Antarctica is known to be one of the coldest places on the planet. Reports show that it has a large desert with unique species. Understanding about Antarctica will provide new insights into its ecological and environmental importance.
According to a report, Antarctica is important because of its role in biodiversity and ecosystem. Antarctica has been listed as a great wonder with its unique wildlife and ice. Understanding Antarctica helps raise awareness of its global importance.
Antarctica is a large dessert
(Photo : by JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images) Antartica sea ice is crucial for many polar animals like seals, polar bears and penguins. However, climate change and global warming can cause the rapid decline of ice. In addition, rising temperatures are challenging for many animals in the region.
Antarctica is considered the biggest desert in the world. Antarctica spans around 5.48 million miles and has one of the coldest temperature deserts in the world. People can first think that there is no desert in Antarctica. Reports explain the different types of deserts, including cold deserts or polar deserts.
In addition, polar ecosystem or desert refers to areas with freezing temperatures, with no soil.
On the other hand, the hottest desert is the Sahara desert.
Antarctica has the world's freshwater
Antarctica holds the world's most fresh water, with around 60-70% of the global mass water in the world. The region's ice sheet covers 5.4 million square miles of ice. It is also known for its thick and deep sea ice.
Antarctica has suffered from different threats
Antarctica helps the environment by regulating the temperature and oceans on our planet. While Antarctica is crucial for polar animals and ecosystems, the region has suffered from alarming threats:
- Global warming and climate change
- Marine pollution
- Invasive species
- Illegal fishing practices
In a recent Nature World News (NWN) report, experts raised concerns about the declining sea ice in Antarctica, which can be exacerbated by climate change effects.
Antarctica has several active volcanoes
Antarctica is considered the coldest and biggest desert, but it has several active volcanoes. According to reports, the region has about 19 Holocene volcanoes.
Antarctica is home to unique species
Antarctica is home to diverse ecosystems with harsh habitats that are challenging to live for other animals. Antarctic animals can adapt to the harsh cold. Here are some of the unique species in Antarctica:
- Weddell seals
- Southern fur seal
- Southern elephant seal
- King penguins
- Adelie penguin
- Chinstrap penguin
- Gentoo penguin
Also Read: Climate Change Fuels Frequent Shift From Worsening Drought to Deadly Flooding, Research Warns
Protecting Antarctica is crucial for many animals living in the region despite its harsh weather conditions. Limiting greenhouse gas emissions will significantly help to prevent the devastating impacts of different species and sea ice.
The decline in sea ice can lead to increasing sea level rise, which can damage low-lying communities. It can also destroy the habitats of many polar animals that are dependent on the ice.
In addition, invasive species and avian influenza outbreaks can threaten the species in Antarctica, which are vulnerable to population decline.
Related Article: Increasing Decline of Antarctica's Sea Ice Raised Concerns Among Scientists As Climate Change Worsens
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