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Flashcards in Extreme Environment - Antarctica Deck (22)
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1
Q

Where is Antarctica?

A

Continent at the Earth’s South Pole.

Covers an area of 1.4 million sq km.

2
Q

Why did Antarctica become a tourist resort?

A

98% of it is covered in ice.

Wildlife and scenery.

3
Q

Is the number of tourists rising or declining?

A

Rising.
There was 7413 in 1996/97.
46,000 in 2007/8.

4
Q

Antarctica is cold and doesn’t get much sun shine, in the winter, what does this mean?

A

The land ecosystem is very fragile.

It takes a long time to recover from damage.

5
Q

The sea’s ecosystem is what?

A

Delicately balanced.

6
Q

What can tourists do to the natural environment?

A

Trample on plants.
Disturb wildlife.
Drop litter.

7
Q

There is fears that tourists could do what?

A

Accidentally introduce non-native species or diseases that could wipe out existing species.

8
Q

What is also a worry?

A

Spillage of fuel from ships.

9
Q

Example of a fuel spillage?

A

Cruise ship MS Explorer in 2007.

10
Q

What do fuel spillages do?

A

Kill molluscs and fish as well as birds that feed on them.

11
Q

What is the Antarctic Treaty?

A

An agreement that came into force in 1961.

Designed to protect and conserve the areas and the plants and animal life.

12
Q

How many countries have signed the treaty?

A

47.

13
Q

What happened in April 2009?

A

Parties involved with Antarctic Treaty agreed to introduce new limits on tourism in Antarctica.

14
Q

What were the Antarctic Treaty’s new limits?

A

Only ships with fewer than 500 passengers allowed to land.

Maximum of 100 passengers allowed on shore at a time.

15
Q

Name the other group which aims to conserve Antarctica?

A

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.

16
Q

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators what?

A

Voluntary but most operators stick to it.

17
Q

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators specifically do what?

A

Protect areas which are off limits.

18
Q

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators say wildlife must not be what?

A

Disturbed when being observed.

19
Q

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators say litter must be dropped and…

A

Smoking must not allowed during shore landings.

20
Q

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators provide what to groups?

A

A qualified guide.

21
Q

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators say tourists must not be what?

A

Walk on fragile plant life.

22
Q

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators do what with sewage?

A

Must be treated biologically.

Other waste stored on board must be taken away.