Antarctica: The Coldest Continent

Antarctica, the coldest region on Earth, is crucial to the global climate system. It holds 90% of the world's ice, which influences ocean currents and supports diverse marine life. The Adélie penguin is a key species, with significant breeding sites on Ross Island. Ice cores from Antarctica provide insights into past climate conditions. The 2002 collapse of the Larsen-B Ice Shelf highlights the impact of warming currents, raising concerns about other ice shelves.

What role does Antarctica play in the planetary climatic system?

Describe the adaptations of the Adélie penguin for life in Antarctica.

How does the melting of ice in Antarctica affect ocean currents?

What can ice cores reveal about the Earth's climatic history?

What happened during the collapse of the Larsen-B Ice Shelf in 2002?