Antarctica Flashcards
What is the climate of Antarctica like and why?
Coldest, driest, windiest place on earth, because it was cut off from all weather systems with no warmth from the north when Pangea separated.
How many years ago did ice begin to cover the continent?
25 million years ago
How thick is ice cover over entire continent now?
1-3 miles thick
By what percentage does the continent expand during winter?
100% due to sea freezing
What was the motive for the first 5 landings on Antarctica?
seal hunting
Who lead the first expedition and when?
Robert Falcom Scott from British Navy in 1901
Who was the first person to reach the North Pole?
Norwegian Armendson 1911, month before Bristish
How much has the Antarctic peninsula warmed over the last 50 years?
3 C
How much ice shelf has been lost since 1950s?
28 000km squared
Why does melting ice threaten krill populations?
Whales can hunt them easier, as they can’t normally breathe under ice, and fishing is easier.
Explain the positive feedback with ice.
As ice melts, it gets darker when turned into water, absorbing more heat than light reflective ice would, leading to more melting, then more heating.
How much oil is available in Antarctica?
50 billion barrels
How many permanent research bases are there? And where are they?
40 on limited breeding ground for many birds
How many airports are on Antarctica?
26
When did the Argentine navy ship run aground and how many gallons of fuel did this release into sea?
1989, releasing 250,000 gallons
When did krill industry start and what are they used for?
1970s for aquaculture feed and pharmaceutical uses
When did whaling begin on a large scale?
1904
How many humpback, minke and fin whales did Japan catch in 2007 for ‘scientific’ research?
50 humpback, 935 minke, 50 fin
When were the earliest paying tourists?
1920s
Over how many years has tourism considerably grown?
Last 50 years
How many vessels carry tourists for shore visits and special guides?
40
How many passengers can the few site seeing vessels carry each?
960
How many private yachts are there annually?
1000
What is the impact of tourists?
Trample, introduce weeds and diseases, disturb wildlife, pollute, damage sea bed and interrupt scientific research.
When was the Convention on the conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources started?
1982
What does the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources control?
Commercial fisheries in the southern ocean, working on an ecosystem basis. All vessels fishing in the area must participate in the monitoring system
What did seven tour companies form in 1991?
The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators
How many companies from how many countries are now in the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators?
99 companies from 16 countries
What does the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators do?
Provide prior notification of activities to authorities, assess environmental impact, provide effective response to environmental emergencies, ensure self sufficiency, respect research, prevent waste.
When was the Antarctic Treaty signed and by how many countries?
1959, by 12 countries active in the area south of 60 degrees south latitude
How many nations have now signed the Antarctic Treaty and what have they signed to do?
52 nations have agreed to consult on uses of Antarctica and commit that it shouldn’t become a place of international discord
When was the Momatorium made, which controls a ban on whaling?
1982
How is the Momatorium enforced?
Greenpeace and other organisations roam to check fishing and ships are checked when they land
Why was the Momatorium introduced?
Public was shocked by photograph of a sperm whale that had been harpooned, the demand reduced and whaling was reduced until totally banned
How did they decide to provide whales with refuge in 1994 from whaling and a place to recover?
Created the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary
What is the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research?
A body of international council for science. They provide international, independent scientific advice to the Antarctic Treaty System and other bodies
What makes the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research powerful?
They have the ability to strike off scientists
What is ASOC?
An NGO observer with motivation to persuade strong conservation agendas
When was ASOC founded?
1978, during an environmental awareness boost (James Barnes)
What did James Barnes publicly release in 1978 and what did it lead to?
Plans of parties in the Antarctic Treaty to extract minerals and gas from Antarctica. Lead to campaigners making France and Australia pull out, and the plans folded
ASOC has observer status, so attends treaty meetings but can’t do what?
Have no participation in the decision making
When was the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty signed?
1991
