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Why might Antarctica be considered a FRAGILE environment. - Coggle Diagram
Why might Antarctica be considered a
FRAGILE
environment.
Marine Life
Krill is a foundation of the food chain in Antarctica, with whales, fish, squid, seals and Adélie and gentoo penguins all feeding on it.
But as sea ice cover diminishes, more industrial fishing vessels can encroach on penguin, seal and whale foraging grounds, effectively acting as a competing super-predator for krill.
Endangered animals
There are many different types of life; like penguins, whales and seals. And as the temperature is rising the ice caps are melting and the homes of these animals are fading or should I say,
Melting
away. That was a good one.
The krill catch here has more than tripled from 88,800 tonnes in 2000 to almost 400,000 tonnes in 2019 — the third-largest krill catch in history and a volume not seen since the 1980s.
Climate Chnage
August 23, 2023
The Antarctic ice sheet's mass has changed over the last decades. Research based on satellite data indicates that between 2002 and 2023, Antarctica shed an average of 150 billion metric tons of ice per year, adding to global sea level rise.
To make sure the world doesn't over heat the ice reflects the sun beams back to space which makes the perfect temperature for the world with out ice England would be like America, America would be a oven.
The Antarctic is warming approximately six times faster than the global average, and the ice shelves surrounding it are thinning
living in Antarctica
Living in Antarctica is challenging due to extreme cold, isolation, and harsh conditions.
The fragile ecosystem is vulnerable to human presence, especially as research stations expand and tourism increases.
Proper management is crucial to minimize impact. it is hard to keep things from thawing and breaking therefore
Tourism
Environmental Damage: Smaller, less regulated expeditions pose significant threats to the environment, potentially causing more damage
Pollution: Human presence can lead to increased litter, waste, and potential disease transmission
Introduction of Invasive Species: There’s a risk of accidentally introducing non-native species, which can disrupt the native flora and fauna
Carbon Footprint: Antarctic travel involves long-distance flights and fuel-intensive vessels, contributing to a high carbon footprint.
Erosion: The presence of more humans can lead to enhanced land erosion, wearing away the fragile soil and vegetation
Risk of Oil Spills: Increased shipping activity raises the chances of oil spills, which can have catastrophic effects on the marine ecosystem
Disturbance to Wildlife: Tourist activities can disturb the local wildlife, especially since the tourism season coincides with the breeding season for some species
Global Governance:
The Antarctic Treaty System ensures that the continent remains a scientific preserve, free from military activity and territorial claims.
However, the delicate balance of governance must be maintained to prevent exploitation and overuse of its resources
Antarctica is a unique region governed by international agreements.
The weddell sea
Marine Protected Area: Despite its importance, the Weddell Sea is not fully protected. Efforts have been made to establish a marine protected area to safeguard its unique and fragile ecosystems
Ecosystem Health: The Weddell Sea’s conditions influence the health of local ecosystems, including the populations of Weddell seals and other marine life that depend on the sea ice and cold waters
Climate Impact: Changes in the mixing of waters in the Weddell Sea can contribute to climate trends observed in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. For instance, if the mixing weakens, it could trap warmer ocean waters, potentially leading to a slowdown in surface warming and an expansion in sea ice
Ice Shelf Stability: The Weddell Sea borders the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, one of the largest ice shelves in Antarctica. The sea’s conditions can affect the stability and melting rates of this and other ice shelves
Ocean Circulation: The Weddell Sea is part of the Southern Ocean’s circulation system, which helps distribute heat and nutrients around the world’s oceans. Disruptions in this system can have global climate implications