Antarctica

Strode’s CollegeAntarcticaAS 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 & tourismMineral

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