Antarctica Flashcards Preview

Human Geography > Antarctica > Flashcards

Flashcards in Antarctica Deck (21)
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1
Q

Location?

A

Earth’s South Pole

2
Q

Size?

A
  • 14 million km2
  • 50x the UK
  • half of USA
3
Q

Coldest Continent?

A

-80c, 98% covered in ice

4
Q

Windiest Continent?

A

154 mph

5
Q

Driest Continent?

A

2 inches of rain a year

6
Q

Highest Continent?

A

2300 metres above sea level

7
Q

Why is tourism increasing every year?

A

Publication and easier access

8
Q

How many tourists were there in 1996?

A

7,000

9
Q

How many tourists were there in 2008?

A

46,000

10
Q

Why is Antarctica attractive?

A
  • scenery
  • icebergs
  • wildlife(penguins, whales)
11
Q

What are the impacts of tourism in Antarctica? (5)

A
  • Trample plants
  • Disturb wildlife
  • Oil spillages e.g MS explorer 2007
  • Introduce non native species
  • Drop litter
12
Q

Who are the tour operators of Antarctic tours?

A

IAATO

13
Q

How many people are allowed ashore at once?

A

100

14
Q

What is the maximum number of passengers allowed on board?

A

500

15
Q

What is the Antarctic Treaty?

A

international agreement designed to protect and preserve the area

16
Q

What do tour operators have to follow?

A

A code of conduct

17
Q

Who ensures the rules are followed?

A

onboard observers

18
Q

Special guidelines to follow? (4)

A
  • No litter can be left behind
  • Permit needed in some activities
  • Some off limits areas(special protected areas)
  • Wildlife cannot be disturbed
19
Q

Why is Antarctica demilitarized? (3)

A
  • For peaceful purposes
  • Promote scientific cooperation
  • Bo disputes over territorial sovereignty
20
Q

What does the Antarctic treaty ensure?

A
  • demilitarised-peaceful purposes
  • promote scientific cooperation
  • no disputes over territorial sovereignty
21
Q

What is the history of Antarctica?

A

Caption scott