Lecture on the Arctic www.assignmentpoint.com
The Arctic Contains cities, towns and universities Indigenous population share the region with new settlers All Arctic land is under the jurisdiction of a sovereign state UK scientists regularly work in the Arctic There is far more science activity in the Arctic compared to the Antarctic www.assignmentpoint.com
The Antarctic ice sheet Ice up to three miles (4500 m) thick Coldest surface temperature -89 degrees C Enough ice for each person in the world to have a block 180 m by 180 m by 180 m If all melted, sea level could rise 65 metres If all the glaciers doubled their speed of flow it would take 12,000 years for the ice to float into the Southern Ocean www.assignmentpoint.com
Antarctic ice and sea level rise A small change in the size of the Antarctic ice sheet would be serious for sea level One small part of Antarctica is above freezing in the summer - the Antarctic Peninsula. The Antarctic Peninsula is warming and its coastline is changing Maps of Antarctica need updating regularly because of the changes to the coastline The disintegration of ice shelves from the Antarctic Peninsula has had no effect on sea level Most of Antarctica is not warming In a warmer world more snow will fall over the Antarctic Enhanced Antarctic snowfall is possibly the only natural way that sea level rise can be slowed www.assignmentpoint.com
Future developments in Antarctica Exploring the largest lake under the ice sheet Obtaining a reliable climate record over half a million years Exploiting natural “antifreeze” in Antarctic organisms Studying the effects of increased UV-radiation and “global warming” on Antarctic life Celebrating the centenaries of the historic expeditions of Scott, Shackleton and Bruce www.assignmentpoint.com
Antarctic Schools Pack Fifteen sections : each with worksheet and tasks and resources for multiple photocopying Teachers notes Sent free to every UK secondary school Aimed at A-level standard Written by British Antarctic Survey scientists and an educational advisor Published by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office www.assignmentpoint.com
Antarctic Schools Pack The nature of Antarctica Discovery of Antarctica Living and working in Antarctica Science in Antarctica The Antarctic Treaty System Geology in Antarctica Antarctic ice The Antarctic climate The ozone hole Geospace Terrestrial and freshwater lake ecosystems Marine ecosystems Management and conservation of marine species Environmental protection of Antarctica Tourism in Antarctica www.assignmentpoint.com
Feedback on Antarctic Schools Pack “An essential resource for school or college” “Packed with a variety of up-to-date and relevant information that can be used flexibly in the classroom” “Mori” poll voted it one of the best four resources available for study of environmental change Received Gold Award of Geographical Association in Spring 2000 www.assignmentpoint.com