Key Terms: Antarctica as a Global Common (AQA A Level Geography): Revision Note

Geography of Antarctica - key terms

Antarctic Convergence – A natural boundary where cold Antarctic waters meet the warmer waters of the Southern Ocean, influencing biodiversity.

Antarctica – The southernmost continent, a polar desert covered mostly in ice, with extreme cold, low precipitation, and strong winds.

Biodiversity (Antarctica) – Low on land due to harsh conditions; higher in the surrounding Southern Ocean with species like krill, seals, penguins, and whales.

Ecosystem productivity – Very low on land but relatively high in the ocean due to phytoplankton, supporting marine food webs.

Mosses and lichens – The primary forms of vegetation in Antarctica, adapted to survive the extreme environment.

Phytoplankton – Microscopic marine algae that form the base of the food chain in the Southern Ocean and support larger species.

Southern Ocean – The ocean surrounding Antarctica, high in marine biodiversity and crucial to global ocean currents and carbon cycling.

Threats to Antarctica - key terms

Climate change – Antarctica is warming 2–3 times faster than the global average, causing ice melt, sea level rise, and ecosystem disruption.

Illegal and unregulated fishing – Difficult to monitor in remote regions and increases risks to marine species.

Invasive species – Introduced by humans, these can disrupt native ecosystems, outcompete local species, and alter food webs.

Krill depletion – A major threat to marine life, as krill are a primary food source for whales, seals, and penguins.

Mineral resources – Antarctica contains reserves of coal, iron, copper, and oil, but extraction is currently banned due to environmental risks.

Oil spills – Would have long-term impacts due to cold temperatures slowing decomposition; pollution could persist for decades.

Overfishing - The removal of fish at a rate faster than the species can replenish its population naturally, especially krill and the Patagonian toothfish. This threatens food chains and overall marine balance.

Positive feedback loop – Warming reduces ice and albedo, leading to more heat absorption and further warming.

Research stations – While essential for science, these can disturb wildlife, generate waste, and introduce pollutants or invasive species.

Sea level rise – Caused by melting ice sheets, it poses global threats including coastal flooding and ecosystem shifts.

Sewage waste – In some areas, penguins and seals are exposed to bacteria, prompting improved waste treatment at some stations.

Waste disposal – Varies across stations; solid waste is removed but sewage and pollutants can still affect ecosystems.

Whaling – Historically a major threat; despite bans, some countries (e.g. Japan, Norway) continue to hunt whales.

Global governance of Antarctica - key terms

Antarctic Treaty (1959) – A legally binding agreement signed by 12 nations (now 56), ensuring Antarctica is used only for peaceful and scientific purposes.

ASOC (Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition) – A coalition of NGOs advocating for environmental protection, marine conservation, and sustainable policies in the region.

Environmental Protocol (Madrid Protocol) – An addition to the Antarctic Treaty signed in 1991, banning mining and requiring environmental impact assessments.

Exclusive territorial claims – Several countries claim parts of Antarctica, but these are not internationally recognised under the Antarctic Treaty.

IWC (International Whaling Commission) – Established to regulate whaling and protect whale populations; enforces bans and scientific monitoring.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – Designated zones in Antarctic waters (e.g. Weddell Sea) aimed at conserving biodiversity and restricting human activity.

NGOs – Groups like Greenpeace and WWF help raise awareness, promote sustainable practices, and push for stronger protections.

Peaceful cooperation – A guiding principle of the Antarctic Treaty system, prohibiting military activity and encouraging scientific collaboration.

Sustainable management – Efforts to balance scientific research, tourism, and environmental protection through global cooperation.

UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) – Supports Antarctic protection through global policy, monitoring, and public awareness campaigns.

Veto power – Consensus-based decision-making means one country can block action, sometimes slowing progress in Antarctic governance