The Effect of Global Warming on Antarctica
Nowhere on earth is the effect of global warming felt more than in Antarctica. In fact, the temperature there is heating up more than five times faster than anywhere else on earth. This means the ice is melting two to three weeks earlier now than it did twenty years ago. In certain areas like Signey Island, the ice thickness has decreased by 45% since the 1950's.
In addition to the thinning ice, ice shelves in Antarctica have been collapsing at an alarming rate. There has been a loss of 6,760 square miles of ice from seven collapsed ice shelves since 1974. Scientists are also concerned that the West Antarctic ice sheet could eventually disintegrate. If this were to happen, the sea level could raise as much as 19 feet.
Global warming has also had an impact on the animals in Antarctica. The Adele Penguin population alone has decreased by 33% in the last 25 years. With the temperature in the Southern Ocean warming, all kinds of marine life could be in danger. They have adapted to the extreme cold over time, and will not be able to survive if the temperature continues to rise. If humans do not take immediate action, these conditions will only worsen.
 |
Antarctica November 2008 - Photo © Copyright |
Spotlight on Antarctica as an Indicator of Global Climate Change
The continent of Antarctica is a fragile indicator of global climate change. It is here that the effects of global warming are most visible. The protection of the continent is also vital for the future stability of the planet. It is alarming therefore that recent research on the continent suggests a rapid degeneration in ice shelves, an increase in the regions average temperatures, and a disruption in its ecological stability.
