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Cold environments Flashcards

1
Q

Define cold environments

A

Cold environments experience temperatures that are or at below zero degrees Celsius for long periods of time

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2
Q

How much of the Earth’s surface is made up of cold environments

A

25%

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3
Q

Describe polar regions

A

The regions of Earth surrounding the North and South Poles

These regions are dominated by Earth’s polar ice caps: the Arctic and Antarctica

An extreme cold environment

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4
Q

Describe tundra regions

A

The flat, treeless Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America, where the ground is permanently frozen.

Lichen, moss, grasses and dwarf shrubs can grow here

A less extreme cold environment

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5
Q

Describe the location of cold envrionments

A

Polar and Tundra regions have high latitudes, with these regions surrounding/within the Arctic circle (66.5N)

This includes countries like Siberia, Northern Scandinavian and Alaska

Within the Antarctic circle, there is a big ice cap. There is also the Greenland ice sheet within the Arctic Circle. As well as this mountainous areas are regions of high altitudes and includes places like the Himalayas, the Andes and the Alps

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6
Q

Define permafrost

A

Permanently frozen ground found in polar and tundra regions

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7
Q

Describe how permafrost affects polar environment.

A

The soils are permanently covered by ice so they are permanently frozen

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8
Q

Describe how permafrost affect tundra environments

A

The soils are frozen (permafrost). During the summer the soil surface (active layer) melts causing waterlogging.

Very thin and acidic.

Not very fertile, contains large amounts of trapped greenhouse gas

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9
Q

Compare the characteristics of polar and tundra environments

A

In polar environments, precipitation levels tend are very low. For example, Antarctica is very arid and is considered a desert due to low precipitation levels. In tundra environments, precipitation is mainly snow and can fall in the high levels near coastal areas.

In polar environments, soil is permanently frozen whereas in tundra environments, soils are frozen (permafrost) however in the summer, they melt near the surface.

In tundra regions, winter temperatures dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius and brief summers are quite warm in contrast to polar environments where winter temperatures often fall below minus 50 degrees Celsius

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10
Q

Why do cold environments have a low biodiversity?

Thawing permafrost

A

In summer, when ice melts, the ground is waterlogged and its difficult for plant growth

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11
Q

Why do cold environments have a low biodiversity?

Cold temperatures

A

Harsh conditions for plant growth.

Growing season tends to be very short

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12
Q

Why do cold environments have a low biodiversity?

Thin soil/infertile

A

Slow decomposition of leaf litter means less nutrients in soil

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13
Q

Why do cold environments have a low biodiversity?

Lack of sunlight

A

Darkness due to tilt of the Earth meaning there can be months of little to no sunlight which prevents growth and seasons

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14
Q

Why do cold environments have a low biodiversity?

Lack of precipitation

A

Plants need water for growth (cold air can’t hold moisture)

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15
Q

Arctic bear berry adaptations

A

Stems have thick bark for stability in the windy conditions

Very low growing (5-15cm) to enable it to survive strong winds

Bright red berries are eaten by birds and this helps to distribute seeds

Hairy stems helps to retains heat and keep plant safe from very low stems

Small leathery leaves help retain water in dry environments

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16
Q

Polar bear adaptations

A

Thick fur to retain heat

Insulating fat layer retains heats

Black nose and foot pads help absorb sunshine

Big paws aid with swimming and helps stop sinking

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17
Q

What is the population of Svalbard?

A

2700

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18
Q

How many islands does Svalbard have?

A

5

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19
Q

Where is Svalbard?

A

Svalbard is a Norwegian territory in the Arctic Ocean

60% is covered by polar
The rest is tundra

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20
Q

Define wilderness

A

a large area of land that has been relatively unaffected by human activity

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21
Q

Define inhospitable environment

A

Areas of low population densities which are really challenging to live in

22
Q

What are some of the opportunities that come from coal mining?

A

It is the main economic activity and more than 300 people are employed to work in mines or as support staff

23
Q

What are some of the threats/conflict from coal mining?

A

Burning coal is a major source of greenhouse gases and as well as this, coal prices are declining

24
Q

What are some of the opportunities that come from energy?

A

It supplies all of Svalbard’s energy needs.

Geothermal energy could be an option

Carbon capture and storage

25
What are some of the opportunities that come from fishing?
One of the richest fishing grounds in the world. 150 species of fish
26
What are some other conflicts/ threat from fishing?
Water needs to be protected from pollution.
27
What are some of the opportunities that come from tourism?
Many come from Norway as part of organised tours In 2011, 70,000 people visited Longyearbyen and 30,000 of these were cruise passengers
28
What are some of the threats/ conflicts that come from tourism?
Pollution Littering and damage to the environments
29
How many jobs does tourism provide?
It provides 300 jobs for locals
30
What are some ways that Svalbard has overcome the challenges that permafrost has caused?
To adapt to the frozen ground which thaws in the summer, they put buildings on stilts which go deep into the permafrost to prevent subsidence Water and sewage pipes are above the ground as they would freeze if they were underground. Also the warmth of pipes will threaten to thaw the permafrost
31
Why are extreme temperatures an challenge?
Winter temperatures can fall -30 degrees Celsius Risk of frostbite Outdoor work is slow in extreme cold with many clothes on
32
How do people manage extreme temperatures?
Dress warmly, multiple layers
33
Why is construction a challenge?
Building is limited in such cold conditions 25th October to 8th March is permanently dark. Difficult to build in the dark Repeated freezing and thawing of the soil makes construction difficult. In the summer, buildings can subside/sink. In the winter, they can be affected by frost heave
34
How do people manage construction?
Most construction work is carried out in the summer Build houses on stilts which have solid foundations in deep permafrost Build dirt or gravel roads
35
Why are services a challenge?
Services include water, electricity and sanitation These are important to residents and to tourists - warm tooms and hot showers
36
How do people manage services?
In Svalbard, sewage and water pipes are kept over ground so they don't freeze If they were underground the warmth of the liquids in pipes may contribute in melting the permafrost too
37
Why is accessibility a challenge?
Svalbard is remote- can only be reached by plane or ship The islands are very inaccessible, particularly in winter
38
How many km of road are there in Svalbard?
50km and this is mostly around the capital Longyearbyen
39
Why do cold environments need to be protected?
Important to preserve this environment to prevent the release of methane which will accelerate climate change further Habitats to many distinctive plants and animals Many indigenous people live a traditional life. Culture needs to be preserved Beautiful scenery-protect it tourists will come Opportunities for fishing and forestry
40
Why are cold environments fragile?
Cold environments can easily be damaged by human activities such as off road vehicles. Vehicles can leave deep tyre tracks and damaged vegetation. Tundra vegetation can take many years to recover since the growing season is so short
41
How is a cold environment damaged through economic development?
Oil spills-long lasting damage. Polar bears fur (less insulating and needs more food) Building of roads through wilderness areas Damages habitats. Interfere with migration routes. Electricity pylons - tree clearance Economic development enhances the threat of climate change Indigenous people rely on landscape for survival, clothes and food
42
Should cold environments be protected as wilderness area? FOR
Environmental gains - rare plants and animals are protected Cold environments are fragile and take many years to recover It is an important for scientific research to monitor climate change
43
Should cold environments be protected as wilderness area? AGAINST
Economic gains-rich reserves to exploit (coal in Svalbard) Over 4 million people in the Arctic must make a living through economic activities Technology enables development with less impact. More sustainable
44
What are management strategies?
Management strategies can help balance economic development with conservation
45
What are stakeholders?
Stakeholders are people/graphs with an interest or concern in something
46
What are the different stakeholders in managing cold environments?
International bodies like the UN National governments Conservation groups (eg WWF)
47
International agreements - Antarctic Treaty (1959)
Strict rules about the size of cruise ships Limits the damage from human activity Strict quotas on visitors Smoking strictly forbidden
48
Action by governments-Alaska, USA
Governments can set aside wilderness areas to be preserved eg Western Arctic Reserve - home to Caribou birds, wolves No oil drilling allowed National environment policies ensures oil companies protect the environment and the natives Protect fisheries and marine habitats
49
Conservation groups - WWF's Arctic Programme
Maintain the fragile Arctic environment Protect wildlife-polar bears and narwhals Promote sustainable use of resources - works with oil companies and natives
50
What are some of the problems with the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline?
Crosses rivers and mountains Oil is hot but can melt permafrost Earthquakes may cause cracks and leaks Large herds of animals migrate across the rout of the pipeline
51
What are some of the solutions to the problems with the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline?
Pumping stations keep oil moving Raised pipeline by using stilts Pipelines on sliders mean they can withstand earthquakes Pipeline is raised to allow caribou to migrate
52
How has developments in ICT made life easier in places like Svalbard?
The internet has become a survival lifeline (online learning) Digital technology has prevented out-migration of the young As Arctic ice thins it is becoming easier to lay fibre optic cables, bringing globalisation to the world's remotest places

Geography (16 decks)

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