Antarctica Write up

Task ___

Focus question

Summary sentence

Link

Copied info Annotating

Task 2

Why is Antarctica a significant environment?

Antarctica is an important environment as it is home to many animal and plant species only found in Antarctica. These species could have, among other areas, medical applications.

http://www.environment.gov.au/science/soe/2011-report/7-antarctic/1-introduction/1-1-global-importance - Independent report to the Australian Government Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra 2011.

The Antarctic environment comprises diverse habitats and ecosystems that include ice-covered areas; ice-free vegetated areas; ice-free rocks; saltwater and freshwater lakes and streams; and the intertidal areas, mid-water, deepwater and benthic regions (the benthic zone is the ecological region at the lowest level of an ocean or lake, including the sediment surface and some subsurface layers) of the Southern Ocean. In the terrestrial environment on the continent, species diversity is low compared with mid-latitudinal or tropical ecosystems; however, many species are very abundant. Species that have made the Antarctic continent their home have evolved over very long timescales so that they are now highly specialised and able to survive in the extreme conditions of the southern continent and the frigid ocean surrounding the continent. Only a few species of terrestrial invertebrates occur and flowering plants are limited in their distribution to small areas at the Antarctic Peninsula. There are no flowering plants in East Antarctica, and lower plants such as mosses, lichens and bryophytes live in the few ice-free areas; algae prosper not only in the marine environment but also in snow fields.

Animals and plants on Antarctica have been there for very long times have evolved to cope with that environment. As such they are unlikely to be found in other environments the same as they are in Antarctica. These animals and plants could have special medical applications and the special features could be developed and used in other areas.

Task 2

Why is Antarctica a significant environment?

Antarctica is a significant environment as it is largely untouched and clean. It, and the specimens on it, can be used for research. The knowledge gained can be applied in many areas.

http://www.anta.canterbury.ac.nz/resources/science.html

Antarctic biological research is concerned with the study of organisms and ecosystems that are subject to extreme environmental conditions and the ways they have adapted to these conditions. How, for example, do Antarctic fish survive in temperatures of -2° Celsius and how can mosses and lichens survive when water is frozen for much of the year (see Adaptation to Cold).

The Dry Valleys offer New Zealanders the chance to study one of the most unusual environments on earth. This ice-free oasis is a cold desert - it hasn't rained there for two million years! Its primitive life forms - cyanobacteria slimes - are similar to the organisms that enabled life on earth to develop by making oxygen.

Environmental research is becoming increasingly important and recent projects have looked at the effects of disturbance and oil spills on permafrost soils, the local wind patterns and air-born emissions from Scott Base and the effects of sewage discharge on the marine community.

Antarctica has organisms and ecosystems not found in other places in the world – they are in extreme conditions. Lots of the creatures can survive in extreme cold using different methods. Their methods could be adapted and used in clothing and/or ante-freeze technology.

Primitive life forms live in Antarctica and thought to be similar to organisms that first developed on earth that made oxygen. This can help humans understand how life on earth evolved and occurred.

As Antarctica is mainly untouched environmental research can take place there. Frozen layers of soil can be used to observe the effects oil spills. The wind patterns can be used to observe the effects and spreading of air pollutants. The results of sewage discharged into the sea can also be observed. What scientists learn from this can be used to help protect other environments.

Task 2

Why is Antarctica a significant environment?

Antarctica is a significant environment as it allows climate change and other factors to be tracked.

http://unfccc.int/meetings/rio_conventions_calendar/2008/items/4274.php - photo by Tor Ivan Karlsen.

Scientist measure light intensity underneath the ice to see the effects of man-made and natural climate change. The ice holds records of previous climate changes as well.

Task 2

What impact do humans have on this environment?

Humans impact on the environment by placing mechanical devices on the animals that get passed through the food chain and eventually become litter.

http://antarcticsun.usap.gov/aroundTheContinent/contentHandler.cfm?id=1539 – Cartoon by Davidson

Cameras and tracking devices are placed on seals so that their habits can be tracked and humans can track their habits. Tracking of these habits can be of great educational use to humans but unfortunately these devices are eaten by other animals in the food chain/web. When animals eat these devices it is unhealthy and could have large negative health consequences. When the animals die these devices are left in Antarctica becoming litter.

Task 2

What impact do humans have on this environment?

Humans impact on Antarctica in a variety of ways. Over fishing, and the introduction of foreign species are all threats to species that live in Antarctica and pollutants are also a major problem.

Fishing, both legal and illegal. Much of the world's oceans are over-fished, the chances are that if investments into the kinds of boats and fishing gear needed for Antarctica are made, then it too will suffer this same fate. Fishing for krill could be particularly significant as these are at the bottom of many Antarctic food chains. There are already illegal fishing boats that ignore current regulations.

Invasive species. Organisms that are not native to Antarctica are being taken there on ships, attached as seeds to boots and clothing. Some of these that are able to, now survive there as a consequence of global warming. Rats in particular are a threat to Antarctica's ground nesting birds which are particularly vulnerable as there are no native ground based predators for them to be experienced in defending themselves against.

Tourism, with the accompanying pollutants that accompany ships and aircraft, the possibility of oil spills and the effects of lots of people and infrastructure on wildlife and the wider environment.

Pollution, CFC's and other ozone depletors are responsible for the ozone hole that has appeared over Antarctica for over 30 years, chemicals produced thousands of miles away are found in Antarctic ice and in the bodies of wildlife. Discarded equipment, chemicals and oil can degrade the landscape. Fishing nets, plastic, lines, hooks etc. carried by the sea can result in great suffering or loss of life by birds, fish and marine mammals.

Over fishing can destroy the natural wildlife and could lead to the extinction of some species. Even the depletion of some species would be disastrous as other species depend upon them for food.

Foreign species are also being brought into Antarctica by humans. Many animals did not have predators, but now do. For example nesting birds now have to be wary of rats and have no experience defending against predators. Foreign species could lead to the endangerment/extinction of many species.

The two prior points would both be bad as the species could have a benefit to humans.

When humans travel to Antarctica they leave various pollutants behind. There is the risk of oil spills, which would have tragic results on the environment.

Waste created in other places around the world can also move up to Antarctica as a result of wind and ocean currents.

http://coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/science/human_impact_on_antarctica.php

Task 2

What impact do people have on this environment?

People impact on Antarctica by building bases that destroy the surrounding environment for extended periods of time. The destroying of the environment also impacts on flora and fauna.

http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/5/4/041001/meta;jsessionid=C7B316F7A47A5F80E1AF6C95AF47501B.c1 – Kevin A Hughes 2009

Yearlong and seasonal stations in Antarctica. Many of these stations are permanent but not frequently used. These bases destroy the habitat they are built on and the pollution and rubbish created by them destroys the surrounding environment but are crucial for research

Task 2

Is the global community doing enough to make sure that this area is sustainable?

A part of the Antarctic Treaty called the Madrid Protocol (because it was agreed on at an Antarctic Treaty conference in Madrid) requires that national Antarctic programmes clean-up abandoned work sites and waste tips so long as the process of clean-up does not cause greater adverse impacts or cause the removal of historic sites or monuments.

Environmental audits are now carried out around bases, on land and in the sea to assess the impact that the base and its activities is having on the area around it. Any activity is bound to have some degree of disturbance to the environment, vehicle exhausts, wildlife disturbance, waste of various types being produced. Waste of all kinds is returned to the country of origin wherever possible.

An increasing number of bases are using alternative energy sources, the Australian Mawson, Belgian Princess Elisabeth, New Zealand Scott and US McMurdo bases all have wind powered electricity generators - a fairly obvious choice for one of the windiest places on earth! But problematic as the wind is so strong so often that the wind turbines are at risk of damage. The Belgian Princess Elisabeth base (pictured) is a zero emissions base that runs entirely on wind and solar energy

Protected areas are being set up with various levels degrees of protection, no vehicles allowed, limitations to annual visitors, or even no people allowed at all in some cases.

Expeditioners are now educated far better about protecting the environment, expeditioners, tourists and other visitors to Antarctica are now guided by codes of conduct.

There is an Antarctic Treaty called the Madrid Protocol that has several requirements in place aimed at protecting Antarctica. It states that work sites and waste tips must be cleaned up and the refuse sent back to the country of origin – but only if more damage is not caused.

Audits are carried out to make sure to much damage isn’t being caused by the base/worksite and how they could reduce the amount of damage caused.

Some bases use alternative energy sources. The Princess Elisabeth base is a zero emissions base and runs entirely on sustainable energy (wind and solar). Though wind power is always suitable as in some areas the wind is so strong the wind turbines can get damaged.

Protected areas have been set up to avoid and/or limit human impact on areas. Some areas have been established where no humans are allowed.

Expiditioners are now educated about how to protect the environment and have a guide of conduct so that they do not affect the environment as much.

The global community is making sure that Antarctica is sustainable by having introduced a treaty (the Madrid Protocol) that monitors and regulates activity on Antarctica and ensures that the environment is not to greatly impacted on by humans.

http://coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/science/human_impact_on_antarctica.php

Task 2

Is the global community doing enough to make sure that this area is sustainable?

The global community is making sure that Antarctica is sustainable by educating people in an effort that people will make individual and group efforts to protect Antarctica.

http://www.brainpickings.org/tag/sustainability/page/5/ - Paul D. Miller

Books are being released about Antarctica. The one pictured is part fictitious, scientific and historic creating an interesting read that is still educational. As people learn about Antarctica they are more likely to care about it and protect it. The picture used is symbolic of the problem being bigger then it seems.

Task 2

Is the global community doing enough to make sure the area is sustainable?

The global community is making sure Antarctica is sustainable by having The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, which aims to protect the marine area and animals.

http://www.environment.gov.au/science/soe/2011-report/7-antarctic/1-introduction/1-1-global-importance - Independent report to the Australian Government Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra 2011.

CCAMLR now considers and adopts a range of conservation measures, including those that protect the general marine environment, species and communities, and those that manage commercial fishing activities. The precautionary approach adopted by CCAMLR requires that conservation and management measures are established so that populations of harvested species do not decrease in size below levels that ensure stable recruitment. CCAMLR also encourages national programs operating in Antarctica to undertake fisheries-related research aimed at maintaining stocks of harvest species at levels that allow the greatest possible recruitment into populations of target species.

The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources has put into practise several marine conservation measures. These measures protect the environment and species. They do this by managing commercial and other fishing practises. They also conduct research aimed at keeping fish species numbers at sustainable levels.

Task 3

Is the global community doing enough to make sure that the Antarctic environment is sustainable?

The global community is doing several things to make sure Antarctica is a sustainable environment. There are several organisations in place with the sole effort of protecting Antarctica. The Madrid protocol is one such organisation, monitoring and regulating the activity that takes place to ensure that the environment remains pristine. The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources wishes to protect and preserve marine species environments. Together these two organisations do a lot to keep Antarctica sustainable. They have in place many protected areas in place and rules and regulations on the conduct of people in Antarctica. One of the rules about conduct in Antarctica include the compulsory removal of equipment after research and/or travel (as long as more damage is not caused in the process).

Other efforts not controlled by large organisations are also being made to make sure Antarctica is sustainable. The global community is being educated on the importance of Antarctica through a variety of medians; books, documentaries, new articles and school projects. As people are educated about the significance of Antarctica there is an increasing desire to preserve and protect it. One method scientist have employed to protect Antarctica is by using alternative energy sources. Such as at the Belgian Princess Elisabeth base which has zero emissions, running on solar and wind energy.

As to whether this is enough to ensure Antarctica is sustainable remains to be seen. I personally believe it is. Antarctica will never be the pristine clean environment it was before humans came there but it is sustainable at the current amount of activity that occurs there. Perhaps it could become more sustainable by complete disallowing human activities there but, in my opinion, our educational need to be in Antarctica outweighs any desire to protect it.

Task 4

Evaluate the collection and annotation of information.

Research aspect

Which two sources were the most helpful and give reasons why?

Which type of sources did you not use – give a clear reason.

Were there some sources which showed bias?

Of the information found http://coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/science/human_impact_on_antarctica.php

was the most helpful source as the information on it was easy to find and understand whilst still being detailed, but not overly so. The second most helpful source was http://www.environment.gov.au/science/soe/2011-report/7-antarctic/1-introduction/1-1-global-importance as it had a wide variety of information on the topics did have lots of irrelevant information, but the relevant pieces were very detailed.

Videos and people were sources of information I did not use. I did not use videos as the annotating of them and skimming for helpful information would be to do difficult. The main reason I did not use people as one of my sources is that it did not occur to me, if I was to do the assessment again I would try to use this source. Other sources I did not use include anything past the second page of Google, following the theory that if the information was helpful and related to my search phrase others would have also looked for it, making it one of the first websites suggested.

None of the sources I used had a large bias. I came across some that did have a bias but only used the ones that were factual.

Annotating the resources chosen

Did you find the process of annotation easy or difficult? Why?

Did the example of the annotated work help with the annotation process?

One I understood the process of annotating and had figured out how to approach it, it was quite easy. Perhaps one of the largest things I struggled with was supposed to more of a factual summary of what was said, or if it was more notes of what was said and how formal the annotating should have been. In the end I used a mixture of both techniques and was able to easily rewrite what was shown/said and adding extending my thinking by adding extra bits e.g. examples of why that information was important.

The example annotation wasn’t particularly helpful, I did look at it to make sure I was doing what was wanted but I already knew how to annotate.

Improvements

Would you change you approach to researching and collecting info? How?

I spent the first hour on the project dedicated to just collecting information. When I found information relevant to one of the focus questions I copied the information and website link and pasted into a document. After I found a significant amount of information about all the research questions I reread the focus questions and information before choosing the most relevant and informative pieces to annotate. I feel like this was a good method for researching and collecting information and as such would not change my approach.

If I were to do the assessment again I would make several changes in my work. I would firstly make an effort to find a large variety of different types of sources. I would also enquire more about the correct annotation method. I would also do a summary at the end of collecting information for every focus question, like the summary about if the global community doing enough to make sure Antarctica is sustainable. Whilst not needed in the marking criteria I feel like this would have improved my understanding of the topics and improved my memory on them for if I needed to recall the information.