Antarctica

Question 1

What are the ecological features of Antarctica

Answer 1

• Large landmass (60x size of UK)

• average temp of -49C

• snow up to 4.8km deep

• Litlle terrestrial but abundant marine life

• extreme seasonal changes and season variations in ice cover

• high average altitude

Question 2

What is the importance of Antarctica?

Answer 2

• Control of natural cycles
—> stores 70% worlds freshwater; ice
has high albedo which reflects
sunlight; carbon sequestration

• Resources
—> fish species; mineral resources
exploration is banned but there is
gold, oil and uranium reserves

• Research
—> No pollution - astronomical
research; isolated - no human
influence; unique wildlife

Question 3

What are the threats to Antarctica?

Answer 3

• Global Climate Change
—> melting ice

• Ozone depletion
—> planktonic organisms killed

• Tourism
—> wildlife disturbance
—> so people visit on ships

• Overfishing
—> disrupts food web

Question 4

What are the conservation efforts?

Answer 4

• Antarctic Treaty 1959
—> signed by 52 counties to protect
Antarctica

• No mineral exploration

• Living organism conservation
—> fishing regulated by CCAMLS