antarctica - background Flashcards Preview

global systems and governance > antarctica - background > Flashcards

Flashcards in antarctica - background Deck (20)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

where is the antarctic?

A

south of the antarctic circle

2
Q

what is it fringed by?

A

ice shelves

3
Q

what are the biggest ice shelves in antarctica?

A

ronne and ross

4
Q

how big is antarctica?

what is it bigger than?

A

14 million km2

europe

5
Q

what % of world ice does it hold

A

90%

6
Q

what % of world fresh water does it hold?

A

70%

7
Q

where is the boundary, e.g. where is it a global common till?

A

up to the antarctic convergence

8
Q

what seas/oceans is it surrounded by?

A

pacific, indian, atlantic oceans

southern sea

9
Q

what is significant about it as a continent?

A

highest continent

10
Q

on average how high is it above sea level?

A

2000m

11
Q

what is the average temperature?

A

-49 degrees

12
Q

what is it described as? (climate)

A

a polar desert

13
Q

what are the main characteristics of the weather?

A

dry, windy and cold

14
Q

what is the average wind speed?

A

50 mph

15
Q

what is the average yearly rain fall?

A

less than 50 mm

16
Q

why do phytoplankton come here?

A

there is an upwelling of nutrient rich water that occurs that the antarctic convergence that attracts them

17
Q

where does an upwelling of nutrient rich water occur?

A

at the antarctic convergence

18
Q

what is very fragile?

A

the marine ecosystem

19
Q

how many species of flowering plants are there?

A

only two

20
Q

what types of plants are common here?

A

lichens and moss