Antarctica. Problems and Challenges

Scientists believe that Antarctica originally belonged to a land mass that included Africa, Australia, India, and South America. However, about 140 million years ago, the land began to break apart. The parts gradually drifted to their present locations, and Antarctica became a separate continent. Evidence for this theory of continental drift comes from studying mountain systems, fossils, and magnetism in ancient rocks.

Antarctica has a variety of mineral resources. Geologists have found small copper deposits in the Antarctic Peninsula. East Antarctica has traces of chromium, gold, iron, lead, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc.

The theory of continental drift says that all the continents once formed part of an enormous land mass called Pangaea. About 200 million years ago, Pangaea began to break up into two large land masses called Gondwanaland and Laurasia. Later, Gondwanaland separated into Africa, Antarctica, Australia, India, and South America. Laurasia broke up to form Europe and North America.

Mineral deposits in southern Africa and the Andes region cause geologists to think that major mineral resources may also lie beneath the ice of Antarctica. So far, however, the mineral deposits discovered have been small

Coal beds lie within the Transantarctic Mountains, and—perhaps most important — scientific drilling and coring operations have revealed the possibility of petroleum reserves.

Several countries have claimed parts of the continent in the hope of controlling mineral resources found there. However, most of Antarctica's mineral deposits are too small to be mined efficiently. Icebergs, rough waves, and strong winds hamper drilling operations at sea. In addition, many scientists fear that large-scale mining would harm Antarctica's environment.

During the International Geophysical Year (July 1 , 1957, to Dec. 31 , 1958), 12 countries established more than 50 scientific stations on Antarctica and nearby islands. Seven of those countries have claimed parts of Antarctica, but the other five countries do not recognize Antarctic claims.

In 1959, officials of the 12 countries signed the Antarctic Treaty. The treaty, which took effect in 1961 , allows people to use Antarctica for peaceful purposes only, such as exploration and scientific research, and requires scientists to share any knowledge that results from their studies. The treaty forbids military forces to enter Antarctica, except to assist scientific expeditions, and outlaws the use of nuclear weapons and the disposal of radioactive wastes in Antarctica.

The "hole" in the earth's ozone layer over Antarctic a shows up in this satellite image recorded in 1989. The ozone layer protects living things from certain harmful rays of the sun

Since the Antarctic Treaty took effect, several other countries have signed the document and set up scientific programs in Antarctica. Members have also added laws that protect Antarctic plants and animals sun. In the mid-1 980's, scientists discovered a "hole" in the ozone layer above Antarctica.

Antarctica has long been the subject of debate between those determined to preserve the continent's fragile environment and those who support the developments of its resources. In October 1991, Antarctic Treaty members signed an agreement setting a 50-year moratorium on all mining activities and oil exploration on Antarctica. The agreement, which extends the terms of the 1959 treaty and will enter into effect once ratified by all members, also establishes new regulations for wildlife conservation, water pollution, and waste disposal on the continent.