Course Outline
Unit
1 Why is the Antarctic a cold desert?
Described as the last great wilderness, the Antarctic continent covers an area of about fourteen million square kilometres, or almost one tenth of the earth’s surface, and is the world's coldest, driest and windiest continent.
Unit
2 What landforms are features of Antarctica?
The Antarctic continent supports the greatest mass of ice in the world and although it appears to be nothing but one huge mass of "ice and thick fogs," a closer look reveals a great variety of ice formations and other landform features. Ice sheets and glaciers, growlers and bergy bits, mountain ranges and peaks, dry valleys, subglacial lakes and volcanoes are some of the physical features which interest glaciologists, geologists and other scientists.
Unit
3 Are the fauna and flora of Antarctica unique?
The harsh Antarctic environment makes it extremely difficult for plants and animals to survive. Plants found on the small ice-free areas are mainly lichens and mosses; there are only two flowering plants. Animals that are permanent residents are mainly microscopic invertebrates. However seabirds, penguins and seals are regular visitors to the continent during the summer and the surrounding seas contain a rich and diverse marine life.
Unit
4 Who were the first people to explore and exploit the Antarctic region?
Because of its isolation and severe climate, Antarctica was not settled by any groups of indigenous people. At first, discoveries in the southern waters were made by accident when sea captains were seeking other destinations. However, once Captain Cook reported on his discoveries, the possibility of finding valuable resources brought more and more ships into Antarctic waters. Later, scientific interest and conflict between various nations led to competing scientific expeditions and land claims.
Unit
5 How do the world’s nations cooperate in managing the Antarctic?
After World War II, international tensions between the USA and the Soviet Union (The Cold War) as well as tensions between the United Kingdom, Argentina and Chile, were to lead to a new period in Antarctic history. Intense national rivalry, strategic motivation for bases and expeditions and confrontations were serious issues. A major coordinated effort , initiated by the world’s scientific community, was to be the means of achieving peaceful international cooperation and freedom of scientific research in Antarctica.
Unit
6 The sub-antarctic islands: are they unique and should they be protected?
Between the Antarctic continent and 50 S latitude are some of the world's most remote islands. With their own characteristic features of climate and plant species, these islands are centres of activity for hundreds of thousands of seals, penguins and other sea birds. During the last hundred years, the natural resources of these islands were exploited, with severe consequences for the wildlife and the environment. Today, attempts are being made, to preserve and protect the wildlife and natural environment of these islands
Unit
7 How were the natural resources of the sub-Antarctic islands exploited?
Because of suitable sites for harbours, land for settlements and other factors; it was the living resources of the sub-Antarctic islands that were exploited by sealers and whalers. Huge profits attracted more and more commercial activities and before long the victims of these highly profitably resources were near extinction.
Unit
8 Should the Antarctic region be an international world park?
Resources of the Antarctic region have been exploited for almost two hundred years, with devastating effects on the marine life and in some cases on the environment. Although controls which should ensure greater protection of the environment are now in effect there are some areas of concern, because whales, fish and krill are still being harvested.