Antarctica

1. Antarctica By: Josh Hsu Binh Le

2. Antarctica The fifth largest of the seven continents. There are two large indentations: the Ross and Weddell seas and their ice shelves. The total surface area is about 14.2 million sq. km. Consists of two main areas: East Antarctica and smaller West Antarctica. More than 99% of Antarctica is covered with ice.

3. Climate • The lowest temperature recorded was -89°C (-128°F). • Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, and driest place on Earth. • The frozen continent surrounds the Earth's South Pole. • Antarctica is so cold because it is at the South Pole, is very high, and is a large landmass. • Rain doesn’t fall because the weather is too harsh.

4. About food chain in Antarctica? • All the animals have adapted to life in extreme cold conditions in Antartica. • A simple Antarctic food chain and the secret of the success of the baleen whales - keep the chain short and transfer as much energy as possible as efficiently as possible.

5. Crustaceans Krill- Shrimp “are small, shrimp-like crustaceans that swim in the seas. These pink, translucent animals congregate in large, dense masses called "swarms" or "clouds," that turn areas of the ocean's surface pink. Krill are very important in the food web since many animals eat them.” (Krill). Sea Spider have long legs in contrast to a small body size, they usually have eight legs. Sea Spider also called Pantopoda, there are over 1300 known species. They can grow to be quite large in Antarctic waters.(Sea Spider)

6. Mammals “Weddell seals are carnivores (meat-eaters); they eat fish, squid, octopus, krill, and other small crustaceans. Seals don't chew their food; they swallow it in large chunks. They eat their food underwater.”(Weddell Seal) “The Sperm Whale is the largest toothed whale. The Sperm whale has the biggest head of any animal” (The Sperm Whale).

7. Birds Penguins are birds that cannot fly, but they swim very well and spend most of their lives in the sea. There are 17 species of penguin, they eat in the ocean. They eat fish, crustaceans and squids. (Penguin) Arctic Tern is a small bird that makes the longest migration of any bird. Arctic tern eats mostly small fish, and to a lesser degree, small invertebrates, like insects, shrimp, and krill. The tern swoops down into the water to catch its prey. (Arctic Tern)

8. Fish • Antarctic Dragonfish -The Antarctic dragonfish is a deepwater fish, found at depths of 600 to 1800 m. They can be found in the Southern Ocean, on the upper slopes of the Scotia Sea islands, and are harmless to humans. Patagonian Toothfish-The Patagonia Toothfish is one of the two largest species of fish in the Antarctic, It is brown-grey color, has quite a large mouth with teeth making it look canine-like, and feeds on other fish and cephalopods.

9. Effects of Global Warming The Antarctic Peninsula is particularly sensitive to small rises in the annual average temperature. Ice shelf disintegration Breakup in Antarctica Decreasing Ice-thickness: The permanent ice cover has decreased by about 45% since the 1950s. Average summer air temperature has warmed by 1C. Penguin population decline: populations have shrunk by 33%.

10. Ozone Depletion Ozone is a gas made of oxygen atoms, this is  the sort of oxygen that we breathe and that helps things to burn Ozone is formed in the stratosphere by the action of sunlight on oxygen molecules. The ozone hole is caused by the effect of pollutants in the atmosphere destroying stratospheric ozone. Ozone is mainly broken down by chemicals called ChloroFluoroCarbons CFC's. The way to stop the formation, growth and spread of ozone thinning is to reduce the production of those chemicals that cause the destruction of ozone, namely CFC's and nitrogen oxides.  

11. The activities in Antarctica Camping-Building your own tent and enjoy nature or a different environment. Antarctic Diving-Jump into the water and you’ll see how amazing in the Antarctic. Antarctic Kayaking-Take the kayak you might close to see the whales, penguins and seals.

12. Antarctica Mountaineering Cross-country skiing-TheAntarctic environment is unique so it’s different feel skiing in the America.

13. Antarctica attractions • Paradise Bay • “Paradise Bay is located in West Antarctica, it’s used for cruise ships to stop on the continent and also is the scientific base”. (Paradise Bay) • Villa Las Estrellas-“This is the main town and logistics area for the scientific and tourist expeditions that are carried out here. The "Villa" has a school, a bank and post office, a souvenir store, a chapel and a hostelry”(Villa Las Estrellas)

14. FildesBay-“This bay hosts a large number of penguins and marine species.” (Antarctica) Chile Bay- With a unique fauna, Chile Bay is another attraction of the Chilean Antartica territory. This bay is located on Greenwich Island in the South Shetlands.

15. Antarctica tourism More information For a basic, 10 day to two week ship around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, you need to spend about $4,400 to $5,800. Add another $1,400 to $2,400 for an air ticket. For a longer 19 to 21 day cruise that also takes in South Georgia Island and the Falkland Islands, the price jumps to $10,000 to $15,000.

16. What do we need to bring?? Warm clothes- lots of layers, not just a thick sweater. “Sunglasses” for glare off the snow and ice. Windproof and waterproof jacket and pants- “Antarctica is the windiest place on the planet, and on some shore landings you'll have to wade through the surf.”(Antarctica) Antarctica Visa-The most important thing we need to bring. Cash- You might think to spend some money at some gift shop in Antarctica.

17. Antarctica safety “Antarctica is an extreme environment and accidents are unavoidable. Every year numerous people are injured or even killed visiting Antarctica, and while this should not dissuade people from visiting, it should encourage visitors to exercise caution and make a realistic evaluation of their own abilities when choosing a trip.”(Antarctica Safety)

18. Protecting the Antarctica environment No Antarctic bird or mammal can be killed or captured without a permit. minimize harmful interference with wildlife and control the introduction of non-native species. The establishment of specially protected areas. The discharge into the sea within the Antarctic Treaty Area of all toxic and noxious chemicals, oil and oily wastes, plastics and other forms of non-biodegradable rubbish, is prohibited. Mining has been prohibited.