Describe the physical geography of Antarctica
- 97% covered in glacial ice
- Transantarctic mountain range has peaks of over 4000m and divides the east and west Antarctic ice sheets
- east ice sheet is larger and thicker
Describe the climate of Antarctica
- average temperature is -49C
- average annual precipitation is less than 50mm
- can be described as a polar desert
Why is there such a diverse marine ecosystem
- sea temperatures are warmer
- cool upwellings of water brings nutrients for phytoplankton
- krill feed upon the phytoplankton
- various species depend upon krill as a food source
Why is whaling a threat to the Antarctic
- whaling was a highly profitable business
- in 1904 Norwegians developed a whaling station which employed 300 people in its peak
- this was abandoned in 1965 due to no longer being commercially viable
- whale populations became endangered
How was whaling managed
- the establishment of the International Whale Commission (IWC)
- caused the end of most whaling in 1985
- the 1994, the IWC established a 50 million square km area which banned all commercial whaling
- Japan still whale in the area for scientific research
Krill fishing
- krill are being caught as a healthy protein food for East Asia
- overfishing krill would be detrimental for the rest of the food chain as it is underpinned by krill
How is climate change a threat to West Antarctica
- Antarctic peninsula has seen 3^C temperature increases
- ice sheets are thinning significantly
- decline in the abundance of krill
What is the relationship between climate change and East Antarctica
- no significant loss of land
- there is an increase in sea ice
Why might sea ice be increasing in East Antarctica
- an increase in storms from climate change freshening up the water (increasing the necessary temperatures for sea ice)
- increased melting of continental land creates more icebergs
Why is the search for minerals a threat to the Antarctica
- never been any commercial mining in Antarctica
- the future will demand for more mining
What are the three types of tourism in Antarctica
- camping trips and naturalists
- boat visits
- overflights
What are the concerns surrounding tourism
- the possibility of the development of land based tourism
- overflying causes stress to breeding birds
- summer tourism coinciding with peak breeding season
How is tourism being managed
- ships have to follow International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) which calls for sites be visited infrequently
- this has resulted in 5% of the sites showing evidence of wear and tear
When was the Antarctic treaty signed
1959
Name 3 stipulations of the Antarctic Treaty
- allows for freedom of scientific research where all results must be shared
- Antarctic can only be used for peaceful purposes, prohibiting military practices - especially nuclear
- provides inspection of any stations and authorisation for any expeditions
Why was the Madrid protocol initiated
In response to the failed Antarctic minerals convention
What is the purpose of the Madrid protocol
- subjects all activities to be assessed for their environmental impacts
- requires that any operators in Antarctica develop contingency plans for environmental emergencies
- essentially a more rigorous regime than 1959 treaty
What is the international whaling moratorium
A pause in commercial whaling
What is Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC)
A coalition of over 30 different NGOs to hold more influence globally
What was ASOC’s initial aims
- prevent mineral exploitation
- protect against whaling and overfishing
What have ASOC done
- they were a major player in the Madrid protocol
- strengthening the whale sanctuary
- monitor the implementation of the Madrid protocol
- regulate tourism
- manage sustainable fishing
