Why Antarctica’s Interesting Geographical Position Is Important
Larger than both and Europe, Antarctica contains 10% of the land mass in the world.However, this continent is far from hospitable, with sustain winds reaching 192 mph and temperatures as low as negative 89 degrees Celsius.Antarctica, home of the South Pole, is completely encircled by the Southern Ocean.
These waters are home to the world’s most nourishing nutrient currents, supporting unmeasurable numbers of whales, fish, seals, penguins, dolphins, and flying birds. Large quantities of tiny shrimp-like creatures called krill live within these ice-covered waters.Krill is one of the main foods for whales, seals and penguins and is even eaten by humans in Japan.cruise travel to antarctica
Any creatures living in Antarctica must become accustomed to the dry, windy and cold weather conditions that grow to extremes on that continent.The average altitude is greater than any other area on Earth. Precipitation is merely 200 mm a year near the coastline, with much less further inland.Seals and penguins are among the animals living in Antarctica who have adapted to the cold, and some plant forms of tundra vegetation and algae have also adapted to the cold.
A quirk of mother nature has rendered Antartica critical to the survival of mankind.The greenhouse effect, however, is more advanced at the poles because the cold makes the molecules which make up our atmosphere heavier and more concentrated.The high levels of energy output from the sun are far more pronounced at the poles, as these molecules allow for greater energy absorption, essentially increasing the surface temperature of these areas.
The surrounding atmosphere is comprised of almost eighty percent nitrogen.Methane and carbon dioxide also contribute to the make-up of the atmosphere, but in minute quantities.These substances, combined with water, serve to generate a tremendous amount of heat.This process is called the greenhouse effect.antarctica vacation
Polar regions collect more of these greenhouse gasses and are therefore warming faster than the more temperate regions. In the Antarctic, the rise in temperature resulting from the Greenhouse Effect is 4 times more than then the rising temperatures in temperate zones, making it the optimal place for further research on the Greenhouse Effect.
The ice covering Antarctica is almost 3 miles thick.Snow accumulated over millions of years and compacted to form an ice cap.Scientists study core samples by analyzing ancient air bubbles and atomic isotopes to better understand conditions in prehistoric eras.
What is often referred to as the “hole in the ozone layer” was caused by the release of CFC’s–chemicals used as propellants.These CFC’s destroy ozone. The resulting heat has produced the breaking and destruction of various ice sections.
These enormous ice sheets then float north and eventually melt.This melting causes a rapid reduction of the polar icecaps and results in a corresponding rise in the level of the sea.It also eliminates the protected spawning grounds of the krill.
The seas will rise approximately 180 feet or more when the ice shelves from Antarctica all split off and thaw.In theory, buildings in New York would be overwhelmed and swallowed up by water like a vast geyser.Countries at a lower altitude, such as Bangladesh, could be completely swallowed up and destroyed.
Those who have made the trip to Antartica testify that the continent is absolutely stunning to look at. The animals don’t always view people as a threat.This womderful beauty, when combined with the apparent tranquility of the numerous sea animals roaming around, is pleasing to see.
To keep Antarctica protected and fully saved in its purest magnificence is a wish and a goal for generations – today and tomorrow alike.Sadly, this continent has been dissolving slowly for decades.Numerous countries have come together to work on preserving what remains of Antarctica.
Post a comment