Antarctica Flashcards
What are the main physical and ecological features of Antarctica?
Coldest, driest, largest, highest and windiest continent on Earth.
Biodiversity is low on land and high in the sea.
It is a desert.
Covers 14.2 million km^2
100 species of moss, 100 species of lichens, krill, penguins, whales and seals.
Almost completely covered by an ice sheet (98%).
No permanent human habitation
2 inches of precipitous per year (very dry).
24 hours of light in summer and 24 hours dark in winter.
What is the importance of Antarctica?
It holds records of the plants climate over the past million years.
Plays a significant role in maintaining the Earth’s energy balance and helping to keep polar regions cool. Albedo effect (high albedo).
High amount of fishing in summer/ important fishing grounds
Lots of valuable resources eg gold, lead, zinc, oil, gas, and coal.
High marine biodiversity, impacts global food.
Ice helps control sea levels, big carbon store.
Important for scientific research
What are the threats to Antarctica? (Historical and current)
Climate change
Ozone depletion caused By CFCs and GHGs
Increased fishing pressure and illegal fishing - overfishing, ghost fishing
Marine pollution
Invasive species - rabbits, mice and rats
Mining
Tourism
Exploration - exploitation of resources e.g oil, gas and metals
Scientific research - pollution, fire, wildlife disturbance
What are conservation efforts for Antarctica?
The Antarctic Treaty
CCAMLR - fishing controlled, controlled tourism etc
Control of tourism:
No accommodation
Control of boats and people
Protective clothing - invasive species
Must stay 5m from native species
What is the Antarctic Treaty?
