• Unit 13: The Pacific and Antarctica

    Almost all of Antarctica rests south of the Antarctic Circle. The closest continent to Antarctica is South America. Many countries have laid claim to sections of Antarctica, but the continent lacks industrial development. In the early 20th century, Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, and Norway claimed parts of Antarctica. In 1961, these nations and others signed the Antarctic Treaty, which put aside territorial claims in the interests of international cooperation in scientific research. In 1991, 24 nations approved an addition to the treaty that banned oil and other mineral exploration for 50 years.

    Hundreds of islands are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and make up the largest geographic area in the world. There has been little industrial development in the South Pacific. Most of the islands in the South Pacific were claimed or colonized by the imperial powers of Europe, Japan, or the United States. Both areas are considered peripheral to the overall global economy. Tourism is the major activity in the South Pacific, and research is the major activity in Antarctica. Both areas have opportunities for greater economic development in the future. Both the Pacific realm and Antarctica are impacted by climate change. Rising temperatures melt the polar caps, which in turn raise sea levels. Changes in precipitation patterns seriously affect the biodiversity of tropical islands in the Pacific, and changes in temperature affect agricultural activity and tourism.

    We begin this unit by exploring the physical and cultural characteristics of the three groups of islands of the South Pacific: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Then, we will analyze the geographic characteristics (physical, cultural, and political) of specific islands within these three groups. Then, we will take a look at the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, paying special attention to environmental concerns such as climate change and ozone depletion.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • compare and contrast the regions of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia;
      • distinguish between low islands and high islands;
      • describe the primary economic activities of the islands in the Pacific;
      • summarize the main environmental concerns of the islands in each region of the Pacific;
      • describe the physical geography of Antarctica;
      • discuss the political struggle of governing Antarctica and how the international community manages the continent;
      • describe the effects of global warming;
      • explain the natural and human causes of climate change on Earth;
      • describe how the amount of ozone in the stratosphere above the South Pole changes during the seasons; and
      • explain how ozone in the stratosphere protects living organisms from incoming solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

    • MapCheck: The Pacific and Antarctica

    • 13.1: The Pacific Islands

      • The Pacific Islands URL

        This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of the Pacific islands, including Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. It also discusses which islands are still influenced by France, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the United States.

      • My Country Will Be Underwater Soon Unless We Work Together Page

        Kiribati is a low-lying Pacific island nation that is experiencing rising sea levels. Watch this video, where the former president of Kiribati discusses climate change and his country's fate.

    • 13.2: Antarctica

      • Antarctica URL

        This section introduces the physical characteristics of the Antarctic and discusses the political struggles surrounding Antarctica and the international community. It also discusses the effect climate change has had on Antarctica.

      • To the South Pole and Back Page

        Watch this video, where a polar explorer recounts an expedition in Antarctica, which is the coldest, windiest, and highest-altitude continent on the planet.

      • Discovering Ancient Climates in Oceans and Ice Page

        Watch this video, which describes how ancient corals and sediments affect the changing Antarctic ecosystem.

      • How We Look Kilometers Below the Antarctic Ice Sheet Page

        Watch this video, where a radio glaciologist describes what ice-penetrating radar from a flight high above Antarctica can teach us about sea levels.

      • Geoinquiry: Climate Change File

        In this exercise, you will explore climate change around the world. Follow the instructions and answer the questions in this document.