Blizzards may last for days at time, and in some cases it can be almost impossible for people to see. It is not unusual objects only about a metre or away to become unrecognisable. Scientists doing research in the area then confined to their tents or caravans.

We think of blizzards extremely cold, while in fact temperatures in the Antarctic are usually higher than normal a blizzard. Major blizzards of several days in length occur more frequently in some locations than in others. may be eight or ten such blizzards in any particular place an annual basis. They often cause considerable damage, so that any scientific buildings or equipment constructed in this region must be specially made to give as protection as possible.

If the weather is fine, visibility in Antarctica is usually excellent because of the clear air and the absence of dust and smoke. this means is that people often greatly underestimate the distance of objects and features of the landscape. Also, very large features as mountains may appear to be above the horizon, or even upside . These 'mirages', are just tricks played by the eyes in certain conditions, have led to explorers in the Antarctic making many errors judgement.