1. Lecture on the Arctic

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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