Antarctica Flashcards
What are the features of Antarctica?
Coldest continent
Large landmass
Contains earths largest desert
Low precipitation
High altitude
Little terrestrial life
Abundant aquatic life
High lvls of marine nutrients by upwelling which supports a food web
Large seasonal variations in ice cover
Extreme seasonal changes
Why is Antarctica important?
Long term storage of water keeps sea levels low
Increases albedo
Provides fish and krill
Scientific research
Astronomical research
Climate research as a stable climate
Ecological research due to unique wildlife
What are the threats to Antarctica?
Global warming causing glaciers to move rapidly, ice shelves breaking into ice bergs.
Ozone depletion
Tourism threatens wildlife through disturbance and introduction of pathogens
Oil spills
Over fishing
Scientific research increases pollution and disturbance
Future mineral exploitation
What are the conservation efforts of Antarctica?
The Antarctic Treaty
Conservation of organisms, closing fisheries if overexploitation occurs
Control tourism by no accommodation, accompanied by guides, Cap on visitors, wearing protective clothing.
Waste management, all waste produced is removed
No military activities
No mineral/resource exploitation
