Antarctica is inhabited by scientists even though the harsh conditions continually challenge their day to day living. Generally, they live there for six months, at the time of the 'light season', to study this harsh remote, yet exotic island and the extraordinary animals.
Many of the extreme conditions in this region include snow storm with a maximum speed of 316 kilometers per hour winds and freezing ice making it almost impossible to bathe and drink. Also, there are windy cold breezes and icebergs breaking due to climate change caused by the hole in the ozone layer.
Finally, the six months of darkness, the food shortage and the cold make it extremely difficult for humans to inhabit this beautiful place all year. Although, the media is recently become very interested in visiting Antarctica and the are many journalist, like David Koche from Sunrise, are reporting about this amazing place.
However, animals have adapted and are able to survive these harsh conditions all year, their bodies are covered in coats of snow white fur for warmth.
[[#image:antarctica-ola/antarctica-icebergs_4608[1].jpg link="http://www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk/2a_what.php"--about 16.5 of the UK can fit in Antarctica]]about 16.5 of the UK can fit in Antarctica
[[#image:antarctica-ola/antarctica-icebergs_4608[1].jpg link="http://www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk/2a_what.php"--When new snow falls on the surface it doesn’t melt, but gradually builds up over time. Eventually, the weight of the snow squeezes out the air in the layers of snow below until they turn into ice. Gradually, these layers become part of the ice sheets, storing 70% of the world’s fresh water. The sheer weight of the ice pushes down the land beneath by as much as 500 metres!The amount of ice in Antarctica’s ice sheets is important to us all. By measuring the volume of ice scientists can detect signs of melting from global warming.]]When new snow falls on the surface it doesn’t melt, but gradually builds up over time. Eventually, the weight of the snow squeezes out the air in the layers of snow below until they turn into ice. Gradually, these layers become part of the ice sheets, storing 70% of the world’s fresh water. The sheer weight of the ice pushes down the land beneath by as much as 500 metres!The amount of ice in Antarctica’s ice sheets is important to us all. By measuring the volume of ice scientists can detect signs of melting from global warming.
If Antarctica's ice sheets melted, the worlds oceans would rise by 60 to 65 metres
The cold and dry conditions in the "Dry Valleys" region of Antarctica are so close to those on Mars that NASA did testing there for the Viking mission. It has not rained in the dry valleys for at least 2 million years.
[[#image:antarctica-ola/antarctica-icebergs_4608[1].jpg link="http://www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk/2a_what.php"--The Antarctic ice cap has 29 million cubic kilometers of ice.This is 90% of all the ice on the planet and between 60 and 70 % of all of the world's fresh water.Only about 0.4 percent of Antarctica is not covered by ice. ]]The Antarctic ice cap has 29 million cubic kilometers of ice.This is 90% of all the ice on the planet and between 60 and 70 % of all of the world's fresh water.Only about 0.4 percent of Antarctica is not covered by ice.
By Natasha A
Here is a list of flora and fauna in Antarctica:
Emperor penguins
Royal penguins
Adelie penguins
Gentoo penguin
Chinstrap penguin
Macaroni penguin
Rockhopper penguin
Leopard seal
Elephant seal
Crabeater seal
Weddell seal
Killer whale
Sperm whale
Sei whale
Fin whales
Minke whales
Humpback whales
Right whales
Albatross
Ground Alge
Moss
-By Emmanuel
Lists of Flora
Lichens-Three main types of lichens exist in Antarctica. Crustose lichens, which form a thin crust on the surface of the substrate they grow on; foliose lichens, which form leaf like lobes; and fruticose lichens which have a shrubby growth habit.
Bryophtes-Like the lichens, the bryophytes can be found in almost all areas capable of supporting plant life in the Antarctic, though they are not as widespread. Moss lawns often occur on meltwater flushes from ponds, such as at Casey station, or from glaciers, such as the Canada Glacier in Southern Victoria Land.
By Natasha A
There are no land animals that actually live in Antarctica but the sea is full of life. The only bird in Antarctica is the penguin. Here are some descriptions of some of the animals found in the Antarctic.
Weddell seal, the Weddell Seal has a scientific name (Genus) called Leptonychotes this amazing creature has something called reverse dimorphism which means generally the male are smaller than the female.
Orca, is a whale that can withstand many temperatures. It is found all over the world including Antarctica.
Leopard seals
Leopard seal which is known for it's leopard like markings and fur is a fierce predator of the Adelie penguin.
The extreme temperatures and very small (only 2%) of ice free land in Antarctica make it almost impossible for much flora to survive. The recorded species include 30 types of moss, 150 lichens and one liverwort. Here are some descriptions of some flora in found in Antarctica. LInchens are unique as they are a combination of two species moss and alga. They are extremely hardy and are found in drought type conditions. During an experiment some lichens were able to survive in minus 195 degrees. Moss ike the lichen adapt very well to harsh conditions. The conserve water by the close way they grow. they also have the ability to absorb a lot of water if it is available and this is why this flora is able to remain in these conditions. Some fungi has been found but there is not much known about these mushrooms. By Luis sales
Should There Be Tourism In Antarctica?
Many people know Anarctica, as a wonderful land of ice and snow. This mysterious place has many mysteries upon its white snowy land. Should there be tourism in Antarctica?
It stands to reason that there should most certainaly be tourism in Antarctica. Antarctica is filled with many wild life that is rarely seen around the world, these amazing creatures include; Penguins, seals, whales etc.... An effect of people coming, they will be surely aware of keeping these extrarodinary creatures safe.
Common sense determines that Antarctica is filled with many wonderful landmarks that people would love to see. People will eventually spread the news across other countries making Antarctica more popular to tourists. Antarctica is filled with rare landmarks that make Antarctica so popular as a cold snowy land of wonders.
On the other hand, tourism is very bad for Antarctica because of the non caring people who are unaware of the concequences of their pollution and what it will do to the envirment if they don't take a action.Most people will dump their rubbish hurting the wildlife.Pollution will eventually lead to the extintion of animals.
Logicly it is fair to say that ice may be damaged from construction and may also damage the habitats to animals.Breaking the like getting rid of the whole contient of Antarctica, making Antarctica like the Lost city of Atlantis. It will also cause avalanches, loss of an amazing continent. Gone Forever.
Ernest Shackleton is a great Antarctic explorer because when his mission to cross Antarctica on foot failed his new goal was to keep all is 27 men alive and he did that. - Emmanuel
Group 1 Summary
Why Is Antarctica Uninhabited?
Antarctica is inhabited by scientists even though the harsh conditions continually challenge their day to day living. Generally, they live there for six months, at the time of the 'light season', to study this harsh remote, yet exotic island and the extraordinary animals.
Many of the extreme conditions in this region include snow storm with a maximum speed of 316 kilometers per hour winds and freezing ice making it almost impossible to bathe and drink. Also, there are windy cold breezes and icebergs breaking due to climate change caused by the hole in the ozone layer.
Finally, the six months of darkness, the food shortage and the cold make it extremely difficult for humans to inhabit this beautiful place all year. Although, the media is recently become very interested in visiting Antarctica and the are many journalist, like David Koche from Sunrise, are reporting about this amazing place.
However, animals have adapted and are able to survive these harsh conditions all year, their bodies are covered in coats of snow white fur for warmth.
By Emmanuel, Luis and Natasha A
[[#image:antarctica-ola/antarctica-icebergs_4608[1].jpg link="http://www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk/2a_what.php"]]
Fun Facts
[[#image:antarctica-ola/antarctica-icebergs_4608[1].jpg link="http://www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk/2a_what.php"--about 16.5 of the UK can fit in Antarctica]]about 16.5 of the UK can fit in Antarctica
[[#image:antarctica-ola/antarctica-icebergs_4608[1].jpg link="http://www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk/2a_what.php"--When new snow falls on the surface it doesn’t melt, but gradually builds up over time. Eventually, the weight of the snow squeezes out the air in the layers of snow below until they turn into ice. Gradually, these layers become part of the ice sheets, storing 70% of the world’s fresh water. The sheer weight of the ice pushes down the land beneath by as much as 500 metres!The amount of ice in Antarctica’s ice sheets is important to us all. By measuring the volume of ice scientists can detect signs of melting from global warming.]]When new snow falls on the surface it doesn’t melt, but gradually builds up over time. Eventually, the weight of the snow squeezes out the air in the layers of snow below until they turn into ice. Gradually, these layers become part of the ice sheets, storing 70% of the world’s fresh water. The sheer weight of the ice pushes down the land beneath by as much as 500 metres!The amount of ice in Antarctica’s ice sheets is important to us all. By measuring the volume of ice scientists can detect signs of melting from global warming.
[[#image:antarctica-ola/antarctica-icebergs_4608[1].jpg link="http://www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk/2a_what.php"--The Antarctic ice cap has 29 million cubic kilometers of ice.This is 90% of all the ice on the planet and between 60 and 70 % of all of the world's fresh water.Only about 0.4 percent of Antarctica is not covered by ice. ]]The Antarctic ice cap has 29 million cubic kilometers of ice.This is 90% of all the ice on the planet and between 60 and 70 % of all of the world's fresh water.Only about 0.4 percent of Antarctica is not covered by ice.
By Natasha AHere is a list of flora and fauna in Antarctica:
Lists of Flora
- Lichens-Three main types of lichens exist in Antarctica. Crustose lichens, which form a thin crust on the surface of the substrate they grow on; foliose lichens, which form leaf like lobes; and fruticose lichens which have a shrubby growth habit.
- Bryophtes-Like the lichens, the bryophytes can be found in almost all areas capable of supporting plant life in the Antarctic, though they are not as widespread. Moss lawns often occur on meltwater flushes from ponds, such as at Casey station, or from glaciers, such as the Canada Glacier in Southern Victoria Land.
By Natasha AThere are no land animals that actually live in Antarctica but the sea is full of life. The only bird in Antarctica is the penguin. Here are some descriptions of some of the animals found in the Antarctic.
- Leopard seal which is known for it's leopard like markings and fur is a fierce predator of the Adelie penguin.
The extreme temperatures and very small (only 2%) of ice free land in Antarctica make it almost impossible for much flora to survive. The recorded species include 30 types of moss, 150 lichens and one liverwort. Here are some descriptions of some flora in found in Antarctica. LInchens are unique as they are a combination of two species moss and alga. They are extremely hardy and are found in drought type conditions. During an experiment some lichens were able to survive in minus 195 degrees. Moss ike the lichen adapt very well to harsh conditions. The conserve water by the close way they grow. they also have the ability to absorb a lot of water if it is available and this is why this flora is able to remain in these conditions. Some fungi has been found but there is not much known about these mushrooms.By Luis sales
Should There Be Tourism In Antarctica?
Many people know Anarctica, as a wonderful land of ice and snow. This mysterious place has many mysteries upon its white snowy land. Should there be tourism in Antarctica?
It stands to reason that there should most certainaly be tourism in Antarctica. Antarctica is filled with many wild life that is rarely seen around the world, these amazing creatures include; Penguins, seals, whales etc.... An effect of people coming, they will be surely aware of keeping these extrarodinary creatures safe.
Common sense determines that Antarctica is filled with many wonderful landmarks that people would love to see. People will eventually spread the news across other countries making Antarctica more popular to tourists. Antarctica is filled with rare landmarks that make Antarctica so popular as a cold snowy land of wonders.
On the other hand, tourism is very bad for Antarctica because of the non caring people who are unaware of the concequences of their pollution and what it will do to the envirment if they don't take a action.Most people will dump their rubbish hurting the wildlife.Pollution will eventually lead to the extintion of animals.
Logicly it is fair to say that ice may be damaged from construction and may also damage the habitats to animals.Breaking the like getting rid of the whole contient of Antarctica, making Antarctica like the Lost city of Atlantis. It will also cause avalanches, loss of an amazing continent. Gone Forever.
Ernest Shackleton