3.2.1.5.1 Antarctica as a global common Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the physical geography of Antarctica
A
- 97% covered in glacial ice
- Transantarctic mountain range has peaks of over 4000m and divides the east and west Antarctic ice sheets
- east ice sheet is larger and thicker
2
Q
Describe the climate of Antarctica
A
- average temperature is -49C
- average annual precipitation is less than 50mm
- can be described as a polar desert
3
Q
Why is there such a diverse marine ecosystem
A
- sea temperatures are warmer
- cool upwellings of water brings nutrients for phytoplankton
- krill feed upon the phytoplankton
- various species depend upon krill as a food source
4
Q
Why is whaling a threat to the Antarctic
A
- whaling was a highly profitable business
- in 1904 Norwegians developed a whaling station which employed 300 people in its peak
- this was abandoned in 1965 due to no longer being commercially viable
- whale populations became endangered
5
Q
How was whaling managed
A
- the establishment of the International Whale Commission (IWC)
- caused the end of most whaling in 1985
- the 1994, the IWC established a 50 million square km area which banned all commercial whaling
- Japan still whale in the area for scientific research
6
Q
Krill fishing
A
- krill are being caught as a healthy protein food for East Asia
- overfishing krill would be detrimental for the rest of the food chain as it is underpinned by krill
7
Q
How is climate change a threat to West Antarctica
A
- Antarctic peninsula has seen 3^C temperature increases
- ice sheets are thinning significantly
- decline in the abundance of krill
8
Q
What is the relationship between climate change and East Antarctica
A
- no significant loss of land
- there is an increase in sea ice
9
Q
Why might sea ice be increasing in East Antarctica
A
- an increase in storms from climate change freshening up the water (increasing the necessary temperatures for sea ice)
- increased melting of continental land creates more icebergs
10
Q
Why is the search for minerals a threat to the Antarctica
A
- never been any commercial mining in Antarctica
- the future will demand for more mining
11
Q
What are the three types of tourism in Antarctica
A
- camping trips and naturalists
- boat visits
- overflights
12
Q
What are the concerns surrounding tourism
A
- the possibility of the development of land based tourism
- overflying causes stress to breeding birds
- summer tourism coinciding with peak breeding season
13
Q
How is tourism being managed
A
- ships have to follow International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) which calls for sites be visited infrequently
- this has resulted in 5% of the sites showing evidence of wear and tear
14
Q
When was the Antarctic treaty signed
A
1959
15
Q
Name 3 stipulations of the Antarctic Treaty
A
- allows for freedom of scientific research where all results must be shared
- Antarctic can only be used for peaceful purposes, prohibiting military practices - especially nuclear
- provides inspection of any stations and authorisation for any expeditions
