Alaska

Question 1

Location and info

Answer 1

Borders Canada
Tundra biome
Population 738000

Question 2

Physical characteristics

Answer 2

Permafrost
Low rainfall
Soil is poor as no decomposing material
Huge variation in climate

Question 3

Plants and animals

Answer 3

Animals such as the musk ox have warm fur to stay warm during cold winter
Tundra wolves have short legs and small ears to conserve heat
Big feet to move thru snow
Vegetation is small due to lack of nutrients and plants
Caribou moss can become dormant through winter and grow in summer

Question 4

Opportunities

Answer 4

River lake and sea fishing employs 78500, adding 6 billion to economy
2 million tourists each year
Gold mining since 1800s
Oil industry provides 100000 jobs and generates 40 billion

Question 5

Challenges

Answer 5

Oil pipeline cost 8 billion to build due to having to prevent permafrost
Many jobs are only seasonal reducing economic stability
Many oil workers are economic migrants who spend little in local economy
Solifluction occurs when active layer melts and flows downhill
Cold conditions mean isolation
Building is expensive due to permafrost
Oil spills release millions of barrels of oil

Question 6

Conserving Alaska

Answer 6

homes are built on stilts to prevent permafrost melting
Water electricity and gas connections are put above ground so they dont freeze
Runways are painted white to reflect sunlight to stop heating