lesson 17- antarctica Flashcards
(20 cards)
what is the lowest temperature recorded on earth/ in Antarctica
-89*C
winds are up to ___km/h
300
how does latitude affect climate in antarctica
areas close to the equator are hotter as the sun is directly overhead during the day, the further away you get from the equator, the lower the angle that the sun is in the sky, so it gives less heat.
how does altitude affect climate in antarctica
higher=colder
falls 1*C for every 100m in height
-antarctica is 2300m above sea level-highest continent
how does the distance from the sea affect climate in antarctica
land warms and cools quicker than the sea
-places further inland are warmer in summer but colder in winter
-it is cooler near the coast in summer
how does wind direction affect climate in antarctica
areas in antarctica are sheltered from the wind, e.g. areas near the transantarctic mountains
how does albedo affect climate in antarctica
= the darkness of the surface
-there are many light surfaces such as snow covered areas. They reflect the heat and are much colder than dark surfaces, which absorb
what ocean surrounds antarctica
southern
how big is antarctica
14 million km^2
-5th largest continent
what is the physical geography of antarctica
-high, flat plateau
-highest point is Mount Vinson-4892
-dark from april to august
-low precipitation levels
-high winds
what is precipitation like in antarctica
70mm at south pole and 400mm at coast
what is fishing and whaling like in antarctica
large scale fishing exploitation
-destruction of habitat due to machinery, accidental killing
what is scientific research like in antarctica
40 permanent bases
26 airports
coastal- disrupts penguins
plane landings limited to interior
how do international organisations protect antarctica
-create laws
-UN environment programme
-Antarctic treaty system (Madrid protocol)
-International whaling commission
how do NGOs protect antarctica
monitor and enforce laws
what is the antarctic treaty system
(antarctic treaty and Madrid protocol)
made up of the antarctic treaty and Madrid protocol
Antarctic treaty- signed by nations active in Antarctica
-avoid disagreements+conflict
-establish guidelines to limit development
-formalised and guaranteed free access and research rights so all countries can work together
-no nuclear activity
Madrid Protocol- protects against mineral extraction
-‘‘natural reserve’’
-no waste can be left
-no mineral extraction
-environmental audits are carried out to asses impact of researchers
what is the international whaling commission
-responsible for conservation of whales
-complete protection of certain species
-designated areas/whale sanctuaries
-limits on size and number of whales
-open and closed seasons
-encourages whale research
-members are free to opt out with no penalties (japan 2018)
-countries can choose to not follow (Norway and Iceland still whale commercially)
+designated areas of whale safety (Southern ocean whale sanctuary)
+international cooperation between scientists and governments
what is the united nations programme
-provide global leadership and encourage cooperation in caring for the environment
+coordinates and promotes global policies to address key environmental challenges
+supporting research and monitoring in Antarctica to enhance knowledge
-limited by individuals protecting their own interests
what is the Antarctic and Southern Ocean coalition (ASOC)
-composed of 30 different NGOs globally, inc friends of the earth, Greenpeace, WWF
-formed in response to concern that members of the Atlantic treaty were meeting to negotiate a network for mineral and gas exploitation in Antarctica
+concluded negotiations of the worlds first ‘ecosystems as a whole’ treaty on fishing
+prevented oil, gas and mineral exploitation by blocking the ratification
-sometimes measures fail to be put in place e.g. 2 June 2022
-44th Antarctic treaty meeting ended, but failed to put any urgent measures in place
what is the scientific committee on Antarctic research (SCAR)’s main purpose
-initiates, develops and coordinates high quality scientific research in Antarctica
