Antarctica as a Global Common (AQA A Level Geography): Exam Questions

Figures 1, 2 and 3 show climatic statistics for three places in Antarctica.

Figure 1

Temperatures (degrees Celsius)

1 = Vostok (78 degrees S - near to the 'Pole of Inaccessibility' - the point on Antarctica that is furthest from the sea in any direction). Height 3448 metres

2 = Amundsen-Scott (90 degrees S - the base at the South Pole). Height 2880 metres

3 = McMurdo (79 degrees S - on the coast of the Ross Sea). Height 24 metres

Figure 2

Precipitation (mm water equivalent)

Figure 3

Average length of day (hours)

Using Figures 1, 2, and 3, analyse characteristics of the climate of Antarctica

Figure 2a shows percentage breakdown of main tourist activities for visitors to Antarctica in 2016–17. In the 2016–17 season there were 44 202 visitors to Antarctica.

Figure 2b shows a small-boat landing party of tourists visiting a penguin colony on South Orkney Islands in Antarctica.

Figure 2a

percentage breakdown of main tourist activities for visitors to Antarctica in 2016–17. In the 2016–17 season there were 44 202 visitors to Antarctica.

Figure 2b

a small-boat landing party of tourists visiting a penguin colony on South Orkney Islands in Antarctica

Using Figure 2a, Figure 2b and your own knowledge, to what extent do you agree that tourism is a threat to Antarctica?

Figure 1a shows the mean July temperatures at Faraday, a research station in Antarctica, between 1976 and 2016.

Figure 1b is a graph showing the annual mean temperature at Faraday between 1950 and 2016.

Figure 1c shows the mean July temperatures in rank order and the formula for calculating inter-quartile range.

Figure 1a 

Figure 1b

Figure 1c

Complete Figure 1c and analyse the temperature variations shown in Figures 1a, 1b and 1c.

[6]

Assess the extent to which Antarctica's mineral resources are likely to be exploited in the future.

Study Figure 1, which shows the number of tourists visiting Antarctica in selected seasons.

Figure 1: Number of tourists visiting Antarctica, selected seasons

Analyse the data shown in Figure 1.

‘In a globalising world, the use of the global commons of Antarctica can never be sustainable.’

How far do you agree with this view?

‘Climate change and pressures from economic growth mean that it is becoming more difficult to protect the global commons, such as Antarctica.’

To what extent do you agree with this view?

Assess the relative importance of NGOs and international government organisations in enhancing protection of Antarctica.

Evaluate the view that the Antarctic Treaty System is no longer sufficient to protect Antarctica from contemporary threats.

'The impacts of changes in the carbon cycle represent the greatest threat to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.'

How far do you agree with this view?