Amundsen deposited along his route in advance, marking every depot with a line of black flags visible for miles. He placed depots every degree of latitude. His depots were overstocked.
Amundsen’s return, by contrast, was almost leisurely. His team covered 1,860 miles in 99 days, arriving with surplus supplies. His speed (average 18 miles/day vs. Scott’s 10) meant fewer nights in the cold, less exposure to frostbite, and lower cumulative fatigue. amundsen and scott expeditions
On , Amundsen and four men reached the South Pole. They arrived in good health, with dogs still pulling. They planted the Norwegian flag, took observations, left a note for Scott (requesting he deliver it to the King), and turned back. The return journey was so efficient that they actually gained time. Total elapsed: 99 days. No deaths. No serious injuries. Amundsen deposited along his route in advance, marking
Scott's team, meanwhile, reached the South Pole on January 17, 1912. They were dismayed to find the Norwegian flag and Amundsen's tent, and they realized that they had been beaten. Scott and his men spent several days conducting their own scientific experiments before beginning their return journey. Amundsen’s return, by contrast, was almost leisurely
Scott’s depot-laying was less systematic. Worse, the Terra Nova failed to land his primary depot (One Ton Depot) at the intended 80°S. It was placed 35 miles north of its target. This would prove fatal.