Antarctica occupies one tenth of the land in the universe and is bigger than Europe. As daunting as it is expansive, Antarctica endures frigid temps of negative 89 degrees Celsius, and can incur winds of up to 192 mph! Antarctica is bordered all around by the Southern Ocean.

The waters surrounding Antarctica sustain numerous dolphins, fish, flying birds, penguins, seals and whales with the most plentiful nutrient flows on Earth.Large quantities of tiny shrimp-like creatures called krill live within these ice-covered waters.Whale, penguins, and seals eat krill primarily. In Japan, it is also served in homes.antarctica travel

The geographical landscape of Antarctica is the coldest, windiest continent on earth, meaning that the animals that live here must adapt to these extreme conditions.It has a yearly precipitation of merely 200mm around the coastline (and much less inland), and has the greatest average altitude of any continent.Many animals have uniquely adapted to the cold, and thrive in Antarctica, penguins and seals among them; even more surprisingly, assorted tundra vegetation and several types of algae have adapted to the harsh climate as well.

One unique characteristic of Antarctica makes if quite important.The heavier of the molecules in the atmosphere are found at a higher concentration at the poles, with a more pronounced greenhouse effect.The sun produces radiant energy which is absorbed by the earth’s surface, the earth has begun absorbing more heat at the poles and as a result both the Arctic and Antarctica are becoming warmer.

There is approximately 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen in the atmosphere.small amounts of methane, and ever increasing amounts of carbon dioxide.Atmospheric gases along with water vapor are warmed by the radiant energy from the sun.This process is called the greenhouse effect.antarctica trip

Because of the so-called “slingshot effect” at the equator, the regions around the poles build up methane and carbon dioxide faster than more temperate regions of the earth.Antarctica is a vital area to study the Greenhouse Effect because of its increase in temperature at 4 to 5 times the rate of increase in the temperate regions.

The height of the ice on the continent is over 15,000 feet. It was created by the compaction of snow over millions of years.Studies regarding prehistoric areas are possible in this region by drilling through the ice and studying core samples, more specifically the atomic isotopes and air bubbles contained within.

The notorious gap in the ozone layer is a result of injecting many coolants into the surrounding atmospheric area with severe negative consequences.They create detrimental consequences when reaching our ozone.Large chunks of the ice layers have split or sever thanks to the warming effect.

The ice moves North and melts as it reaches warmer waters.Sea levels then become higher as a result of the ice liquefying into water. It also eliminates the protected spawning grounds of the krill.

If all the Antarctic ice shelves melt, it is estimated that the oceans will rise approximately 180 feet in height.That is the equivalent of skyscrapers in New York being surrounded by water at the 20th floor as it is in Venice.Countries that are more low lying, like Bangladesh and the archipelagos of the South Pacific, would disappear entirely.

Many of those who have seen Antarctica would surely say it is a land of elegant and exhilarating physical splendor.The wildlife there has little to no fear of humans.The combination of natural magnificence and the purity of the wildlife is something to treasure.

It is up to the future generations to preserve the pristine splendor or Antarctica.Unfortunately, its steady demise has been in progress for far too long.Fortunately, many nations have joined forces and are now working together so some small steps toward conservation, preservation and preserving sustainability have already been taken.

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