Feb 18 2010

What Is Valuable About Antarctica’s Exceptional Geographical Location?

Antarctica occupies one tenth of the land in the universe and is bigger than Europe. It is a mammoth and intimidating area with incredible gale force winds and lethal cold. The Southern Ocean encircles this massive land mass.

The waters off Antarctica are nutrient rich and provide sustenance for innumerable penguins, whales, seals, dolphins, fish and various species of flying birds.Masses of micro forage and krill inhabit under the huge ice shelves.The chief food of the seals, whales and penguins is krill, and it is also utilized by humans in Japan.antarctica travel information

Because of the extreme cold, windy, and dry conditions, animals living in Antarctica must have special adaptations for the environment.Antarctica’s average elevation is the highest of all the continents but has an annual precipitation of only 200mm concentrated mainly on the coastline.Plants and animals that have adapted to Antarctica’s harsh life include seals, penguins, various forms of algae, and cold resistant tundra vegetation.

Antarctica is actually a very important continent for the rest of the world, despite its vast distance.The heavier of the molecules in the atmosphere are found at a higher concentration at the poles, with a more pronounced greenhouse effect.The planet’s surface heats more quickly at the poles as the sun’s power is consumed more readily.

There is approximately 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen in the atmosphere.Carbon dioxide and methane are found in smaller quantities.These gasses trap the heat from the sun’s rays and make the ground warmer.This is often referred to as the “greenhouse” effect.antarctic travel

The more severe climate areas by the equator take in the various gases more quickly than the more moderate weather locations.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.

The notorious gap in the ozone layer is a result of injecting many coolants into the surrounding atmospheric area with severe negative consequences.These refrigerants combine poorly with ozone.The increase in temperature has resulted in the melting of many ice shelves.

These shelves, once separated, will gradually head in a northerly direction and melt away.Sea levels then become higher as a result of the ice liquefying into water. It also eliminates the protected spawning grounds of the krill.

If the ice continues to melt, the seas could rise over 180 feet. This could send rising to the 20th floor of skyscrapers in New York City! Low-lying countries like islands of the South Pacific would be completely engulfed by water.

Antarctica is a breathtaking land of exquisite beauty that touches everyone who visits it. The animals are not disturbed by the presence of people in the area.Seeing wildlife in these glorious, natural settings is breath taking to say the least!

It is our responsibility to see that the splendor of Antarctica is preserved for future generations. Unfortunately, its steady demise has been in progress for far too long.Fortunately, many nations have joined forces and are now working together so some small steps toward conservation, preservation and preserving sustainability have already been taken.