antarctica- case study

What is the Oxford definition of a map in relation to Antarctica?

A floating sheet of ice permanently attached to a land mass.

What does ablation refer to in glaciology?

Ablation refers to all processes that remove snow, ice, or water from a glacier or snowfield, as opposed to accumulation.

What is a nunatak?

A nunatak is an island of rock that is surrounded by glacier ice.

What characterizes a dry valley in Antarctica?

A dry valley is characterized by high altitude and extreme aridity, which is a deficiency of moisture.

What are the implications of Russia and USA mining in Antarctica?

Mining activities can disturb the undisturbed geographical and ecological conditions of Antarctica.

How do marine conditions in Antarctica support biodiversity?

Marine conditions support a diverse ecosystem, including species like whales, despite the harsh conditions on land.

What are warmer than land, impacting ocean life?

Sea temperatures.

What phenomenon brings cooler water from ocean depths?

Upwelling.

What do nutrients from upwelling support?

Phytoplankton.

What provides food for krill in the ocean?

Phytoplankton.

What is the role of phytoplankton in ecosystems?

Key part of oceans, seas, and freshwater basin ecosystems.

What effect does hotter water have on marine systems?

It breeds and spreads too quickly, causing imbalance.

What unique climatic conditions exist in the Antarctic peninsula?

Micro-climatic conditions allowing land to be ice-free in summer.

Which area on Earth is experiencing the fastest warming?

The West Antarctic peninsula.

Which regions are experiencing faster rising temperatures than the West Antarctic peninsula?

Some areas of the Arctic circle.