Antarctica case study Flashcards
how much of the earths freshwater does antarctica hold?
90%
its the largest ice sheet
what are the two words to describe Antarctica’s environment?
driest and coldest
what’s the average temperate?
-40^oC
how much precipitation does the coastal regions receive and how much does inland receive?
coastal 400-600mm
inland under 50mm
what natural resources are found here?
fossil fuels and minerals, large oil reserves and iron ore deposits
where are the iron ores found?
transatlantic mountains
what are the four major threats?
climate change
fishing and whaling
mineral and resource exploitation
tourism and research
why is climate change a threat to antarctica?
- warmer seas and atmospheric temperatures. huge icebergs calving into the sea. increase in global flooding.
- animals and plants. issue of invasive species that are adapted for higher temperatures move in and colonise. migration patterns have been disrupted. adelie penguin is in decline. overall effects the food chain.
- permafrost is melting and CO2 is released.
- albedo effect.
why is fishing and whaling a threat to antarctica?
- overfishing of krill is disrupting the food chain. 150-200,000 tonnes fished annually. wide scale marine habitat damage.
- whaling started in the 18th century. there are regulations in place (IWC) as they are slow breeders so ecosystems will be damaged long term.
how many tonnes of krill is overfished annually?
150-200,000 tonnes
when did whaling start?
18th century
why is mineral and resource exploitation a threat to antarctica?
- all mining is banned.
- oil exploitation disrupts habitats due infrastructure.
- oil spills damages the fragile ecosystem.
- metal and mineral exploitation is scaring away wildlife and causing damage beyond repair.
- fossil fuels.
why is tourism and scientific research a threat to antarctica?
- 106,000 visited antarctica 2023.
- MS explorer crash 2007 left a mile long diesel spill disrupting penguin breeding grounds.
- litter dropped stays in the nutrient cycle for a long time as decomposition is slower here. disrupts the food chain.
what happened in 2007?
the MS explorer crashed in 2007 leaving a mile long diesel spill disrupting penguin breeding grounds.
how many people visited in 2023?
106,000