Read and Find Out
Q1: How do geological phenomena help us to know about the history of humankind?
Ans: The geological phenomenon of separating various continents and water bodies from one compact landmass helps us understand the age of the existence of the human race on Earth. Six hundred and fifty million years ago, no human race existed because the environment was not favourable. After the dinosaurs were wiped out, mammals started to exist, and following the separation of the landmass, the human race began to flourish on Earth.
Q2: What are the indications for the future of humankind?
Ans: The future of humankind can be in danger if the emission of carbon dioxide and other poisonous gases continues in the same manner. These gases deplete the ozone layer and allow the ultraviolet rays of the sun to enter the Earth’s atmosphere. This causes a rise in the Earth’s temperature, giving rise to the phenomenon called global warming. The increased temperature can melt the ice of Antarctica and cause other environmental problems, thus jeopardizing the future of humankind.
Reading with Insight
Q1: ‘The world’s geological history is trapped in Antarctica.’ How is the study of this region useful to us?
Ans: The study of this region of Antarctica gives us insight into the world’s geological history. It gives an idea, how the earth was like, before it drifted into continents and countries. It shows how slight changes in the climate can change the shape of the region. It gives the explanation how the climatic conditions of the earth were not favourable for life before and how slowly rising temperature made earth a place to sustain life. All secrets are embedded in the layers of ice in the form of half million year old carbon records.
Q2: What are Geoff Green’s reasons for including high school students in the Students on Ice expedition?
Ans: Geoff Green took high school students to one end of the world to provide them with the opportunity to develop respect and understanding for the Earth. He wanted future policymakers to experience how difficult it would have been for the Earth to sustain life with rising temperatures. He wanted them to understand that any interference with nature can cause drastic mishaps in the future. When the students see the ice shelves melting and collapsing, they can estimate the kind of environmental troubles awaiting them in the future.
Q3: ‘Take care of the small things and the big things will take care of themselves.’ What is the relevance of this statement in the context of the Antarctic environment?
Ans: This statement has great relevance in the context of the Antarctic environment. Even a small change in the environment can lead to drastic consequences. Antarctica has very limited biodiversity. The example of a small grass called phytoplankton can be studied in this context. These microscopic plants undergo photosynthesis and serve as food for many marine birds and animals. The author says that if there is further depletion of the ozone layer, it will affect the phytoplankton and the carbon cycle on the globe. This entire process can jeopardize the existence of all marine birds and animals. Therefore, if we ensure that the processes carried out by these small organisms function properly, the larger animals and birds will sustain themselves naturally.
Q4: Why is Antarctica the place to go to, to understand the earth’s present, past and future?
Ans: Antarctica gives us an idea of what the Earth would have been like millions of years ago and how it got divided into various landmasses. The melting and colliding ice masses also give us an insight into how our future will look if we continue to interfere with the workings of nature. Moreover, Antarctica holds in the depths of its ice half-a-million-year-old carbon records, which are helpful in understanding the past, present, and future of the Earth. Therefore, Antarctica is the place that reveals our past, shows our present, and visualizes our future.
