How has the physical geography blocked permanent settlement in Antarctica
How has physical geography blocked permanent settlement in Antarctica?
A.
Constant snowfall prevents people from farming.
B.
The ocean surrounding Antarctica is always frozen.
C.
Ice sheets make it hard for people to meet their needs.
D.
People could find a passage through the coastal mountains.
C. Ice sheets make it hard for people to meet their needs.
Select the boxes in the table to indicate the correct response.
Australia
New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand
Citizens have a responsibility to vote but aren't legally required to.
Citizens are required to vote.
The prime minister is the head of government.
The monarch is a symbolic role.
Australia:
Citizens have a responsibility to vote but aren't legally required to.
The prime minister is the head of government.
The monarch is a symbolic role.
New Zealand:
Citizens aren't legally required to vote.
The prime minister is the head of government.
The monarch is a symbolic role.
Australia and New Zealand:
The prime minister is the head of government.
The monarch is a symbolic role.
The physical geography of Antarctica has indeed posed challenges for permanent settlement. Here's how it has presented obstacles:
1. Extreme Cold: Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth, with average temperatures well below freezing. The continent experiences extremely harsh winters, with temperatures dropping as low as -89.2 degrees Celsius (-128.6 degrees Fahrenheit). These extreme cold conditions make it difficult for humans to survive without significant technological support.
2. Harsh Climate: Aside from the cold, Antarctica is characterized by strong winds, blizzards, and frequent storms. These weather conditions can be unpredictable and dangerous, making it challenging for long-term habitation and infrastructure development.
3. Isolation and Inaccessibility: Antarctica is geographically isolated and far from any other landmass. It is located at the bottom of the globe, separated from the nearest continents (South America, Africa, Australia) by vast stretches of open water. The Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica is known for its treacherous seas, extreme waves, and packed ice, which further limits access to the continent.
4. Ice and Snow: Over 98% of Antarctica is covered by a massive ice sheet, which averages around 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) in thickness. This vast ice sheet makes large regions unsuitable for building permanent structures, as it is constantly shifting and can cause buildings to collapse or be crushed.
5. Lack of Natural Resources: Antarctica is relatively barren in terms of natural resources, further discouraging permanent settlement. The continent does not have significant deposits of minerals, fossil fuels, or other valuable resources that could support a sustainable economy.
It is important to note that while permanent human settlement in Antarctica is currently not feasible, Antarctica is home to many research stations and temporary habitation sites where scientists and researchers conduct scientific studies and experiments related to climate change, polar ecosystems, and astrophysics, among other fields.