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Issue: Environment - The ice and land

This is an issue under the Australian Antarctic Territory theme of the Data Reporting System.

Why we need to know about this issue

Understanding the ice and land aspects of Antarctica is important in that it provides a habitat for many species and also has global climatic and sea level influences. Changes in the ice and land aspects of Antarctica can also act as an early warning system for the rest of the world.

Indicators

• AAT-12 Changes in colonies of plants on Heard Island 
  Understanding the coverage and type of vegetation on the non ice area of Heard Island provides an insight into the extent and nature of plant biodiversity on Heard Island but also on the impact of glacial retreat as a result of climate change.
• AAT-13 Number and area of protected areas 
  The number and spatial extent of areas afforded special protection is an indication of the commitment to environmental protection. The Australian Antarctic Territory and sub-Antarctic areas under Australian jurisdiction are systematically evaluated to determine the need for special protection to be afforded to specific environmental values, with protection afforded administratively or through formal protection under Australian law and where appropriate consistent with international agreements. Areas deemed to require special protection will have management plans implemented which explicitly involve consultation with interest groups, and which are supported with the funds and personnel needed to prepare, administer, and monitor them.
• AAT-14 Ice sheet mass balance and sea ice extent 
  The changes in ice sheets, sea ice and fast ice may be indicators of climate change. In addition, the Antarctic ice sheet and sea ice plays a major role in global climate through its influence on heat exchange between ocean and atmosphere, it assists the formation of Antarctic bottom water which sinks to the depths of the ocean subsequently driving global ocean circulation. Winter sea ice is a nursery area for krill which are nurtured by the algae growing on the underside. The more sea ice, the more sea ice algae and therefore the better the krill population survives. Krill play an important part in the food chain with many animals feeding on them including penguins, seals and whales.
• AAT-15 Glacier movement 
  Any changes in glacial area on Heard Island are bound to have significant local implications in terms of plants and animals on the island and also for the conservation of cultural heritage items. Heard Island glaciers have a relatively small ice volume, so the contribution to sea-level rise through glacial melt is not a concern. However, the unique climate signal that is coming from this predominantly oceanic region is of vital importance. It indicates that the change observed elsewhere in Southern Hemisphere mid-latitudes - in New Zealand, Patagonia, Kergeulen Island, South Georgia and Bouvet Island - is widespread.
• AAT-16 Types and populations of exotic species reaching or establishing naturalised populations in the AAT 
  Exotic species can be either land (e.g. rats, plants) or marine based (e.g organisms carried in ballast water). Presence of naturalised exotic species may be indicative of significant changes in the Antarctic land-ice environment.

Related issues

• Atmosphere - Climate variability and change - Greenhouse 
• Land - Contributions and pressures between the land and the atmosphere - Climate 
• Inland Waters - Catchment scale influences - Influence of climate variability and change 
• Biodiversity - Pressures on biodiversity - Climate variability 
• Coasts and Oceans - Condition of the ocean and coastal waters - Climatic and carbon dioxide factors 
• Coasts and Oceans - Contributions and pressures between the coasts and oceans and the atmosphere - Climate and carbon dioxide