The first ever land cover map of Antartica is now about to become a reality. Equipped with advanced Remote Sensing Technology (RST) Chinese scientists have completed the 26th Antarctic expedition and the map is expected to be out by end of this year. The accuracy of the map will be plus/minus 15 meters which far more accurate than current maps and measuring techniques used in Antarctica in the past. This story first appeared in Xinhuanet and has been making waves in the scientific community around the world.
The map will accurately project all the land formations like lakes, mountains, ice and rocks. This technology will improve the understanding of scientists about global warming and to accurately measure the damage caused by melting of ice. Remote sensing technology among the most accurate ways of mapping landmasses. The scientists are expected to continuously improve their measuring capabilities even further.
Antarctica is the icy landmass on the south pole and in past it is expected to be about 14 million square kilometers. The average thickness of ice is about 1.7 KM kilometers and ice sheets cover 98% of the continent. Antarctica is considered as the desert and it hardly receives any rainfall all year long. If all the ice held by antartica were to melt, it will raise the level of oceans enough to sink several costal and lot lying cities. Several countries have set up their camps in Antartica for scientific and geographical purpose. Antarctica receives relatively little solar radiation. The weather of Antarctica is very inhospitable and it is hard for any human to survive all by himself.
The Antarctic Treaty signed by 46 countries prohibits all mining, military and commerial activity in the zone to protect its natural environment. It is surrounded by the Southern Ocean and continent is about 1.3 times of Europe's land area. Vinson Massif is the highest peak in Antarctica, rising 4892 meters from the sea floor. Antarctica is also the coldest place on Earth. There is hardly any vegetation in Antartica and mosses and liverworts are the only plant life that can be found. Penguin, seals and tiny mites are the only main creatures which can be found.
Prepared by Robert Reed
Independent Reporter, Macau
In collaboration with Saching
(http://www.saching.com, http://www.writearticles.org)
