Managing The Cryosphere Flashcards
Importance
To manage both hazards and resources.
Hazards = outburst floods, sea level rise. Resources = water and mineral wealth.
Catchments fed from glaciers can cross several international boundaries. Have to manage who gets what. Can lead to civil unrest.
Antarctic Treaty Facts & Figures.
1957-1958
40,000 scientists gathered. 67 nations.
Claimed Antarctica as a continent for science.
Name 4 articles
- Antarctica is for peaceful purposes only. No military activity.
- Doesn’t establish or recognise claims to territory. Sets them aside.
- No Antarctic laws or police. Subject to the laws of your own county.
- Frequent consultative meetings.
What happens at Consultative meetings?
Happen every year.
Decisions made by consensus therefore everyone must agree.
Benefit = reduces horse trading.
Negative = only takes one person to Vito idea.
Therefore the treaty is slow to react to environmental changes.
Who’s at the meetings?
3 tiers.
Original members:
12 countries, can participate fully in meetings and vote on decisions.
Consultative parties:
Can only contribute to meetings if they have a base in Antarctica.
Non-Consultative Meetings:
Can attend meetings but have no input.
3 main changes to treaty
No native species allowed out of Antarctica and no non-native species allowed in.
Conservation of marine living resources (1980) - protects overfishing.
Conservation of Antarctic seals - (1972). Used to be heavily hunted almost to extinction. This introduced, they now feed on penguins and destroy environment.
What is the Madrid Protocol?
Put a ban on mining for 50 years. (1998)
Only way to overturn it is if everyone agrees to do so and they come up with a framework for it.
Name the 3 different types of protected areas.
ASPER - Antarctic specially protected area.
ASMA - Antarctic specially managed area.
HSM - historic sites and monuments.
Name some ASMAs
McMurdo Dry Valleys, South Pole and sites along the peninsula.
Allows research to be done whilst minimising damage.
How can you designate an ASPA?
- wilderness, aesthetic, scientific, environmental or historic values.
- or ongoing or planned research.
Can only enter these areas with a permit.
What are the McMurdo Dry Valleys?
Huge reservoir of water sat below ice. Water is rich in iron and when exposed to air (as it comes out of the ice) it oxidises and turns red.
To create an ASPA you must mention all previous science conducted and put in place management conditions.
Historic Sites & Monuments
Places of historical value.
Must plan who can visit, how many and when.
Benefits of tourism in Antarctica
- Income for research and management.
- Education. Changes people’s perspective on the environment, may encourage people to actively help the environment.
Example = Frozen Planet.
Disadvantages of Tourism
- Income goes straight back to tour operators. May not have the same desire to sustain the environment.
- Littering and damage to environment. Most tourists go to the Peninsula as most accessible therefore more concentrated the damage.
- Disruption to research.
Who is Tourism ministered by?
International Association Antarctic tour operators.
Although they monitor it, still has negatives. How well can it be managed?
