31 December 1958) engaged 66 countries, snowballed into the International Geophysical Year and became a simply stunning year for the scientific community. Researchers discussed the theory of continental drift and plate tectonics; they made the first measurements of the thickness of the Antarctic ice sheet and so were able to estimate how much of the planet’s freshwater is locked up in the ice. Scientists discovered the Van Allen Radiation Belt. The world’s first satellites were launched and the spirit of cooperation led to the ratification of the Antarctic Treaty in 1961 and the first truly international territory. The year saw the start of long-term measurements of atmospheric ozone above Antarctica, which led to the discovery of the ozone hole by British Antarctic Survey scientists in 1985. The contribution from South Georgia was the on-going observations of the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey.

Fifty years on from the International Geophysical Year, technological developments such as earth observation satellites, autonomous vehicles and molecular biology techniques offer enormous opportunities to greatly improve our understanding of polar systems. This IPY (March 2007/09) also provides an exciting opportunity to engage the upcoming generation of young scientists and to further educate the public. The fourth IPY was launched in March 2007 and has been extended to March 2009 to allow for two field seasons at both poles. Over 200 projects are taking place with thousands of scientists from over 60 nations examining a wide range of physical, biological and social research topics in the Arctic and Antarctic.

Based on images taken by British Antarctic Survey scientists working around South Georgia, the 85p and £1.05 stamps capture the importance of the marine ecosystem. From the tiny zooplankton such as krill up to the large predators such as leopard seals, the delicate balance of the polar oceans is liable to disturbances from climate change. Many of the IPY projects are focused on understanding how the animals inhabiting the polar regions may be affected by changes in sea temperature and sea ice coverage. ICED (Integrating Climate and Ecosystem Dynamics”) is one of the projects studying these interactions around South Georgia and many other areas in the Southern Ocean.

The latest technology has been used to make tiny devices to attach to seabirds and marine mammals, which record information about where they go and what they do. Data collected from ship surveys and moorings provide details on fish, krill and the microscopic plant life. Such information helps scientists to build up a clearer picture of how the ecosystem fits together and what this will mean in the face of a changing climate.

Scott Polar Research Institute and the British Antarctic Survey assisted with the issue

Dados técnicos / Données Techniques / Technical Data
Tema / sujets / subjects: South Georgia stamp issue celebrates New Int. Polar Year
Emissão / émission / issue: 2009/01/25
Design: Andrew Robinson
Formato / Format / Size: 28.45 x 42.58 mm
Papel / Papier / Paper: 14 x 14
Picotagem / Dentelure / Perforation: 13 x 13
Impressão / Impression / Printing: Lithography
Impressor / Imprimeur / Printer: BDT International

Selos / Timbres / Stamps: Four stamps of 50p. 60p, 85p and £ 1.05.

Tribute Captain Robert Scott South Pole Expedition Antarctica Antartida Britain

International Polar Year – Argentina 2007

Cancellation

International Polar Year – Argentina 2007

FDC with Souvenir Sheet

Global Warming - Animation

International Polar Year – Argentina 2007

Selo: Representação da Antártida Argentina, das suas bases permanentes e temporárias.
Tarja complemento com pictogramas relativos à fauna da região – diatomeia, krill, pescada, foca, pinguim e gaivota antártica.


Bloco filatélico: Representação do continente Antártico. Incluídos pictografas relativos à actividade científica e de investigação e dos meios de transporte utilizados na região.
Incluído também o logotipo do programa Antártico Argentino.

Souvenir Sheet

Global Warning

International Polar Year Stamps – Argentina 2009

Cancellation

International Polar Year Stamps – Argentina 2009

First day covers

International Polar Year Stamps – Argentina 2009

Preservación de Regiones Polares y Glaciares

Tema dos selos: HB, cristais gelo, ponto comum em todos os selos da emissão conjunta. Iconografias relativas a alguns aspectos que tornam a preservação do meio ambiente e prevenção do aquecimento global.

Emoldurado em vermelho para lembrar as situações a evitar: uso de energias não renováveis (e alguns poluentes perigosos): combustíveis fósseis e nucleares, contaminação ambiental por deposição inadequada de pilhas, o uso excessivo de aerossóis e outros; uso irracional de electricidade, por exemplo através do uso de lâmpadas de incandescência.

Alternativas enquadradas no azul, como o migrar urgente para a utilização de biocombustíveis; processo de reciclagem de resíduos, uso racional de energia, tais como lâmpadas de baixo consumo, controle de resíduos, uso de energias renováveis: eólica.

Alterações climáticas: representado por um quem é quem do aumento global da temperatura.
Antecedentes: Sketch da República da Argentina e do Sector Antártico Argentino, que identifica a localização das regiões glacial de Piedras Blancas e do gelo da plataforma Larsen, respectivamente, cantos e gotas de água para avisar sobre o gelo a derreter.

Rolhas, Glaciar Piedras Blancas, prov. Santa Cruz. Demarcação do glaciar retiro 1932-2005. Foto de 2005.

Gelo da plataforma Larsen, mar Wedell, Sector Antártico Argentino. Demarcação do recuo da plataforma de gelo 1986-2008. 1986 imagens de satélite Landsat

(English)

Theme of the stamps: HB, ice crystals, common point in all the stamps of the issue together. Iconographies of some aspects that make the environment and prevention of global warming.

Framed in red to remember the situations to avoid: use of non-renewable energy (and some hazardous pollutants): nuclear and fossil fuels, environmental contamination by improper disposal of batteries, excessive use of aerosols and other, irrational use of electricity, for example through the use of incandescent lamps.

Alternatives framed in blue, meaning how urgent is to migrate to the use of biofuels, the recycling process of waste, efficient use of energy, such as lamps, low consumption, control of waste, use renewable energy: wind.

Climate change: represented by a who's who of the global increase of temperature.
Background: Sketch of the Republic of Argentina and the Argentine Antarctic Sector, which identifies the location of the glacial regions of Piedras Blancas and the ice shelf Larsen, respectively, corners and drops of water to warn on the ice to melt.

Seals, Piedras Blancas Glacier, prov. Santa Cruz. Demarcation of glacier retreat 1932-2005. Photo 2005.

The Larsen ice shelf, sea Wedell, Argentina Antarctic Sector. Demarcation of the retreat of the ice shelf 1986-2008. Landsat satellite images from 1986

Dados técnicos / Données Techniques / Technical Data
Tema / sujets / subjects: Preservation of Polar Areas and Glaciers
Emissão / émission / issue: 2009/03/07
Design: n.a.

Formato / Format / Size: 100 x 150 mm
Papel / Papier / Paper: n.a.
Picotagem / Dentelure / Perforation: n.a.
impressão / impression / Printing: offset
impressor / imprimeur / Printer: n.a.

Selos / Timbres / Stamps: Two stamps of $5

Souvenir Sheet

Listening to Northern Lights

International Polar Year Stamps – Chile 2009

Brochure

International Polar Year Stamps – Chile 2009

Cancellation

International Polar Year Stamps – Chile 2009

Cover with stamps

International Polar Year Stamps – Chile 2009

First Day Cover

International Polar Year - Video made by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

International Polar Year Stamps – Chile 2009

Bloco Filatélico / Souvenir Sheet

International Polar Year Stamps – Chile 2009

(The stamps)

‘Preservar las Regiones Polares y los Glaciares’

As alterações climáticas são reconhecidas, como o problema ambiental mais complexo e que mais desafios apresenta à Humanidade.

O efeito do estufa, que permite a vida sobre o planeta, está a ser ameaçado, por actividades antrópicas, através da emissão de gases de efeito de estufa, alterando o seu equilibrio e produzindo alterações sobre o clima.
De acordo com o apresentado, por ‘alterações climáticas’ entende-se uma alteração do clima, devido à intervenção directa ou indirecta da actividade humana e que provoca uma alteração da composição da atmosfera, à escala mundial,

È assim importante, considerer que o uso intensivo de combustiveis fósseis (carvão, petróleo e seus derivados), a queima das florestas e a sua consequente diminuição, são as principais fontes do problema, que como se prevê, terá o seu impacto também nos sistemas físicos e biológicos do planeta.

Assim, e de acordo com os actuais estudos científicos, serão cada vez frequentes as situações de clima extremo e de fenómenos atmosféricos mais intensos.

O motivo do selos agora emitido pelos Correios do Chile, apresentam sobre um fundo azul, característico do Mar Antárctico, icebergs e gelos flutuantes, consequência do aquecimento global. O mundo, está representado sob a forma conceptual, pelos pólos Ártico e Antárctico demarcados por linhas vermelhas, salientando desse modo como zonas em perigo.

O símbolo do ‘Cristal de Gelo’ sob a forma prateada, indica as zonas polares e indicando-as como zonas a necessitar protecção.

(English)

‘Preservar las Regiones Polares y los Glaciares’

Climate change is recognized as the most complex environmental problem and that presents more challenges to humanity.

The effect of greenhouse, permitting life on the planet is being threatened by human activities, through the emission of greenhouse gases, changing the balance and produce changes on the climate. According to the presented by 'climate change' means a change of climate due to the direct or indirect human activity and causing a change in the composition of the atmosphere, at the world scale.

It is so important, consider that the intensive use of fossil fuels (coal, oil and its derivatives), the burning of forests and their subsequent decline, are the main sources of the problem, which as is expected, will have its impact also in physical systems and the biological world.

Thus, in accordance with current scientific studies, are increasingly frequent situations of extreme weather and atmospheric phenomena more intense.

The reason for the stamps issued by Post Office now in Chile, presented on a blue background, characteristic of the Antarctic Sea, icebergs and floating ice, the result of global warming. The world is represented in a conceptual way, the Arctic and Antarctic poles demarcated by red lines, highlighting the way in danger zones.

The symbol of the 'Crystal Ice' silver in the form, indicates the polar area and showing them as areas needing protection

Dados técnicos / Données Techniques / Technical Data
Tema / sujets / subjects: Protect Polar Regions and Glaciers
Emissão / émission / issue: 2009/02/04
Design: Mauricio Navarro Gonzaléz
Formato / Format / Size: 48 x 36 mm
Papel / Papier / Paper: 90g/m2
Picotagem / Dentelure / Perforation: 13 x 13
impressão / impression / Printing: offset
impressor / imprimeur / Printer: Casa de Moneda de Chile
Selos / Timbres / Stamps: Stamps of $470 in groups of two
50,000 of each

The World Environment Day

International Polar Year Stamps – Norway 2007

O Ano Polar Internacional 2007-2008 é co-patrocinado pelo Conselho Internacional da Ciência (ICSU) e a Organização Meteorológica Mundial (OMM). O IPY é imaginado como a alvorada de uma nova era para a investigação multidisciplinar e internacional dos polos. A investigação irá abranger tanto regiões polares como identificar as ligações entre estas regiões e o resto do globo.

A Noruega é o único país que gere áreas, tanto no Árctico como no Antárctico. Em virtude da longa tradição da Noruega, como uma nação polar e suas comunidades de investigação polar altamente qualificada, as autoridades norueguesas estão empenhados para a que a Noruega participe activamente na cooperação internacional. Durante o Ano Polar, substanciais recursos serão dedicados à investigação da meteorologia e do clima. Os cientistas pretendem encontrar as ligações entre alterações climáticas em curso e os fenómenos naturais, tais como a corrente do Golfo. Se fôr bem sucedido, as previsões meteorológicas de longo prazo irão tornar-se mais fiáveis. Outros projectos e preocupações, tais como contaminantes e saúde animal. Investigadores do Instituto Polar Norueguês afirmam ter encontrado indícios de que os elevados níveis de contaminantes estão a reduzir a população do urso polar, a sua sobrevivência e reprodução. Outros investigadores relataram problemas semelhantes entre as populações indígenas do Árctico cuja dieta (como a do urso polar) é dominada por mamíferos marinhos. Isto mostra como é importante fazer um levantamento e monitorizar o ambiente natural, nas regiões polares. O Árctico norueguês (Svalbard e Jan Mayen) é um dos últimos locais relativamente intocado e virgem no mundo. É caracterizado por um clima extremo, onde a natureza precisa de mais tempo para reparar os danos causados pela intervenção humana. As autoridades norueguesas, sentem uma responsabilidade especial, para gerir esta área de tal maneira que ela continuará a ser uma das melhores do mundo, preservada e virgem. Cientistas noruegueses também estão a participar de um vasto número de projectos IPY na Antártica, o mais frio, seco e ventoso continente do mundo. 99% é coberto por um manto de gelo com uma espessura média de cerca de 2000 metros. Baixa radiação solar e alta altitude, propiciam as temperaturas muito baixas. Nas regiões mais elevadas a temperatura média do inverno é dé -70 ° C, enquanto que no Verão é de -40 ° C. As zonas costeiras são mais leves, com -25 ° C no inverno e -2 ° C no verão. Em 1983, Estação Vostok, da Rússia, na Antártida Ocidental registou uma temperatura de -89,6 ° C, a mais baixa temperatura jamais registada, em qualquer parte do mundo. A Antártida tem 91% do total mundial de massa de gelo e 86% de sua água doce em forma de gelo. Se o gelo se derreter, a água dos oceanos do mundo subiria mais de 60 metros.

(English)

The International Polar Year 2007-2008 is co-sponsored by the International Council of Science (ICSU) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The IPY is envisioned as the dawn of a new era for multidisciplinary and international polar research. The research will cover both polar regions and identify links between these regions and the rest of the globe.

Norway is the only country that manages areas in both the Arctic and the Antarctic. In view of Norway’s long traditions as a polar nation and its highly qualified polar research communities, the Norwegian authorities are keen for Norway to participate actively in this international cooperation. During the Polar Year, substantial resources will be devoted to meteorology and climate research. The scientists aim to find the connections between ongoing climate change and natural phenomena such as the Gulf Stream. If they succeed, long-range weather forecasts will become more reliable. Other projects address concerns such as contaminants and animal health. Researchers at the Norwegian Polar Institute have found indications that high contaminant levels are reducing the polar bear’s survival and reproductive abilities. Other researchers report similar problems among the indigenous populations in the Arctic whose diet (like that of polar bears) is dominated by sea mammals. This shows how important it is to survey and monitor the natural environment in the polar regions. The Norwegian Arctic (Svalbard and Jan Mayen) is one of the last relatively untouched wildernesses in the world. It is characterised by an extreme climate, where nature needs more time to repair damage caused by human intervention. The Norwegian authorities feel a special responsibility to manage this area in such a way that it will remain one of the world’s best preserved wildernesses. Norwegian scientists are also participating in a number of IPY projects in Antarctica, the coldest, windiest and driest continent in the world. 99% is covered by an ice sheet with an average thickness of about 2000 metres. Low solar radiation and high elevation make for very low temperatures. In the higher regions the average winter temperature is -70°C, while in summer it is -40°C. The coastal areas are milder, with -25°C in the winter and -2°C in the summer. In 1983, Russia’s Vostok Station in West Antarctic recorded a temperature of -89.6°C, the lowest ever recorded anywhere in the world. Antarctica has 91% of the world’s total ice mass and 86% of its fresh water in the form of ice. If the ice were to melt, the oceans of the world would rise by more than 60 metres.

Dados técnicos / Données Techniques / Technical Data
Tema / sujets / subjects: Research in Arctis
Emissão / émission / issue: 2007/02/21
Design: Sverre Morken
Photo: The Norwegian Polar InstituteBloco / bloc / souvenir sheet:
NOK 10.50 and NOK 13.00 - 275,000 miniature sheets

impressão / impression / printing: offset
impressor / imprimeur / printer: Royal Joh. Enschedé, Netherlands

First day cover NOK 26.50

Presentation pack NOK 28.50

Collector's set NOK 60.00

Collector's sheet NOK 43.50

Miniature sheet NOK 23.50

International Polar Year Stamps – Norway 2009 (Continued)

Carimbo 1º Dia / First Day Cancellation

Cristal de neve, símbolo dos países Árticos, que participam da emissão conjunta “Preservação das Regiões Polares e dos Glaciares”.

A snow crystal, the join emblem of the Artic countries which took part in the join issue “Preserve the Polar Regions and Glaciers”.

International Polar Year Stamps – Norway 2009 (Continued)

Envelope de Primeiro Dia / The First Day Cover

International Polar Year Stamps – Norway 3009 (Continued)

Bloco Filatélico / The Souvenir Sheet

International Polar Year Stamps – Norway 2009 (Continued)

Carteira Especial (Frente / traseira) / Presentation Pack (Front / Back)

Carteira Especial (Interior) / Presentation Pack (Inside)

International Polar Year Stamps – Norway 2009

(Specially dedicated to my dear friend A. Pereira who sent me the collectors pack from Norway)

A temperatura média da atmosfera terrestre tem aumentado consideravelmente desde 1975 e, a opinião prevalecente entre os cientistas é que esse clima pode ser atribuído à actividade humana. A cada vez maior emissão de gases com efeito de estufa, tais como o CO ², conduz ao impedir da fuga de calor da atmosfera.

O aquecimento global está bem documentado hoje, principalmente através de investigação coordenado pelo Painel Intergovernamental sobre as Alterações Climáticas (IPCC). O Painel da advertência é claro. Se o aquecimento global continua, vai afectar o clima e o ambiente em muitos aspectos:

• Fusão das calotes polares e dos glaciares

• Aumento da desertificação

• Retractibilidade da área permanentemente gelada (permafrost area)

• Diminuição da área disponível para a agricultura

• Expansão das áreas de floresta tropical

• Aumento do nível da água do mar

• Maior variábilidade das condições climáticas extremas

O maior desafio para o painel é para provar que as emissões de CO ² feitas pelo Homem, são a causa mais importante de acumulação de CO ² na atmosfera. Existem também outros - naturais - fatores que podem causar o aumento de temperatura da Terra. Em algumas (pequenas) comunidades científicas, a relação entre o aquecimento global e a atividade humana é refutada ou diminuída, mas existe um amplo consenso, entre os membros do IPCC, que as contribuições humanas para o aquecimento global são graves e devem ser limitadas.

NK 1711 - Este selo mostra um Globo em aquecimento. Usando uma lâmpada UV, é possível ver a terra e uma ilustração da camada superior deozono. A camada superior de ozono é a camada na estratosfera (cerca de 18-50 km acima do solo), onde a concentração de gases, com efeito de estufa, é maior do que no resto da atmosfera.

NK 1712 - Este selo mostra o degelo dos meridianos, referindo-se ao tema geral do IPY (Ano Polar Internacional) e ao tema "Preservar as regiões polares e os glaciares". Uma técnica de estampagem foi empregue na impressão deste selo.

(English)

The average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere has risen considerably since 1975, and the prevailing opinion among climate scientists is that this is attributable to human activity. Ever increasing emissions of greenhouse gases, such as CO², prevent radiated heat from escaping from the atmosphere

Global warming is well documented today, mainly through research coordinated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The Panel’s warning is clear. If global warming continues, it will affect the climate and the environment in many ways:

• Melting of the polar icecaps

• Increasing desertification

• Shrinkage of the permafrost area

• Decrease in the area available for agriculture

• Expansion of tropical rainforest climate areas

• Rising sea levels• More variable and extreme weather conditions

The greatest challenge facing the Panel is to prove that man-made CO² emissions are the most important cause of the build-up of CO² in the atmosphere. There are also other – natural – factors that can cause the earth’s temperature to rise.
In some (smaller) scientific communities the relationship between global warming and human activity is refuted or played down, but there is broad consensus among IPCC members that human contributions to global warming are serious and must be limited.

NK 1711 – This stamp shows a warmed-up globe.
Using a UV lamp it is possible to see the earth and an illustration of the ozone layerlight up. The ozone layer is the layer in the stratosphere (about 18-50 kilometers above the ground) where the concentration of the greenhouse gas ozone is higher than in the rest of the atmosphere.

NK 1712 – This stamp shows the melting ice meridians, referring to the general theme of the IPY (International Polar Year) join issue “Preserve the Polar Regions and Glaciers”. It is printed using the foil stamping and embossing technique.

Dados técnicos / Données Techniques / Technical Data

Tema / sujets / subjects: Warmed-up globe, Melting ice meridians
Emissão / émission / issue: 2008/02/20
Design: Enzo Finger
Bloco / bloc / souvenir sheet:
NOK 8.00 – 8.00 - 225,000 miniature sheets

impressão / impression / printing: offset
impressor / imprimeur / printer: Royal Joh. Enschedé, Netherlands

First day cover: NOK 20.00

Presentation pack: NOK 21.00

Collector’s set: NOK 46.00

Collector’s sheet: NOK 36.00

International Polar Year Stamps - Portugal (Continued)

“Aves polares que visitam a costa portuguesa”


O Carimbo de 1º Dia (Lisboa) / The First Day Cancellation (Lisbon):

International Polar Year Stamps - Portugal (Continued)

“Aves polares que visitam a costa portuguesa”


A Pagela / The Brochure:

(Front / Back)

(Inside)

International Polar Year Stamps - Portugal (Continued)

“Aves polares que visitam a costa portuguesa”

Os Postais Máximos / The postcards:

Pilrito das Praias / Sanderling (Calidris alba)

Torda Mergulheira / Razorbill (Alca torda)

Painho Casquilho / Wilson’s Strom-petrel (Oceanites oceanicus)

Gaivina do Ártico / Artic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)

International Polar Year Stamps - Portugal (Continued)

“Aves polares que visitam a costa portuguesa”


O Envelope de 1º dia com Bloco Filatélico / First Day Cover with Souvenir Sheet:

International Polar Year Stamps - Portugal

“Aves polares que visitam a costa portuguesa”


O envelope de 1º dia com selos / The First Day Cover:

International Polar Year Stamps - Portugal (Continued)

Bloco Filatélico apresentando uma típica cena do Ártico, com uma foca e um urso polar.

(English)

The souvenir sheet representing a typical Arctic scene with a Seal and a polar bear.

Foca Ocelada e Urso Polar (Pulsa Hispida) / Ringed Seal and Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)

International Polar Year Stamps - Portugal

“Aves polares que visitam a costa portuguesa”

Portugal foi um país pioneiro na exploração dos oceanos das altas latitudes. Navegadores como João Vaz Corte-Real e João Fernandes Labrador que descobriram a Terra Nova e a Península do Labrador, ou ainda Fernão de Magalhães que navegou nas águas austrais, descobrindo a Terra do Fogo, no sul da Argentina e do Chile.

Depois de cerca de 500 anos afastado das regiões polares, Portugal renovou o seu interesse nas altas latitudes através de uma forte participação no Ano Polar Internacional 2007-08. Foi fundado o Programa Polar Português e criado um ambicioso projecto educativo que visa aproximar a ciência polar da sociedade portuguesa.
Mas por que razão Portugal se deve preocupar com as regiões polares? Esta é uma pergunta recorrente, e com respostas simples: os fenómenos que ocorrem nessas regiões tão distantes, têm repercussões à escala do globo e também em Portugal. Exemplos clássicos são a fusão dos gelos polares e os seus efeitos nas alterações climáticas, bem como na subida do nível médio do mar.

Contudo, poucos são aqueles que sabem que algumas das aves que frequentam a costa portuguesa nos chegam das regiões polares. Incansáveis viajantes, deslocam-se, sazonalmente, milhares de quilómetros, desde o Árctico e o Antárctico, de modo a beneficiarem das condições temperadas do litoral português.

A presente edição de selos pretende dar a conhecer algumas destas aves, com as quais frequentemente nos cruzamos, sem que nos apercebamos de onde vieram. A gaivina-do-Árctico (Sterna paradisaea) cujas longas migrações ligam o Árctico à Antárctida, passando pelas águas portuguesas, é, sem dúvida, a espécie mais emblemática. Uma ave muito comum no litoral português, o pilrito-das-praias (Calidris alba), nidifica no Alto Árctico, em terras tão distantes como a Gronelândia, a Sibéria ou a ilha de Ellesmere. Já o paínho-casquilho (Oceanites oceanicus) é, por excelência, o representante da Antárctida, nidificando nas ilhas daquele continente gelado. Finalmente, aparece a torda-mergulheira (Alca torda), que nidifica nas arribas do Árctico e inverna nas nossas costas. Esta espécie, que mergulha para obter alimento, acaba, muitas vezes, por se enredar nas artes dos pescadores, aparecendo sem vida em quantidades apreciáveis nas praias portuguesas.

Adicionalmente ao conjunto dos selos, esta pagela representa alguns dos seres vivos mais representativos do sensível ecossistema árctico. A região boreal é uma das mais afectadas pelas alterações climáticas, em particular devido à acentuada fusão estival do gelo marinho, que está a pôr em risco a sobrevivência de espécies como o urso-polar (Ursus maritimus).

Comité Português para o Ano Polar Internacional
(Baseado no texto do sítio oficial dos Correios de Portugal)

(English)

“Polar birds that visit the Portuguese coast "

Portugal was the pioneer in exploring the oceans of the high latitudes. Navigators such as João Vaz Corte-Real and João Fernandes Labrador who discovered the Newfoundland and the peninsula of Labrador, or Fernão Magalhães who sailed from southern waters, discovering the Tierra del Fuego in southern Argentina and Chile.

After about 500 years away from Polar Regions, Portugal renewed its interest in the high latitudes by a strong participation in the International Polar Year 2007-08. Founded Polar Portuguese and the Program established an ambitious educational project that aims to bring polar science of society. But why Canada should worry about the Polar Regions? This is a recurrent question, and answer simple: the phenomena that occur in these regions so far, have repercussions across the globe and also in Portugal. Classic examples are the fusion of polar ice and its effects on climate change and the rise in average sea level.

However, few are those who know that some of the birds that frequent the Portuguese coast in the polar regions arrive. Tireless traveler, traveling is, seasonally, thousands of kilometers from the Arctic and Antarctic in order to enjoy the temperate conditions of the Portuguese coast.

This edition of stamps want to make known some of these birds, with which often cross in, without it we realized where they came from. In-the-Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) whose long migrations connecting the Arctic to the Antarctic, through the Portuguese waters, it is undoubtedly the most emblematic. A very common bird in the Portuguese coast, the Sanderling (Calidris alba), nidify in the High Arctic, on lands as far away as Greenland, Siberia and the island of Ellesmere. But the Strom-petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) is par excellence the representative in Antarctica, nesting on the islands that icy continent. Finally, see the Razorbill (Alca torda), which nidifica cliffs in the Arctic and winter on our coasts. This species that dive for food, it often is by the tangle of fishing gear, life without appearing in appreciable quantities in Portuguese beaches.

In addition to all the stamps, this represents some of living more representative of sensitive Arctic ecosystem. The boreal region is one of the most affected by climate change, particularly due to the sharp melting of summer sea ice, which is put at risk the survival of species like the polar-bear (Ursus maritimus).

Portuguese Committee for the International Polar Year
(Based on the text of the Official Portuguese Post website)

Dados técnicos / Données Techniques / Technical Data

Obliterações do 1º dia em:
Oblitérations du 1er jour à:
First day obliterations in:
LISBOA / PORTO / FUNCHAL / PONTA DELGADA

Emissão / émission / issue:
2008/06/23

Selos / timbres-poste / stamps:
€ 0,30 - 280 000
€ 0,52 - 230 000
€ 0,61 - 230 000
€ 1,00 - 230 000

Bloco / bloc / souvenir sheet: com 1 selo / avec 1 timbre / with 1 stamp
€ 2,95 – 60 000

design: Nuno Farinha
papel / papier / paper: 110g/m2
picotagem / dentelure / perforation: 13 x cruz de Cristo /croix du Crist / Cross of Christ
formato / format / size: 40 x 30,6 mm
impressão / impression / printing: offset
impressor / imprimeur / printer: Cartor France

Folhas / feuilles / sheets:
Com 50 ex. / avec 50 ex. / with 50 copies

Bilhetes Postais / Cartes Postales / Poscards
4 x € 0,45

Sobrescritos de 1º dia / enveloppes du 1er jour / FDC:
C6 - € 0,55
C5 - € 0,74

Pagela / brochure
€ 0,69