The Value of Antarctica’s Incomparable Geographical Location
Antarctica is larger than both and Europe and comprises 10 percent of the worlds land mass. Withstanding temperatures falling to minus 89 degrees Celsius coupled with wind speeds that can mount to upwards of 192 mph, Antarctica is an immense and inhospitable area. This body of land is encircled by the Southern Ocean, which is comprised of the southernmost waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Go to this site for further information on antarctica trip.
The waters off Antarctica are nutrient rich and provide sustenance for innumerable penguins, whales, seals, dolphins, fish and various species of flying birds. Beneath the huge ice service are huge amounts of micro forage. Krill is the principle food source for marine animals like penguins and whales and harvested by the Japanese for human use.
The geographical landscape of Antarctica is the coldest, windiest continent on earth, meaning that the animals that live here must adapt to these extreme conditions. The yearly rainfall is a mere 200 mm on the coast (less as you travel inland), and it is maintains the highest average elevation among the 7 continents. The many different species of algea, vegetation, and animals that have evolved to stand the extreme cold.
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. When you would like to get more information on antarctic travel check out this site.
Our atmosphere contains 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. Carbon dioxide and methane exist in tiny amounts. These water vapors and gases absorb the radiation from the sun’s rays and warm the area below. This is commonly acknowledged 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. Therefore, the temperature increase caused by the Greenhouse effect is nearly 4 to 5 times greater in the Antarctic region than any other place, making this continent essential for climate research.
The ice covering Antarctica is almost 3 miles thick. The ice layers have been building on the continent for millions of years. Studies regarding prehistoric areas are possible in this region by drilling through the ice and studying core samples, more specifically the atomic isotopes and air bubbles contained within.
The notorious gap in the ozone layer is a result of injecting many coolants into the surrounding atmospheric area with severe negative consequences. These chemicals actively damage the ozone. The rise in temperatures has resulted in large pieces of broken or shaved ice shelves.
Once the ice pieces sever they float north and thaws. The melting water adds more volume to the ocean’s level, slowing increasing it. Furthermore, this reduces the area where krill may grow.
It is estimated that the seas would rise over 180 feet if all the Antarctic ice melted. That is the equivalent of skyscrapers in New York being surrounded by water at the 20th floor as it is in Venice. Other, low lying countries like Bangladesh and islands in the South Pacific may end up completely under water.
Those who have visited this continent all reminisce about the beauty of Antarctica. Animals are not shy about the presence of humans. It is an inspiring sight to view the mixture of animal innocence and nature’s beauty.
Present and future generations need to bond together and work to preserve the pristine splendor of Antarctica. It’s destruction has been accelerating for quite a while,though. Numerous countries have come together to work on preserving what remains of Antarctica.