Introduction to Antarctica

Mount Erebus

• Active volcano on Ross Island in the Ross Sea, West Antarctica
• Formed by volcanic eruptions through the approximately 700m (2300 ft) thick Ross Ice Shelf
• Summit has a flat top, creating a caldera, with a permanent lava lake
• The lava lake formed after the summit buckled, created the caldera, which then filled with lava
• Approximately one million years old
• Volcanic ash discovery in distant areas suggests wider volcanic activity and potential geological instability
• Increased geothermal activity is a consequence of its volcanic activity
• Located on the west side of Antarctica

Territorial Divisions

• East Antarctica (Greater Antarctica) is the largest and oldest part, at two-thirds of the continent's land area
• East Antarctica is bordered by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans
• West Antarctica (Lesser Antarctica) is smaller, contains the Antarctic Peninsula, and is 5% of continent's area
• West Antarctica is characterized by the Ross and Ronne ice shelves and has a thin ice sheet
• The Transantarctic Mountains separate East and West Antarctica

Antarctic Treaty (1961)

• Specifies peaceful use only, prohibiting military activities, nuclear explosions, and radioactive waste disposal
• Promotes scientific research and international cooperation
• Prevents countries from enforcing territorial claims south of 60°S latitude
• Helps retain its designation as a zone for research, cooperation, and preventing exploitation
• Currently signed by forty-five nations
• Demilitarizing the continent helps the environment

Key Facts

• Approximately 98% of Antarctica is covered by a thick ice sheet
• Average annual temperature is around -50°C
• Precipitation mainly falls as snow
• Strong katabatic winds contribute to the continent's dryness
• Considered a desert due to low annual precipitation
• The 'Human Void Zone' status necessitates international cooperation in environmental conservation
• Experiences lower temperatures at higher altitudes, dropping about 1°C for every 100 meters increase in height
• Climatically isolated and has a stable environment due to influence of the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current
• Data collection for climate models is affected by snow precipitation being blown away by strong winds
• Research stations facilitate study into different aspects of the continent, ice dynamics and atmospheric conditions
• Faces environmental protection and resource challenges by balancing scientific research, minimizing environmental disturbance, regulations for tourism and addressing climate change impacts
• World Penguin Day is observed on April 25th
• The Antarctic Ice Sheet contains 30 million cubic kilometers of ice
• Experiences wind speeds of up to 200 miles per hour
• The Dry Valleys have not received rain for approximately 2 million years
• Temperatures are recorded at ground level for more accurate atmospheric readings due to regular temperature inversions
• Greater Antarctica's age, determined from tests on the Precambrian Shield, is estimated to be more than 570 million years
• Hardy plants such as pearlwort, mosses or lichen can be found along the coasts and on the Antarctic Peninsula
• Has no native population or government and does not belong to any one nation
• Very little annual precipitation occurs, which classifies it as a desert
• The edges of Antarctica differ because the surrounding oceans give a moderating influence
• Is considered a desert because it receives very little annual precipitation

Unique Geographical Features

• The Antarctic Peninsula is the warmest part of Antarctica, is located nearest to South America, and is a common destination for cruise ships
• Vinson Massif is the highest point in Antarctica, at 4,892 meters
• Transantarctic Mountains act as a barrier, holding back the ice in East Antarctica
• Lake Vostok is a sub-glacial lake located 4 km below the ice sheet
• Lake Vostok hosts a unique environment, sealed off from the atmosphere
• The lake has been sealed off from air and light for millions of years
• Similar rock formations as in Tasmania provides evidence supporting Tasmania and Antarctica once forming the same landmass
• The Onyx River is the longest river in Antarctica (approximately 40 kilometers long)
• The dry valleys are the largest ice-free areas in Antarctica

Environment and Wildlife

• The land is also known as a 'Human Void Zone' due to the lack of a permanent population
• Penguins are primary inhabitants, adapted to the cold climate with oily feathers and a thick fat layer
• Solid bones provide key ecological advantages for penguins in the Antarctic habitat as this makes diving and stability underwater easier.
• Solid bones add weight, making it easier for penguins to dive into the water for food
• Solid bones negate the need for flight, as there are no land predators
• Penguin's wings resemble flippers or paddles, aiding their swimming and diving abilities

First Explorer

• Roald Amundsen was the first person to reach the South Pole in 1911

Albedo Effect

• Antarctica's surface has a high albedo
• The surface reflects a lot of the energy and sunlight back into space
• This causes more solar energy to be reflected back into space, cooling the continent

Scientific Research

• Stations are homes and bases for research scientists
• India has three research facilities: Dakshin Gangotri (supply base), Maitri, and Bharati
• India has established three research facilities in Antarctica: Dakshin Gangotri (supply base), Maitri, and Bharati (active stations)
• Multi station maintenance enables comprehensive data collection across different geographical areas and environmental conditions
• Research and scientific studies are purposed with studying the environment and various fields

Katabatic Winds

• These rush down the sides of mountains
• These contribute to the low rainfall in Antarctica
• Descending winds inhibit precipitation
• Typically dry winds suppress precipitation
• They reduce moisture as they rush down mountains, which contributes to the continent's dryness

Sastrugi

• Sharp, wave-like grooves found on the snow surface of East Antarctica are caused by strong winds
• These are sharp, wave-like grooves or ridges formed by strong winds on the ice surface

Coldest Temperature Record

• The coldest land temperature recorded on Earth was at -89.2°C in Antarctica in 1983 at the Vostok Station
• The lowest land temperature ever recorded on Earth was at ground level at the Soviet Vostok Station in Antarctica
• The coldest land temperature recorded in Antarctica is -89.2°C

Ice Sheet

• The Antarctica Ice Sheet contains 30 million cubic kilometers of ice
• Antarctic Ice grows from about 3 million square kilometers in the summer to about 19 million square kilometers in the winter
• The ice sheet has an increase in size in the winter

Other

• Considering Antarctica's designation as a 'Human Void Zone', conservation efforts should focus on preserving its current pristine state with minimal human interference.
• In Antarctic regions, temperature inversions occur frequently, making atmospheric readings less representative of the actual conditions
• Long periods of darkness and a low sun angle give rise to Antarctic coldness

Additional Information

• Despite same annual sunlight, warmer than north pole because a land mass cools quicker than an ocean
• Rocks in Transantarctic Mountain Range like those found on Mount Wellington in Tasmania
• Coastal regions receive more precipitation (around 200 mm annually), while mountainous regions and the East Antarctica plateau receive less than 50 mm annually
• The waters surrounding Antarctica are the southernmost parts of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans beyond the Antarctic Circle; these are collectively known as the Southern Ocean

True or False

• Humans do not live permanently throughout Antarctica
• Penguins do not have predators that can live in the brutally cold climate of Antarctica
• Antarctica is not the largest continent on Earth
• West Antarctica does not constitute 55 per cent of the continent's total surface area
• The coldest land temperature was not recorded in Australia
• Roald Amundsen was the first explorer to successfully reach the South Pole in 1911
• The waters surrounding Antarctica are known as the Southern Ocean, consisting of the southernmost portions of the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean
• Greater Antarctica's age, determined from tests on the Precambrian Shield, is estimated to be more than 570 million years, showcasing the continent's ancient geological history
• The combined area of the Antarctic Ice Sheet is approximately twice the size of Russia, making it the largest single mass of ice on Earth
• Mount Erebus was created by volcanic eruptions through the Ross Ice Shelf
• The Dry Valleys of Antarctica have not received rain for approximately 2 million years
• Antarctica experiences strong winds up to 200 miles per hour
• Katabatic winds contribute to the low rainfall in Antarctica
• Antarctica is home to animals such as penguins and seals that are suited to very cold climates
• Although several countries claim parts of Antarctica, these claims are not recognized by the international community and cannot be enforced due to the Antarctic Treaty
• Considering the Antarctic Treaty of 1961’s aims, conducting scientific research on climate change would be permitted
• Considering Antarctica's designation as a "Human Void Zone", conservation efforts should focus on preserving its current pristine state with minimal human interference
• By rushing down mountains and reducing moisture in the air, Katabatic winds contribute to the dryness of Antarctica
• Antarctica receives long periods of darkness and a low sun angle, which gives rise to Antarctic coldness
• Lake Vostok is not well-suited for recreational boating activities due to its inaccessibility
• Because both the Arctic and Antarctic regions are at Earth's extreme latitudes (north and south), the Antarctic experiences the least direct sunshine because it faces long periods of darkness
• East Antarctica, also known as Greater Antarctica which constitutes two-thirds of the continent's land area, encompasses the oldest geologic regions and is also characterized by a generally flat topography and an ice sheet that averages over two kilometers in thickness
• It's been estimated that the Antarctic ice sheet can grow from about 3 million square kilometers in the summer to about 19 million square kilometers in the winter
• It's been proven solid bones add weight, making it easier for penguins to dive into the water for food
• Greater Antarctica's age, determined from tests on the Precambrian Shield, is estimated to be more than 570 million years
• Vinson Massif, stands as the highest point in Antarctica at 4,892 meters
• The Transantarctic Mountains stretch across the entire continent, separating East Antarctica from West Antarctica, and contain rocks similar to those in Tasmania
• Discovery of Mount Erebus's volcanic ash in areas distant from the volcano, suggests wider volcanic activity and potential geological instability
• Although the Arctic and Antarctic regions are at Earth's extreme latitudes (north and south), the Antarctic experiences the least direct sunshine because it faces long periods of darkness
• Mount Erebus is not located in the east side of Antarctica
• The Antarctic Treaty of 1961 does not allow for military activity in Antarctica
• Less than 50% of Antarctica is not covered by a thick sheet of ice
• Antarctica is not the largest continent on Earth
• The average annual temperature in Antarctica is not around 50°C
• The North and South Poles do receive approximately the same amount of sunlight annually
• The lowest land temperature ever recorded on Earth, at -89.2°C, was not recorded at ground level at the Soviet Vostok Station in Antarctica in 1973
• East Antarctica is not smaller in surface area compared to West Antarctica
• The Antarctic Treaty, initially signed in 1961, does not exclusively permit military activities on the continent for national defense purposes
• The average annual temperature for the entire continent of Antarctica is not consistently above -30°C
• Antarctica is not located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, surrounding the North Pole, and lies completely within the Antarctic Circle
• Precipitation levels are not uniform across Antarctica, with an average of 200 millimetres of snowfall annually, regardless of the region
• Mount Erebus is not characterized by explosive eruptions that initially breached the 70 meters thick Ross Ice Shelf during its formation
• The presence of ash from Mount Erebus found in distant parts of Antarctica does not indicate consistently large, frequent eruptions rather than occasional events
• Penguins did not evolve approximately 40 to 50 million years ago and developed hollow bones to aid in swimming and diving in Antarctic waters
• Due to the extreme cold and dry climate, the Antarctic continent is not entirely barren, and has plant life capable of surviving in its harsh conditions
• Katabatic winds do not contribute to the low rainfall in Antarctica by transporting moisture-laden air masses from the ocean inland
• The Arctic and Antarctic regions do not receive approximately the same amount of sunlight annually, but the South Pole experiences significantly warmer temperatures due to ocean currents
• A high albedo, which signifies a surface's ability to reflect sunlight, does not cause Antarctica to absorb a larger proportion of the sun's energy, leading to surface warming
• The temperature in Antarctica doesn't increase by approximately 1°C for every 100 meters increase in altitude, because of the greenhouse effect
• East Antarctica is not characterized by its relatively young geological formations and high volcanic activity, distinguishing it from the more stable West Antarctica
• The Antarctic Peninsula, known for being the warmest part of the continent, does attract fewer cruise ships due to its harsh and inaccessible environment
• The combined area of the Antarctic Ice Sheet is not approximately twice the size of Russia, making it the largest single mass of ice on Earth
• Lake Vostok, located 4 km below the Antarctic ice sheet,is also not well-suited for recreational boating activities due to its calm waters and accessibility
• The Transantarctic Mountains, shorter than the European Alps, do not play a minimal role in influencing the ice dynamics of Antarctica
• Vinson Massif, while relatively easy to climb, does face accessibility challenges due to its isolation and the prevalence of moderate weather conditions
• Human live permanently throughout Antarctica
• Antarctica is the largest continent on Earth
• Human settlement is not considered in the Antarctic Treaty of 1961

Fill In The Blank

• Mount Erebus is located on Ross Island in the Ross Sea in West Antarctica
• About 98 per cent of Antarctica is covered by a thick sheet of ice
• The average annual temperature in Antarctica is around -50°C
• Precipitation in Antarctica always falls as snow
• Roald Amundsen was the first person to reach the South Pole
• Antarctica has no native population or government
• The temperature in Antarctica at ground level at -89.2°C is an example of its coldness
• The waters surrounding Antarctica, which are parts of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, are collectively called the Southern Ocean
• Antarctica is also known as a Human Void Zone, primarily because permanent human settlements are absent due to the harsh climate and environmental conditions
• The waters surrounding Antarctica are known as the Southern Ocean, consisting of the southernmost portions of the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean
• [Blank] was the first explorer to reach the South Pole in 1911
• Although several countries claim parts of Antarctica, these claims are not recognized by the international community and cannot be enforced due to the ______ Treaty
• East Antarctica, also known as Greater Antarctica, constitutes two-thirds of the continent's land area and is its oldest part
• Mount Erebus has a permanent lake of ______ in its crater
• The Antarctic Treaty was established in ______
• Antarctica is also known as a Human ______ Zone due to the lack of permanent human settlement
• ______ are primary inhabitants of Antarctica, well-adapted to the cold climate
• About 98 per cent of Antarctica is covered by a thick sheet of ______
• The longest river in Antarctica is the ______ River
• Both the Arctic and Antarctic regions are cold because they don't get any direct ______
• The surface of Antarctica has a high ______, which reflects sunlight back into space
• East Antarctica is also known as Greater ______
• The ______ is the fifth largest continent
• West Antarctica is also known as Lesser ______ because it is smaller than East Antarctica
• There are no permanent human ______ in Antarctica
• Many cruise ships visit the Antarctic ______, which is the warmest part of Antarctica
• The coldest land temperature recorded on Earth was in Antarctica at -89.2°______
• The Antarctic Ice Sheet extends to almost 14 million square ______
• Lake ______ is the largest sub-glacial lake in Antarctica
• [Blank] was the first person to reach the South Pole
• The ______ Mountains separate East Antarctica from West Antarctica
• Antarctica is located entirely in the ______ Hemisphere
• The ______ Treaty specifies that 'Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only'
• [Blank] Massif is the highest point in Antarctica
• Antarctica has no native ______ or government
• The average annual temperature in Antarctica is around -50°______
• Precipitation in Antarctica always falls as ______
• Mount Erebus, located on Ross Island in West Antarctica, was formed by volcanic eruptions through the 700 meters thick ______ Ice Shelf
• The flat top of Mount Erebus was created when the summit buckled, forming a hole, that then filled with lava creating a ______ of molten lava
• The Antarctic Treaty of 1961 designates the area south of 60°S latitude cannot be used for military purposes or radioactive waste disposal, but only for peaceful ______
• Antarctica is also known as a Human ______ Zone, primarily because permanent human settlements are absent due to the harsh climate and environmental conditions
• Penguins' wings have evolved over the centuries to resemble ______ or paddles, aiding their swimming and diving abilities in the cold Antarctic waters
• India has established three research facilities in Antarctica: Dakshin Gangotri which is now a supply base, and ______ and Bharati, which are active research stations
• The coldest land temperature recorded on Earth was in Antarctica at ______ °C
• The ______ Treaty, signed by forty-five nations, dictates that Antarctica shall be used only for peaceful purposes
• Unlike other continents, Antarctica has no ______ population or government of its own
• [Blank] was the first explorer to reach the South Pole in 1911
• Although several countries claim parts of Antarctica, these claims are not recognized by the international community and cannot be enforced due to the ______ Treaty
• The waters surrounding Antarctica, which are parts of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, are collectively called the ______ Ocean
• The eastern part of Antarctica, known as ______, faces the Atlantic and Indian Oceans
• The average annual temperature in Antarctica is approximately ______ °C, demonstrating its extreme cold climate
• West Antarctica is characterized by the Antarctic Peninsula and two large ice shelves known as the ______ and Ronne
• The low rainfall in Antarctica is partly due to ______ winds, which rush down the sides of mountains
• The ______ River, though the longest in Antarctica, is only about 40 kilometers long
• The high ______ of Antarctica's surface means that a lot of the energy and sunlight received from the sun is reflected back into space
• Because oceans store heat leading to milder temperatures and increased rainfall, only the ______ of Antarctica experience this effect due to the
• [Blank] Antarctica, also known as Greater Antarctica, constitutes two-thirds of the continent's land area and is its oldest part
• The ______ Peninsula is the warmest part of Antarctica, closest to South America, and a common destination for cruise ships
• The Antarctic Ice Sheet can grow from about 3 million square kilometers in the summer to about 19 million square kilometers in the ______
• Lake ______, the largest of Antarctica's sub-glacial lakes, lies 4 km below the continental ice sheet and has been sealed from air and light for millions of years
• The ______ Mountains stretch across the entire continent, separating East Antarctica from West Antarctica, and contain rocks similar to those in Tasmania
• [Blank] Massif, located in the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains, stands as the highest point in Antarctica at 4,892 meters
• Which hemisphere is Antarctica located in?
• What is the name of the treaty that governs Antarctica?
• What is the average annual temperature in Antarctica?
• What is the name of the ocean surrounding Antarctica?
• What is the recorded coldest temperature in Antarctica?
• Name one animal that lives in Antarctica.
• What is the name of the explorer who first reached the South Pole?
• Is there a native population in Antarctica?
• In what year the Antarctic Treaty was first signed?
• What is the name of the famous volcano located in Antarctica?
• What is the name of the international agreement that protects Antarctica?
• What type of zone is Antarctica also known as, due to the absence of permanent human settlement?
• Name one of the hardy plants that can be found along the coast and on the Antarctic Peninsula.
• What primary inhabitants of Antarctica are known for their oily feathers and thick layer of fat?
• What is the name given to winds that rush down the sides of mountains, contributing to low rainfall in Antarctica?
• What is the term for the percentage of incoming sunlight reflected by a surface, contributing to Antarctica's cold temperatures?
• Name one of the seas that surround the continent of Antarctica.
• What is the name describing the sharp, wave-like grooves or ridges formed by strong winds on the ice plateau in East Antarctica?
• Which part of Antarctica is closest to South America?
• What is the name of the largest sub-glacial lake in Antarctica?
• What mountain range separates East Antarctica from West Antarctica?
• What is the name of the highest point in Antarctica?
• What is the name of the part of Antarctica also known as Greater Antarctica?
• Explain how the Antarctic Treaty of 1961 protects Antarctica. Include two specific provisions from the treaty in your explanation.
• Describe the formation of the lava lake in Mount Erebus's caldera.
• Why are penguins considered the primary inhabitants of Antarctica, and what evolutionary adaptations have allowed them to thrive in this environment?
• Explain why Antarctica is known as a 'Human Void Zone'.
• How do the solid bones of penguins aid in their survival in Antarctica?
• Describe the purpose and function of the research stations in Antarctica.
• Besides research, what makes Antarctica unique in terms of population and governance?
• How does the Antarctic Treaty influence the territorial claims made by several countries on Antarctica?
• Describe the key difference in climate between the coastal and interior mountainous regions of Antarctica.
• Explain how the waters surrounding Antarctica are geographically defined, and what they are collectively known as.
• Identify the explorer credited with first reaching the South Pole and provide the year of this achievement.
• In what ways does the Antarctic Treaty System ensure that Antarctica remains a place of international cooperation and peace?
• How do ice shelves such as the Ross and Ronne, influence the geography of West Antarctica?
• Describe the conditions that led to the record of the lowest recorded temperature on Earth, specifiying location and year.
• What are the major differences between East and West Antarctica in terms of geography and which oceans border East Antarctica?
• Explain how Antarctica's high albedo contributes to its extreme cold temperatures.
• Describe the role of katabatic winds in contributing to low rainfall in some parts of Antarctica.
• Compare and contrast the general geological stability of East Antarctica and West Antarctica.
• Explain why the Antarctic Peninsula is considered the warmest part of Antarctica.
• Describe how the Transantarctic Mountains influence the ice sheets of East Antarctica.
• Discuss the significance of Lake Vostok in the context of Antarctica's sub-glacial environment.
• Explain how Antarctica's location around the geomagnetic South Pole contributes to its unique climatic conditions.
• Describe what Sastrugi are and how they are formed.
• Explain why, despite receiving the same amount of sunlight, the South Pole is much colder than the North Pole?
• What evidence suggests that Tasmania and Antarctica were once part of the same landmass?