This presentation will consider why the Antarctic is unique and distinguishable from the Arctic, even though they occupy opposite polar regions of planet earth. The Antarctic is a continent whereas the Arctic is an ocean. We will understand how Antarctica came to be. Has it always occupied a South Pole position? Has it always been a land of ice and snow? Why is it that there are huge freshwater lakes and river systems under thousands of meters of ice? Are there any land-based plants and animals in Antarctica? In the Southern Ocean circulating around Antarctica, what is the Zone of Convergence and why is it important to life on earth? The Arctic is rich in mineral resources and hydrocarbons…is the Antarctic equally well endowed? The Arctic has a resident human population of about 4 million including indigenous peoples whereas the Antarctic has no permanent residents and therefore no indigenous population. Why is that? Which countries “own” the Antarctic and how is it administered? What role does the Antarctic play in global climate change and why is it different than the role played by the Arctic?
These are some of the questions which have intrigued researchers and explorers since the Antarctic was first sighted two centuries ago in 1820. This presentation may help towards answering some of these questions and increase our understanding of this mysterious continent.
