Cold Environments

Question 1

Define cold environments

Answer 1

Environments that experience temperatures that are below zero degrees Celsius for long periods of time

Question 2

Why have plants adapted to grow close to the ground?

Answer 2

They can only grow to that height in the short summer seasons, and they are protected from winds and frost particles

Question 3

Why do plants grow in close proximities?

Answer 3

Each plant acts as a barrier for each other to defend against against wind and ice particles

Question 4

Why do plants have shallow root systems?

Answer 4

To allow them to grow in the active layer and avoid the permafrost

Question 5

How have polar bears adapted to the cold environments

Answer 5

-white translucent fur allows camouflage against the icy landscapes
-thick layer of fat and fur defends against sub-zero temperatures
-acute sense of smell to smell prey at distances/under ice
-closable nostrils as they are marine mammals and can swim long distances

Question 6

Where is Svalbard?

Answer 6

I’m Norwegian territory, 800 miles from the North Pole

Question 7

Name some challenges presenters by the conditions and environment in Svalbard

Answer 7

-polar bears live there, are see humans as prey
-avalanches cause destruction
-there are constant low temperatures and icy conditions
-Theres a lack of sunshine
-homes are built on permafrost
-foods and other products must be imported so they are very reliant on other countries

Question 9

Human-created threats to Svalbard

Answer 9

-coal mining. Coal dust destroys wildlife
-tourism. Access to the island by boast only. This causes increased risk of boat accidents, pollution and disturbance to the wildlife
-off road vehicles. Leads to vegetation removal, soil erosions, nutrient leaching and increased permafrost depth

Question 10

How do they combat challenges in Svalbard?

Answer 10

-homes are made in Norway and transported. They are mounted on 10-15 meters through the permafrost beneath
-conservation groups. Such as the wwf tackle environmental issues such as protecting biodiversity
-the Antarctic treaty. Seven countries claimed land on Antarctica signed the treaty to look after it. Manages tourism and raises awareness of dangers and the beauty of the continent
-the Svalbard treaty has been useful for scientific research and manages of who can fish in svalbard’s seas