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Antarctic geology and mineral resources
Author(s) -
SPLETTSTOESSER JOHN F.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
geology today
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.188
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1365-2451
pISSN - 0266-6979
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2451.1985.tb00431.x
Subject(s) - gondwana , geology , mineral resource classification , submarine pipeline , earth science , mineral exploration , oceanography , geochemistry , paleontology , physical geography , tectonics , geography
The geology of Antarctica is similar in many respects to that of the other southern continents that once formed the larger continent of Gondwana. Because of this former union with other land masses, mineral resources in Antarctica are probable, but none of any significance have been found, perhaps because of the widespread cover (97%) of ice over the continent. Offshore oil and gas are presently unknown, but would seem to hold the best prospect for any development in the near future, but perhaps not until questions of sovereignty and ownership of potential resources are resolved.