Frozen Seas

The evening begins with an optional social hour and pot luck supper at 6:30 pm,
followed by the film at 7:30 pm, followed by a discussion at the end of the film.

FROZEN SEAS

This film compares oceanic life in the Arctic and Antarctica. The winter in these regions brings temperatures of minus 50°C and frozen seas ─ creating the biggest challenge to life. However, there are polynyas in the Arctic which are free of ice owing to the pressure of currents on either side and such places do provide refuge for some species, like the walrus and the bowhead whale. A pod of belugas is shown: their movements are limited to a single hole in the ice ─ putting them at risk of attack from polar bears. Everything changes with the arrival of summer when melting ice brings a variety of migratory visitors. At the other end of the planet, in the Antarctic, winter is even more harsh, but emperor penguins and Weddell seals stay throughout. Under the sea ice, krill shrink in size and revert to their juvenile form in order to save energy. Chinstrap penguins travel to the north, beyond the ice, but return during the spring to breed. Having managed to get ashore, they have to walk a great distance to find a nest site, and the most favored is Zavodovski Island, an active volcano whose warmth keeps ice from forming. Further south, as the icebergs break up, humpback and minke whales appear, their target the abundant krill. The leopard seal is the Antarctic's top predator. It is most effective underwater, and emperor penguins propel themselves at speed through its territory. Nonetheless, it almost invariably makes a kill.

Wheelchair accessible around the corner at 411 28th Street

$5 donations are accepted