Antarctica Flashcards
what is a global common
a resource outside of political reach of any one nation state and everyone has the right to be there
how big is Antarctica
it is the fourth largest continent in the world
what is Antarctica almost entirely covered in
glacial ice
why has the sustainability of Antarctica been questioned recently
the rise in globalisation and the shrinking world phenomenon
what does sustainable mean
that the use of the area does not lead to irrevocable environmental damage but leaves it for future generations to experience
why is ice important? (climate change)
- provides habitats
- algae grows under the sea ice providing food for krill
- without ice food and shelter are gone so its the foundation of the food chain
- land ice prevents floods as it locks up water and keeps the sea levels constant
- permafrost stores twice the amount of carbon currently in the atmosphere
where is Antarctica located
southern hemisphere at the bottom of the Earth
why is Antarctica in particular very vulnerable to climate change
as it is very fragile in climate
where are the gateway cities to Antarctica?
- Cape town
- Falkland islands
- Tasmania
what are the major threats to Antarctica
- climate change
- fishing and whaling
- resource exploitation
- tourism and scientific research
what are the effects of climate change on Antarctica
- warmer sea and temperatures melts ice causing use ice bergs to calve into sea and melting rises sea levels
- animals and plants will die, invasive species adapted to higher temps could grow and colonise
- co2 released that was stored causing temperature to rise further
- albedo effect is lessened and oceans absorb more heat
what is the Antarctic convergence zone
boundary between air and water masses and boundary for southern ocean the water is cold with lower salinity than north of the zone. rich in nutrients providing key support for the ecosystems
effects of overfishing
- disrupts the food chain
- removes vital animals in food chain like krill and cod
- ships used may destroy habitats
- krill is at bottom of Antarctic food web so without them seals, killer whales and emperor penguins die
what is krill used for
to eat and krill oil is used in lots of products sold to help with blood cholesterol and disease
what did the CCAMLR set out
you can only take a certain yield of fish and boats must be licenced
