Antarctica

Strode’s College Antarctica AS Environmental Science The world’s largest wilderness ecosystem Antarctica is very large 98% is covered by ice and snow Earth’s biggest desert Coldest continent – average temperature Highest continent

Low temperatures and long winters The ocean is much warmer than the land Upwelling of nutrient rich water supports a very rich food web, largely based on phytoplankton and krill A range of larger animals is supported Antarctica has a unique climate and seasonal changes and is surrounded by a highly productive ocean LIFE IN ANTARCTICA

Regulates sea level High albedo of ice Krill eat phytoplankton which contains carbon Seen as the last pristine continent Why Antarctica is important

Conservation is the sustainable use and management of natural resources including wildlife, water, air, and earth deposits. Preservation, in contrast to conservation, attempts to maintain in their present condition areas of the Earth that are so far untouched by humans What is the difference between conservation and preservation?

Antarctica has been affected by humans for over 200 years…. Threats to Antarctica Global climate change Ozone depletion Over-fishing & tourism Mineral exploitation Scientific research Antarctica under threat

Conservation efforts The Antarctic Treaty – 1951 An international agreement to protect and manage Antarctica Copy the main provisions of the Antarctic Treaty from the classroom textbook, pg 52.

British Antarctic Survey Part of the Natural Environment Research Council, based in Cambridge 60 years in Antarctica and shares info with more than 3o countries Operates four stations in Antarctica Carries out research on:

The environmental impacts of the BAS research stations has been reduced by the following measures: –Oil tanks –Marine gas oil is used at their research stations and in research vessels –All wastes except sewage and food wastes are stored and removed –Dogs are no longer used to pull sledges –Abandoned bases British Antarctic Survey – minimising environmental impacts