Review: We are being reminded constantly about the impact of anthropogenic changes on global environments. Likewise we are reminded that the Polar regions are those least contaminated, most likely to suffer change and most likely to record changes. Thus the "canary in the mine" analogy seems to hold true. However, this is no substitute for good data and such texts are rare. Thus this volume, one of the large Ecological Studies series (actually number 175), and subtitled - environmental contamination, climate change and human impact should provide us with some useful data.

The book starts with a useful overview of the physical geography of the region with emphasis placed on recent changes in climate. Chapter two focusses on the glacial aspects of Antarctica describing the extent of the ice and its use in climate research. Also, the life in snow is outlined as are the patches of soil that manage to accumulate. Chapter three continues this basic outline with a detailed examination of the surrounding oceans along with ice systems and basic ecology. Human impact is also outlined. The focus of the text changes for the next three chapters. Once considered the most pristine of environments, it is now clear that the Antarctic has been accumulating pollution since the start of human activity but most recently in the last 150 years. There is now a sufficient record to see the build up of contamination and use this to correlate with change. The four areas chosen for particular study in this regard are the atmosphere, freshwaters, marine water and the marine ecosystem. Although the subjects differ there is a common element in their treatment with chapters. The first element is to describe the operation of the system and outline its natural operation. Then the impact of human activity is added and the implications of this discussed. In addition, all chapters have copious data so the magnitude of the impact is easy to assess. A final chapter describes the way in which science is addressing the issues of the region and showing how we might better protect it in the future. An extensive reference list completes the text.

The value of this text lies in the way it gathers a great amount of data in one place. As the references show there is no shortage of material but it is very widespread. The value of this text is that all the pertinent data are collected in one place. In addition, the constant changes between natural and anthropogenic change seen in all chapters leave the reader with no doubt as to the pervasive and potentially damaging impact the human population can have. Given this it makes an ideal reference text to those wishing to study the area in more detail.