Antarctica

Question 1

What percentage of the Earth’s surface freshwater is held in Antarctica?

Answer 1

90%

Question 2

What is the average temperature at the South Pole?

Answer 2

-49°C

Question 3

What is the average annual precipitation in coastal areas of Antarctica?

Answer 3

400 mm - 600 mm+

Question 4

How much precipitation do some inland areas of Antarctica receive annually?

Answer 4

Under 50 mm

Question 5

What type of environment is Antarctica classified as due to its low precipitation?

Answer 5

Desert

Question 6

What are katabatic winds?

Answer 6

Strong winds in Antarctica

Question 7

What is the highest wind speed ever recorded in Antarctica?

Answer 7

199 mph (327 km/h)

Question 8

During which months does winter occur in Antarctica?

Answer 8

March to October

Question 9

What types of plants can grow in Antarctica?

Answer 9

Mosses and lichen

Question 10

What is the main marine life found in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica?

Answer 10

Fish, krill, penguins, seals, and whales

Question 11

What is the impact of warmer temperatures on Antarctic wildlife?

Answer 11

Disrupted migration patterns and species decline

Question 12

What is the most fished marine animal in Antarctica?

Answer 12

Antarctic krill

Question 13

What is the effect of unsustainable fishing in Antarctica?

Answer 13

Disruption of the food chain

Question 14

What major event began in the 18th century that still affects whale populations today?

Answer 14

Whaling

Question 15

What is the Antarctic Treaty?

Answer 15

An agreement to ensure Antarctica is used for peaceful purposes and scientific research

Question 16

What does the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty ban?

Answer 16

All activities related to mineral resources, except for scientific purposes

Question 17

What is the role of the International Whaling Commission (IWC)?

Answer 17

To regulate whaling and set catch limits

Question 18

What is a significant criticism of the IWC?

Answer 18

Member states can opt out and exploit loopholes

Question 19

What is the Albedo Effect?

Answer 19

The process of white surfaces reflecting solar radiation back into the atmosphere

Question 20

True or False: All mining is currently banned in Antarctica.

Answer 20

True

Question 21

What was established in 2004 to support the Antarctic Treaty?

Answer 21

Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty

Question 22

What is the role of the Committee for Environmental Protection?

Answer 22

To provide advice and recommendations to treaty members

Question 23

What is a primary concern regarding tourism in Antarctica?

Answer 23

Environmental disruption and pollution

Question 24

THREATS: climate change

Answer 24

Warmer sea and temperatures melt ice sheets, causing sea levels to rise-global flooding.
Invasive species that are adapted to higher temperatures could
grow and colonise the environment.
More CO2 is absorbed into oceans making carbonic acid which dissolves marine organisms shell.
The Albedo Effect (the process of white surfaces - in this case ice - reflecting solar
radiation back into the atmosphere) is lessened due to less ice sheets, meaning more
heat is absorbed into oceans. This has caused a rise in ocean temperatures,
enhancing the devastating effects.

Question 25

What is threatening Antarctica's environment?

Answer 25

Unsustainable fishing This disrupts the food chain of the fragile environment.

Question 26

What role does krill play in the Antarctic food chain?

Answer 26

Krill is a vital animal and the most fished marine animal Overfishing of krill removes other marine animal food sources.

Question 27

How much Antarctic krill is fished annually?

Answer 27

150–200,000 tonnes The majority of this catch is Antarctic krill.

Question 28

What are IUU fishing activities?

Answer 28

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing These activities continue despite existing regulations.

Question 29

What is the impact of unsustainable fishing on marine habitats?

Answer 29

Wide scale marine habitat damage This is caused by unsustainable fishing practices.

Question 30

What historical activities pose threats to the Antarctic ecosystem?

Answer 30

Whaling and sealing Past events still have detrimental consequences today.

Question 31

When did whaling begin?

Answer 31

As far back as the 18th century This historical activity has long-lasting effects.

Question 32

What is the current status of whale populations?

Answer 32

Reduced and endangered levels This is due to the damage done by past whaling activities.

Question 33

Why is the ecosystem still affected by whaling?

Answer 33

Whales are slow breeders means recovery from past damage is long-term.