Specific Biomes - Antarctica

Question 1

Antarctica Threats

Answer 1

• climate change
• tourism
• ozone depletion
• future mineral exploitation
• scientific research
• overfishing

Question 2

Antarctica Threat - Climate Change

Answer 2

• Sea ice reduction will harm the marine food web as algae and krill populations will decline
• Sea level rise could cause ice shelves to lift off the seabed
• Lubrication from released meltwater causes glaciers to move more rapidly towards the ocean

Question 3

Antarctica Threat - Tourism

Answer 3

• Introduction of non-indigenous species and pathogens threatens antarctic wildlife
• Pollution caused by disposal of wastes and oil spills

Question 4

Antarctica Threats - Scientific Research

Answer 4

• Carrying out research increases risk of pollution and wildlife disturbance

Question 5

Antarctica Threats - Ozone depletion

Answer 5

• Planktonic organisms such as krill, algae are more vulnerable as they are in surface waters

Question 6

Antarctica Threats - Overfishing

Answer 6

• Overfishing for krill and patagonian toothfish has negative impacts on the food web causing a loss of biodiversity
• Many species have been over-exploited such as whales and fur seals

Question 7

Antarctica Threats - Future Mineral Exploitation

Answer 7

• Increasing pressure for mining as antarctica has deposits of minerals that are depleting elsewhere (coal, oil, iron)
• However mining is unlikely due to legal protection

Question 8

Antarctica Importance

Answer 8

• The ice regulates sea levels by storing water on land.
• The high albedo of the ice reduces heating of the atmosphere by sunlight.
• krill feces contain carbon. This sinks to the sea bed and is locked away, a form of carbon sequestration

Question 9

Antarctica Habitat Features

Answer 9

• Extreme average temperature of -49°C near the pole
• Extreme changes in light levels (24hr sun in summer, 24hr darkness in winter).
• Little precipitation as the snow mainly falls near the coast, has Earths largest desert!
• Little terrestrial life, ( only lichens/mosses in coastal areas = poor food source)

Question 10

Antarctica Conservation Efforts

Answer 10

• The Antarctic Treaty (1959)
• Fisheries Control
• Tourism Control
• Waste management

Question 11

The Antarctic Treaty (1959)

Answer 11

• Territorial claims are not recognised.
• Antarctica may only be used for peaceful purposes (no military activities).
• Scientific research may continue unhindered with free exchange of information.
• Commercial exploitation of minerals is banned.
• Monitor the environmental impact of tourism (no accommodation on land).
• Monitor and conserve living organisms in southern ocean (fisheries closed if over exploited).

Question 12

Fisheries Control

Answer 12

• Regulated by the (CCAMLs)

- Fisheries are closed if krill and some fish species’ populations become over-exploited

Question 13

Tourism Control

Answer 13

• Tourists accompanied by training guides

- Required to stay at least five metres from wildlife and leave no litter

Question 14

Waste Management

Answer 14

• ensuring only long-term residents are research scientists and support staff
• controlling and removing wastes (fuel containers, batteries etc.