Antarctica occupies one tenth of the land in the universe and is bigger than Europe. This frozen land experiences winds of 192mph and temperatures that regularly fall below minus 89 degrees Celsius. This body of land is encircled by the Southern Ocean, which is comprised of the southernmost waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.
The seas are blessed with the richest concentration of nutrition in the universe, sufficient to feed numerous whales, fish, etc. Vast quantities of micro forage, or krill, thrive under the ice shelves. Krill is the principle food source for marine animals like penguins and whales and harvested by the Japanese for human use.
As Antarctica is the driest, most tempestuous and frigid region on the planet, the wildlife living there are acclimated to the harsh and brutal elements. Antarctica has the highest average elevation of all the continents, and it has an average precipitation of just 200mm a year on the coastline and much less further inland. Seals, penguins, tundra vegetation and many types of algae are examples of plants and animals that have adapted to the cold environment of Antarctica.
One unique characteristic of Antarctica makes if quite important. The heavier of the molecules in the atmosphere are found at a higher concentration at the poles, with a more pronounced greenhouse effect. The poles absorb more of the heat energy from the sun than the rest of the earth.
Our atmosphere is comprised of approximately 79 percent nitrogen and 21 percent oxygen. Carbon dioxide and methane are also present in small amounts. These substances, combined with water, serve to generate a tremendous amount of heat. This phenomenon is referred to as the greenhouse effect.
The more severe climate areas by the equator take in the various gases more quickly than the more moderate weather locations. The overall temperature increase in Antarctica is 4 to 5 times greater than that of other areas which provides scientists with opportunities to study the greenhouse effect.
The surface of Antarctica is layered with ice – approximately three miles deep. It was created by the compaction of snow over millions of years. Scientists study core samples by analyzing ancient air bubbles and atomic isotopes to better understand conditions in prehistoric eras.
The well-known ozone layer breach is said to be the result of harmful CFC’s … an atmospheric imbalance caused by these toxic pollutants. This reaction is quite destructive. As a result of the elevated heating occurrence, massive chunks of ice layers have been ripped away.
Once separated, the ice shelves float north and eventually melt. This melting increases the volume of water, thus increasing sea levels. In another adverse effect, the melting decreases the size of the krill’s breeding and feeding habitat.
If all the continent’s ice shelves were to disappear into the ocean, it is calculated that sea levels would increase by more than 180 feet. New York City would end up a “Venice” of sorts, with waters reaching as high as the 20th story of many large buildings. Nations of lower elevations like Archipelagos in the southern Pacific area and Bangladesh would simply be swallowed completely by the sea.
Antarctica is a land of beauty unrivaled, as testified by many of the people who have been there. People roaming the land does not scare the animals there. Seeing wildlife in these glorious, natural settings is breath taking to say the least!
Present and future generations need to bond together and work to preserve the pristine splendor of Antarctica. However, the destruction of this continent has been ongoing for a very long time, and irrevocable damage is being done to it. However, many countries are joining hands and cooperating in efforts to preserve and sustain this valuable ecosystem.
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