Extreme Environment - Antarctica Flashcards
Where is Antarctica?
Continent at the Earth’s South Pole.
Covers an area of 1.4 million sq km.
Why did Antarctica become a tourist resort?
98% of it is covered in ice.
Wildlife and scenery.
Is the number of tourists rising or declining?
Rising.
There was 7413 in 1996/97.
46,000 in 2007/8.
Antarctica is cold and doesn’t get much sun shine, in the winter, what does this mean?
The land ecosystem is very fragile.
It takes a long time to recover from damage.
The sea’s ecosystem is what?
Delicately balanced.
What can tourists do to the natural environment?
Trample on plants.
Disturb wildlife.
Drop litter.
There is fears that tourists could do what?
Accidentally introduce non-native species or diseases that could wipe out existing species.
What is also a worry?
Spillage of fuel from ships.
Example of a fuel spillage?
Cruise ship MS Explorer in 2007.
What do fuel spillages do?
Kill molluscs and fish as well as birds that feed on them.
What is the Antarctic Treaty?
An agreement that came into force in 1961.
Designed to protect and conserve the areas and the plants and animal life.
How many countries have signed the treaty?
47.
What happened in April 2009?
Parties involved with Antarctic Treaty agreed to introduce new limits on tourism in Antarctica.
What were the Antarctic Treaty’s new limits?
Only ships with fewer than 500 passengers allowed to land.
Maximum of 100 passengers allowed on shore at a time.
Name the other group which aims to conserve Antarctica?
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.
