Global Commons Flashcards
What are the four global commons?
High Seas, Atmosphere, Antarctica, Outer Space
Principle of common heritage
Establishes that some localities belong to all humanity and that the resources there are available for everyone’s use and benefit. Includes taking account of future generations and the needs of developing countries.
What is the ‘tragedy of the commons’?
Explains why shared ‘common access resources’ of any type are likely to be overexploited. If individuals act independently and according to their self-interest, this will be contrary to the interest of the whole group because the shared resource will become depleted.
Antarctic Convergence
A curve continuously encircling Antarctica where cold northward flowing Antarctic waters meet the relatively warmer water of the sub-antarctic.
Where is Antarctica located?
Most is south of the Antarctic Circle, with the exception of parts of the East Antarctic Coastline and Antarctic Peninsula which extends north to about 63 degrees south.
What is the Antarctic Convergence Zone?
32 to 48 km wide. Here the cold, northward flowing Antarctic waters predominantly sink beneath sub-Antarctic waters. This forms associated areas of mixing and upwelling currents which are very high in marine productivity, especially Antarctic krill.
What is the physical geography of Antarctica?
Its mountainous and rocky terrain is almost entirely covered by glacial ice. Continent is unevenly divided into East and West by Transantarctic, with many peaks over 4,000m. Also 2,300m above sea level.
What is the climate like?
Cold, windy and dry. Average temperature is -49 degrees C though it can be as low as -89 degrees C. 50 mph average wind speed, can get to 200mph. Mean annual precipitation is less than 50mm per annum. Polar desert.
