Antarctica

Question 1

How much land does Antarctica cover?

Answer 1

Over 30,000 km^2

Question 2

How many chemical elements are there?

Answer 2

13

Question 3

How much has the temperature increased in the last 50 years?

Answer 3

3C

Question 4

How many tonnes of Krill are fished annually?

Answer 4

150-200,000 tonnes

Question 5

What is the average temperature?

Answer 5

-49C

Question 6

What is the precipitation like?

Answer 6

Less than 50 mm per year.

Question 7

How much ice mass is lost per year?

Answer 7

150 billion tonnes of ice-mass

Question 8

What are the main threats?

Answer 8

1. Tourism
2. Climate change
3. Fishing/Whaling
4. Mineral extraction

Question 9

What are the tourism stats?

Answer 9

• 1980s = 2,000 visitors
• 2019/20 = 75,000 visitors

Question 10

What is the Madrid Protocol 1991?

Answer 10

An international agreement that designates Antarctica as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science, and sets strict rules for environmental protection on the continent.

1. Prohibiting all mining and mineral resource activities (except for scientific research)
2. Requiring environmental impact assessments for all activities
3. Managing waste, preventing pollution, and protecting native flora and fauna

Question 11

What is the Antarctic Treaty 1959?

Answer 11

✅ Key Provisions:
Peaceful Use Only: Military activity is banned (except for scientific support).
Scientific Cooperation: Free sharing of scientific research and collaboration.
No Sovereignty Claims: Existing territorial claims are not recognized or disputed; no new claims are allowed.
Nuclear Ban: No nuclear tests or disposal of radioactive waste.
Inspections: Open inspections of stations and equipment by any party.