Polar Ice

One of six titles in the Biomes for Students series, Polar Ice explores the geography, climate, and wildlife of Earth's most inhospitable continent, Antarctica. With 95% of its land mass covered with permanent ice that is a mile deep, or more, Antarctica's cold temperatures are extreme (with the average temperature never rising above zero), and a very brief summer is followed by months of darkness. Yet even under these conditions, life thrives, and the program focuses on the majestic emperor penguin and its fascinating breeding cycle. Aside from a somewhat annoying music track, Polar Ice--which features excellent film footage from Discovery Channel programs backed by a good script--is recommended. Other titles in the series include: Grasslands, Tropical Rainforest, Coral Reefs, and Temperate Forest. Recommended. Aud: E, I. (E. Gieschen)