Antarctica – notes from u3aonline.org.au
The last
great wilderness, the Antarctic land mass, covers almost one tenth of
Earth’s surface and is the world’s coldest, driest and windiest continent.
What
landforms feature In the Antarctic?
The
Antarctic continent supports the greatest mass of ice in the world and a
closer look reveals a great variety of ice formations and landform features.
Volcanoes, glaciers, dry valleys and icebergs are a few of these features.
Are the
flora and fauna of Antarctica unique?
The harsh
environment makes it difficult for plants and animals to survive. Lichens
and mosses are found on ice-free areas and the only permanent residents are
microscopic invertebrates. However, varieties of penguins and other seabirds
and seals are regular visitors to the continent and the surrounding seas
contain a rich and diverse marine life.
Who were
the first people to explore the Antarctic Region?
Because of
its isolation Antarctica was not settled by any indigenous people.
Discoveries by Europeans were at first accidental but following the voyages
of Captain James Cook more and more ships arrived looking for valuable
resources. Later, scientific expeditions and land claims followed. Ancient
thoughts, early explorers, Captain Cook, sealers, whalers and other
explorers.
How do the
world's nations cooperate in managing the Antarctic?
After
World War II, international tension, the USA and Russian cold war and
territorial claims between Argentina, Chile and Great Britain led to a new
period of conflict in Antarctic history. Later a major co-ordinated effort
by the world’s scientists led to the current period of peaceful
international co-operation.
Are the
Sub-Antarctic Islands unique?
Between
Latitude 50°S and the Antarctic continent are some of the world’s most
remote and unique islands with their own characteristic climate, plant and
animal life. For a hundred years they were exploited by humans with severe
consequences for the natural environment and wildlife. Today the fauna and
flora of many of these areas are fully protected.
How Were
the Natural Resources Of The Region Exploited?
The living
resources of the sub-Antarctic islands were exploited by sealers and
whalers. Huge profits attracted more and more commercial activities and
before long the profitable wildlife resources were near extinction.
Should the
Antarctic Be A World Heritage Area?
Should the
Antarctic region be more fully protected with greater international controls
to preserve the unique features of the region and to prevent further
exploitation of the whales, fish and krill that are still being harvested? |
