Biophysical Environment of Antarctica

Biophysical Environment of Antarctica

Temperature:

-          -50°C

Water/Ice:

-          More than 80% of water the world’s fresh water is found in Antarctica

-          Low levels of precipitation

-          Glaciers – solid ice flowing like a river/moving

-          Where glacier meets the sea = ice shelf. Biggest shelf as big as France

-          When ice shelves break apart floating pieces of ice are formed (ice bergs)

Plants:

-          Gain warmth from snow layers (sub-nivean layer)

-          Adapted to cold temperatures

Ocean:

-          +2 to -2 degrees Celsius

Animals:

-          Penguin’s round bodies conserve heat

-          Thick blubber to keep warm (seals), penguins having feathers

-          Only parts not covered by feathers being feet

-          Feathers keep body temp the same as humans even when swimming in sea

-          Huddle together also to keep warm in high winds (Emperor penguins)

-          Fish have antifreeze in their blood to stop them from freezing in the water.