Case Study: Antarctica

Question 1

Why is Antarctica environmentally important?

Answer 1

• The ice has a higher albedo than land, meaning more solar radiation is reflected rather than absorbed, which helps to maintain the Earth’s heat balance
• The water surrounding Antarctica is so dense and cold that it pushes against the ocean floor, which causes warm water to rise. This circulates water around the whole planet
• Oceans around Antarctica are some of the most biodiverse.

Question 2

Why is Antarctica economically important?

Answer 2

• Attracts many tourists
• Mineral and oil deposits under the ice
• Manny scientists live snd work there which creates jobs

Question 3

How many tourists visited Antarctica in 2010?

Answer 3

40,000

Question 4

Approximately how many scientists live in Antarctica during the winter snd how many in the summer?

Answer 4

1000 in Winter
5000 in Summer

Question 5

What are some positives of tourism for Antarctica?

Answer 5

• Brings in money which can be used to protect species
• Raises awareness of issues faced there

Question 6

What are some negatives of tourism in Antarctica

Answer 6

• Ships can sometimes bring invasive species which damage the eco system
• Tourisms bring litter, pollution and can damage habitats

Question 7

What percentage of visits to Antarctica are tourism?

Answer 7

67%

Question 8

What percentage of visits to Antarctica are scientific research?

Answer 8

21%

Question 9

What percentage of visits to Antarctica are for fishing?

Answer 9

7%

Question 10

When did whale hunting start in Antarctica?

Answer 10

1900s

Question 11

When was the south ocean sanctuary started?

Answer 11

1994

Question 12

What is the south ocean sanctuary?

Answer 12

A 50 million square km area in which whaling is banned
But not all countries agree to it

Question 13

What are the issues with whaling?

Answer 13

• Whale species have become endangered

Question 14

Which countries still whale?

Answer 14

Japan, Norway, Faroe Island ans Iceland

Question 15

How does ocean acidification affect Antarctica?

Answer 15

It means there are less carbonate ions in the water for creatures to build their shells and skeletons, hence affecting the whole food web.